Hesperus Ski Area will delay its planned opening day because of lack of snow.

Kim Oyler, spokeswoman for the ski area, said in a prepared statement Thursday that Hesperus Ski Area, 12 miles west of Durango off U.S. Highway 160, was supposed to open Friday.

Hesperus Ski Area is a relatively small ski area, with 26 trails on about 160 acres. The ski area does not have snowmaking capabilities, so it relies on natural snowfall. So far this winter, Hesperus Ski Area has received 12 inches of snow.

“Hesperus will open for the ski season as soon as there’s sufficient snow,” Sam Williams, senior director of mountain operations at Hesperus Ski Area, said in a prepared statement.

The Durango Nordic Center at Purgatory Resort canceled two events scheduled for Saturday because of lack of snow.

The first Coke Race of the season was postponed until more snow arrives. The Alpine Bank Full Moon Holiday Howler was canceled.

The Coke Race is a longstanding Durango event that brings together skiers, snowshoers and fat bikes in a series of three races from December to March.

The Holiday Howler was planned to be a family-friendly cross-country ski and snowshoe trek under the full moon with a bonfire and food vendors.

The Nordic Center’s website lists the center as closed until more snow arrives.

jromeo@durangoherald.com