OTSEGO TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — As ski resorts open in West Michigan, many are hoping for a better season.

There’s no question that Michigan is a ski state.

“Winter sports are incredibly popular in Michigan. We have the second most ski areas of anywhere in the country,” said Nick Nerbonne, media, digital and industry relations director at Travel Michigan.

Ski resorts in the state draw visitors from all over, which boosts tourism. But last year, many struggled to stay open due to the weather.

“Last year was a challenging winter, no question about it, with higher than average temperatures and lower than average snowfall,” Nerbonne said.

Last year, Bittersweet Ski Resort in Otsego Township opened briefly but then shut down until January because of the conditions.

“It was a struggle. I think we all struggled together though. So at that point, there wasn’t much we could do about it,” said Nick Ross, general manager of Bittersweet Ski Resort.

Now, there’s hope that things will improve. On Monday, Bittersweet Ski Resort opened for the season after several days of blowing man-made snow.

“With last year being the way it was, our goal right now is if there’s a night we can make snow, we’re going to make snow,” Ross said.

Since opening earlier this week, Ross said he’s seen more skiers than expected, and natural snow may be helping.

“Just seeing the snow in people’s yards is really what gets their mind on skiing. Not having snow in your yard — if you’ve got grass, you’re not coming out,” Ross said.

Skiers at Bittersweet on Friday say they are glad to hit the hills in early December.

“Wanted to get some of the fresh snow, and when I heard it was opening Monday, it was a little earlier than I remember it ever opening. So it’s like, I’ve got to get out here now,” said Shane Barton, a visitor at Bittersweet Ski Resort.

“You’ve got to get out at the beginning of the year to get the jitters out. If you want to have fun for the rest of the season, you kind of have to figure it out at the beginning of the season,” said Cooper Hendrick, another visitor.

If resorts can bring in more visitors this year, it could have a big economic impact.

“They’re stopping at local restaurants, at local grocery stores. They’re getting gas at local gas stations. They’re spending money in local markets,” Nerbonne said.

Other West Michigan ski resorts are getting ready to open, too. According to the Cannonsburg Ski Area’s website, it’s planning to open Dec. 14, which is a month sooner than last season.