MARS HILL – A recent grant from the Portland-based Libra Foundation will allow Big Rock, one of two Alpine ski areas owned by the Maine Winter Sports Center, to make a number of enhancements to enrich skiers’ enjoyment on the slopes.

By the start of the coming ski season, Big Rock will have doubled its current snowmaking capacity and will offer twice as many lighted trails for night skiing. Skiers will also enjoy added trails, including some gladed skiing, and improvements to the base lodge to increase comfort and convenience.

In addition, the mountain has added telemark instruction to its ski school programs, is announcing a Ladies Day program for this season, and will be working with area schools to get students at all levels the chance to enjoy Alpine skiing.

“We are redefining recreational skiing to emphasize to quality of skiing experience, guest services, accessibility and value,” said Tim Prather, Big Rock’s general manager.

Big Rock’s season will open Thanksgiving Day this year.

Aiming to return recreational skiing to the “way it used to be,” as MWSC CEO Andy Shepard describes it, Big Rock has grown since MWSC took over ownership.