The slopes around Missoula are still a little bare for this time of year, but Big Sky Ski Resort was one of several that opened its lifts to skiers on Thanksgiving Day.

Local ski shops say business starts to pick up for items like new ski boots and other gear once snow falls in the valley. 

But even when it's still raining here in town, skiing is still possible around Missoula. It just takes a little creativity according to Trailhead owner Todd Frank.

"We really sell more skis once it gets to snow in the valley, until then it's a little slow. We have people from here actually who have been going skiing up at Lost Trail, and what not, and it's been pretty good really."