BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — Huff Hills Ski Area is proving that you don’t need snow in your backyard to enjoy winter on the slopes. Despite a lack of natural snowfall, the team has kept the ski season alive using advanced snow-making technology. More than 60% of the trails are open, according to general manager Andy Beck, and there are plans to open more in the coming weeks. “But we’ll need colder temperatures to get there. 70% is a realistic goal for now,” said Beck. Snow-making machines have used nearly six million gallons of water so far this season. Recent investments in upgraded equipment have made the process more efficient. “We’ve invested in technology that lets us make more snow with the same energy and water,” Beck said. “We can produce snow at warmer temperatures and get more on the ground.” Even with warmer weather, the quality of the slopes remains high. Grooming machines smooth the trails often, keeping them ready for skiers and snowboarders. "When we have warm weather like this . . . it really doesn't affect our snow quality at all. One thing with man-made snow is, and with the grooming technology we have, our crew is able to maintain a really high-quality surface even when we have really nice temperatures like this," Beck said. And families are taking advantage of the sunny conditions. Eve Suchy, a snowboarder, said it’s the perfect time to hit the slopes. "I mean, I love this. It's a sunny day, and we've got the whole family out. We're having a blast," Suchy said. John Thornton the mountain operations manager at Huff Hills added that warm weather hasn’t stopped visitors from enjoying the season. "Most people are out here in sweaters or light jackets today," Thornton said. Andrew Beck said, "It's the kind of day when your kids want to come out and learn. It's the kind of day where you want to come out, and we stand in the sun, and we warm up a little bit from the last couple weeks."