“We’re still looking at February,” he said.

On Tuesday, he reported 8 inches of “pretty decent ice” thanks to the recent colder weather. That’s enough to get smaller vehicles — not pickup trucks with plows — on the ice to begin plowing the in-runs for the chute. A small skating rink with hockey nets has already been cleared in front of the beach house. And staffers are beginning to build the temporary on-ice infrastructure, such as decking, stairs and the 16-foot slide addition onto the ice. Once that is done, and weather is cooperating, Park District employees can begin to build up the ice on the two slides.

Last year, the Toboggan Chute opened for the season on Feb. 5. It is a “weather-permitting attraction,” and St. Louis looks for at least 12 inches of ice before opening.

For more the latest information, visit the Toboggan Chute page on the town of North Elba website at http://tinyurl.com/t7zv353y.