At this point, it will be a shorter season, particularly at ski areas, like Hyland Hills Ski Area, where its normally busy cross-country trails just opened Friday.

Instead, the department approved using the groundwater-based system that the Hyland Hills downhill ski area uses to make snow for cross-country courses as well.

Minnesota businesses that rely on snow hope for better conditions after less-than-ideal winter last year Snow is being made at Hyland Hills Ski Area in Bloomington, Minn., on Tuesday.

The park district bought it in 1959 and re-opened it as Hyland Hills in 1964. A historic ski jump stands in the distance; a community of volunteers still runs and operates it from time to time.

Thomas Sticha, ski area specialist at Hyland Hills Ski Area in Bloomington, Minn., sits on a snow groomer on Jan. 24. Snow has been light this year in Minnesota, which makes classic winter ...