New England ~ Conditions Update

Okay, it rained this past Sunday. A lot of rain fell and it did not discriminate. No mountain went completely unaffected. These things happen.

The good news is that it was not a deathblow to the ski slopes of New England. Not even close actually…

Thanks to an unprecedented run of fantastic temperatures for snowmaking, coupled with multiple snowstorms, the bases the mountains had in place were able to absorb the hit of water.

Obviously though a rain event was not the ideal scenario before a long holiday week.
Here is how I see things. The snow that caught all that rain got compacted and heavy, and then it froze – solid. It goes without saying this change hampered the unworldly packed powder and powder conditions New England had grown accustomed to skiing on top of (but I just said it anyway). Nevertheless, when we look at the entire duration of the season I believe this is a good thing.
What we have now is a base that should stick around until April. Take that for what it is worth. Then factor in the following.
1. The mountains typically will continue snowmaking operations well into February. That is a lot of time to repair and add to what already exists on the slopes.
2. It is already snowing again. Over the next several days and nights most mountains will see some of the real white stuff falling from the sky. The further north you are willing to travel the more conditions will improve. The northern most areas could see anywhere from one to two feet of fresh powder by this time next week.
3. It is still only December.
Switch Tip: If you do not like hard pack, frozen granular, ice, hardscrabble, or whatever other thing you want to call such, I would recommend hitting up areas that are further south in New England. These places will not see as much natural snow in the next week, but the warmer temps in the south should soften up snow surfaces in the afternoon (especially if sunny) and the skiing should really be good. Fast and loose.
If you are after powder, just chase the radar loop. As stated, the bases are intact. If Mother Nature and Old Man Winter team up and drop anything greater than six inches skiing will quickly improve and powder days will be back in vogue. Mountains in Northern VT are the most likely to get the most, with northern NH and ME right on their heels.
The real deal is that if you are using excuses not to go skiing you are only shorting yourself.
Best days to ski: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, etc…
Conditions right now are still better then the region has seen in a long time.
It is time to go skiing!
Think Snow,
S.G.