A small ski area in Wyoming's Bighorn Mountains has opened for the first time in 14 years.

Skiers returned Friday (December 28th) to Antelope Butte Mountain Recreation Area, about 60 miles west of Sheridan.

The resort was open from 1961 until 2004, when the family-run business that operated the area closed it down. The not-for-profit Antelope Butte Foundation formed in Sheridan in 2011 and has been working to reopen it.

Antelope Butte is expected to be open daily through Jan. 6 and then on weekends until March.

The lodge is being renovated and won't open this season. A refurbished garage is serving as a warming hut and ski rental shop.

Antelope Butte has up to 225 acres (91 hectares) of skiable slopes on 23 marked trails and runs.

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