BURGESS JUNCTION, Wyo. (AP) - Antelope Butte Ski Area will not be opened this winter because lack of snow and an aging population have hurt its bottom line.

Emerson Scott, president of Antelope Butte Corp., said he decided against opening after mulling things over a couple weeks. "Its a huge blow for me personally and for the area," he said.

The ski area has no snowmaking equipment. That makes it vulnerable to the whims of the weather, especially as drought continues to affect the state.

An aging population and shrinking student population have also hurt business. "We reached the point where our financial backing is not comfortable with where we are," Scott said.

Scott has notified Bighorn National Forest Service officials of his plans. His permit with the U.S. Forest Service to operate the ski area expires in 2035.

He said he is optimistic the ski area will reopen for the 2005-2006 season.

Antelope Butte is about 10 miles south of Burgess Junction. It usually opens in mid-December and the past couple years has been at least partially open for Christmas.

Information from: (Sheridan) Press, http://www.thesheridanpress.com