Hello Everyone –
So last week, after making a few calls, I really thought the conditions at the majority of the region’s winter resorts would weather the weather (so to speak). While there looks (first hand knowledge at one resort) to be plenty of snow, there again just seems to be the lack of people. So due to the lack of skiers and snowboarders it looks like for the most part the 2008-2009 season will soon be coming to an end.
So why is this happening? Let’s review class for just a moment. The majority of the skiers, snowboarders and snow tubers that venture out on southeast slopes and trails come from south of the Mason-Dixon Line. That fact shouldn’t surprise anyone and another thing that shouldn’t surprise some diehard skiers and riders is that in some market areas, lawns have already received their first cutting. Despite a considerable amount of snow still on the slopes, how in the world can one think about snow when mulch orders are being delivered? Unfortunately we can explain until our keyboards blow up, but facts are facts and green grass equals bye-bye fun in the snow.
Just the other day the region (at least I thought it was just the other day) was getting hammered with yet another snow storm. Now it seems like Mother Nature has sent winter back into the closet until next fall (we can only hope). I really thought that one, two or maybe even three resorts in the region were going to reach the 200 inch snowfall mark for the season, but no such luck. However for at least West Virginia and Maryland areas, the snowfall was plentiful and everywhere had excellent snowmaking temperatures when needed.
I did make it out on Sunday to do some snowtubing with my five-year old son and there was plenty of snow to have fun on. The conditions were not overly fast, but you know what, snow is snow to a five-year old and fun is fun. Isn’t that what it is really all about at the end of the day? Next week, the fourth annual “Snowies.”
That’s it for this week, only a couple of weeks left to hit the slopes so don’t miss out, just remember whether it be cold or whether it be hot, we’ll weather the weather, whatever the weather will be. Think about it! See you on the slopes.
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Joe Stevens, a member of the southeast ski industry since 1990 is a regular columnist for skisoutheast.com and serves as the Communications Director for the West Virginia Ski Areas Association.