SHREWSBURY, Mass. - This weekend's storm is a welcome sign for Ski Ward in Shrewsbury. 

The ski area says it's been a tough season for them staffing wise.  Like a lot of other businesses they're short of employees.

General manager Stephanie LaCroix says it will be helpful to get some natural snow because it's more difficult for them to make it.

“It takes water, staff, time, money. It's nice when we get that boost from Mother Nature to help, especially in some of the back trails where it's a little bit harder to make snow,” LaCroix said. “Plus, it gets people more excited to come out and ski when they have snow in their backyard."

LaCroix says they typically close the day of a big snowstorm to allow them to plow and shovel. 

They're also expecting high winds on Saturday and will not be able to operate the ski lift. She says they'll have a better idea on Friday whether or not they'll be open Saturday.