Shames Mountain is closing on Thursday and Friday Feb. 1 and Feb. 2 following heavy rains that fell on the ski facility鈥檚 runs on Jan. 28.

Shames manager Christian Theberge said touch-ups and repairs need to be done before a planned re-opening on Feb. 3.

Workers will be draining standing water away from ski runs by digging trenches and more repairs will be done in the upper areas where heavy rains melted snow away right down to the ground.

While the beginner ski area was not greatly affected because of past work, areas close to the upper areas were damaged because drainage systems were not in place.

鈥淲e are in the early stages of the funding project and looking to get some work done in the off-season,鈥� Theberge said noting the ski hill is waiting for grants to pay for the drainage plan in the upper areas.

鈥漌e don鈥檛 have a wealthy owner to pay for the work done in advance.鈥�

In a career now spanning 13 years, Theberge said this is the first time Shames has lost operating days because of water.

Shames Mountain has lost eight operating days so far this season, a number that will grow to 10 with this week鈥檚 closures.

鈥淚 am glad that we are doing better than the other hills that have announced closures for rest of the season,鈥� Theberge said.

鈥淲e have a staff of about 70-90 people and their livelihood has been significantly affected due to the closure.鈥�