Warmer temperatures have forced Mount Sima to delay today's public opening of the hill until at least Jan. 12.

The ski hill was attempting to make snow until Tuesday night when it had to shut down this progress because too much ice was being made instead.

Ice is made when the temperature is too mild for the water that is sprayed out of the snow sticks and snow guns to crystallize while in the air. As a result the water freezes when hitting the ground.

The main concerns with rushing the opening is that someone would be injured while using the ski hill or have their equipment damaged because not enough snow has been spread around to all of the accessible areas, said Ernie Berken, president of the Great Northern Ski Society.

Before Mount Sima resumed the snowmaking process on Monday, the hill had to address concerns about a potential break in the ground at the pump after particles of dirt were found. Mount Sima also had to deal with the fact there were traces of dirt in the pipelines from construction, which occurred over the summer to fix cracks in pipes. The cracks were in two of the hills' three pipelines and are a result of the ski hill using the snow making system too far into year for the last two seasons.

Both of these issues were looked at over the weekend and the hill believes that there is no break in the ground and that all of the dirt has been flushed out of the pipes, said Berken.

Just last week dirt in the pipes was clogging up the nozzles of the snow guns and snow sticks, which resulted in further delay in opening.

At the moment, Mount Sima is focussing its efforts on attempting to get the T-bar area opened and the hill needs a couple more nights of cold temperatures to do so.

To have any success making snow, the temperature must be at least -10 C., but Mount Sima also has to deal with an inversion in temperature, which can effect one area of the hill differently than another, said Berken.

If the T-bar area is the only part of the hill Mount Sima can open for next weekend, discounts will be offered for daily passes. However, no refunds or credits, for a purchasing discount towards next year passes, will be considered for at least one month for current season pass holders. Adult season passes are $435.

'We are very disappointed that we are not getting more help from Mother Nature in the snow department and we feel for our customers who are unable to enjoy the hill at this point in time and we're doing all we can towards getting the T-bar area open to the public,' said Berken. 'I just hope people will stay patient and that the weather turns around in our favour.'