Last modified: Thursday, September 4, 2008 11:59 AM PDT Bucking nature, renown ski resort buys snow machine Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Idaho (AP) — A ski resort in northern Idaho is hoping a $1.4 million snow-making machine will ensure a successful skiing season. — and an earlier opening. Crews at the Schweitzer Mountain Resort are racing to finish an automated snow-making system that they hope will cover a 1,000-feet long and 300-feet wide area on one of the resort’s slopes. Ski resorts usually have to rely on Mother Nature for their business, awaiting snowfalls. Using a snow-making machine could help the resort open earlier, such as during the Thanksgiving holiday. Jennifer Ekstrom, the resort’s spokeswoman, says having a more predictable opening can make Schweitzer stand out in the region.