Groundhog Day is Tuesday and this morning as I began reviewing the current status at the various resorts I began to wonder if I was still sleeping and reliving November and December all over again. My Vail Alerts sent me the fact that Beaver Creek received 13″ of fresh powder overnight. Laura Parquette from Keystone saw 9″ and my sister and family are flying as we speak toward Telluride, where 4″ of new snow fell overnight. I’m jealous as they are going to be doing some heli-skiing.
My flashback morning is not a dream though as we’re seeing low temps this morning like we did all of November and December. From 39° at Cataloochee to 42° at Beech Mountain to 45° at Wisp Resort to 49° at Oglebay Resort in West Virginia – but the snow is plentiful out there so let me quell any emails that may be heading my way about “all of the snow melting”.
Overnight temperatures and snow grooming allow for an awesome job of packing and firming the snow and we’re seeing base depths that are AVERAGING in the 50-60″ range. So snow will be awesome for some time ahead.
With the mild temps of the last few days, resorts are reflecting base depths that have dropped about 2-4″ in the last 24+ hours.
Monday Through Wednesday Looks Mild & Wet…but
After an awesome January full of cold, snowy and snow-making days and nights, it appears that the first couple of days of February will start out with a mini-thaw of sorts. A quick look at the forecast for Beech Mountain shows highs in the low to mid 50s today through Wednesday of this week. Overnight lows will be in the 40s…so no snowmaking for four days. Some rain is forecasted as well…so there will be a short period of less-than-pristine conditions early this week.
It LOOKS like most of the more severe weather will be headed South of ALL of our ski mountains, but things are likely to be a little wet for Monday-Wednesday.
However things are setting up VERY NICELY if you’re thinking of heading to the mountains late this week and into the February 5th-February 7th weekend. Highs in the 30s and lows in the low 20s will make for great snowmaking and there’s a chance for perhaps 2-3″ of snow next weekend as well.
Ditto that forecast with a notch colder temps as you head into the WV mountains.
We expect to hear from Meteorologist Brad Panovich as we head into Groundhog Week…and I’m certain that he will enlighten us as to what to expect perhaps even further out.
So don’t rule out some pockets of heavy rain into Tuesday and then cold air and some snow returns.
A Quick Sunday Reminder…
It seems like every Monday I receive a couple of emails from those of you who head to a ski areas for Sunday night turns – only to find them closed. Remember that a lot of ski areas do not operate for night sessions on Sundays so check the snow report page for details on specific resorts if you’re thinking of making some Sunday evening turns.
Today I’m just going to direct you guys to the Snow Report for all of the details. Things are looking GREAT out there no matter where you want to ski or ride on this nice Sunday weather-wise. Most everything is open in terms of slopes and trails and the snow will be soft and fun to carve today with temps into the 50s. You may want to wear lots of sun screen!
A Chance to Help Someone in Need…
Today I am just sharing some notables that I saw while hopping around. The first bit of news comes out of Davis, West Virginia as shared by Timberline Resort. They are appealing to anyone who can help a young couple who lost everything in a fire on Tuesday of this past week. The Davis, West Virginia community is a close-knit one and so we thought we’d share their notice to help aid the young couple.
Timberline Resort has posted a link to the cause and it was posted by Bailey Rose Stanton.
On January 26, a section of the Talaheim apartment complex in Davis, WV caught fire. My close friends, Steven Abner and Briana Johnson were safe and were able to get their dogs out of the home. However, everything in the apartment was destroyed. These are some of the kindest people I have ever met, individuals with an incredibly positive outlook. They are so thankful that no one, human or canine, was physically harmed in the blaze, but would greatly appreciate financial help to get them back up on their feet. Any donation is appreciated!
There is a GoFundMe page setup and at the time of this post 45 people had helped to raise $2850 towards a goal of $10K over the last 4 days. If you are blessed to be able to help, here is the link to do so: https://www.gofundme.com/cuaa4vqw/
Here are some other notables…
Omni Homestead – Lots of fun on the mountain this weekend. It’s their annual Winterfest Weekend and they’ll have a DJ, face painting, Brew & Q lunch series and Rossignol reps demonstrating the latest equipment and more.
Wintergreen Resort – They are hosting a Women’s Clinic from 7:45-10:45am.
Timberline Resort – hosting Sleigh Rides at the lodge. $100 each and you need to make reservations to take part in that. They run from 10am through 6pm.
Canaan Valley Resort – Kickersports Demo Days where you can Demo the latest equipment free of charge during demo days held on the mountain 9am – 3:30pm.
Snowshoe Mountain – It’s the final day of a fantastic weekend and also the final day of what’s been a fantastic month of January! Props to the best snowmaking team here on The Mountain. Enjoy your beautiful Sunday. Widowmaker is closed today for an event, so make your way down Camp 99 instead! Have fun out there and stay in-bounds!
Beech Mountain Resort – Oz Run is OPEN! Beech is also hosting their “College Week” this week through February 7th with unbelievable discounts, live music and more. Save big on lift tickets with a valid student ID when presented in the Group Sales office. Discounts on rental equipment are also available through the Group Sales office; advance reservations are required. You do not need a group of 15 to get the discounted rates, just a valid college ID.
College Week would not be complete without live music performances in the new Beech Mountain Brewing Co. and the Beech Tree Bar and Grille. With live music from the Nautical Wheelers, this is an event you won’t want to miss! Next weekend, Red Bull returns bringing a two live DJs both Saturday, February 6th and Sunday, February 7th. DJ performances will be held daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in both the Beech Tree Village and on the Skybar deck. Finish off your Saturday night with live music from Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band!
For the best deals on lift tickets, the best party scene, and the best skiing in NC, visit Beech Mountain Resort for College Week!
Sugar Mountain Resort – NASTAR today on Oma’s Meadow at noon
Massanutten Resort – The Mega Zip and Kids’ Adventure Course will be open today. Diamond Jim will be closed Sunday, 1/31 from 9 am – 1 pm for a SARA race.
That will do it for me on this mild Sunday morning. Enjoy your day and…
#THINKCOLD
#THINKSNOW
Until next time…
Enjoy your day and THINK SNOW! THINK COLD! Email me anytime and about anything at: [email protected]
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