The Good News & the Bad News
Which do you want first? We got both today. It really does not matter because you are getting the low down either way. Mine as well start with the bad news.
Bad News: The weather system that went through our region yesterday did not drop any new snow on the ski areas of New England. Exception to the rule is that some places in Maine and the higher elevations in New Hampshire did report new accumulations. Even so, those spots only picked up and inch or two, not what we were looking for.
Good News: Cold air is going to grip the region. It will hang around until Saturday. Then things should become more seasonable (highs in the 30’s) and make for some very comfortable skiing and riding. The cold will stop the melting and help firm up the bases. The sun will be out in force. With the time change that means you can sleep in a little bit and experience great light all afternoon.
What does this all mean for you?
Once the cold air sets in the S.G. expects to see trail counts fall. Keep an eye on Conditions. The snow is currently wet and that means it will turn to cement as temperatures dip below freezing. This time of year there will only be several resorts that have the gumption and/or the resources to fire up the snow guns for resurfacing trails. The groomers however will be out in force the next few days.
The trails that are groomed will loosen up by the time the weekend warriors get up to the slopes. Be warned – that sugary snow will be skied off quickly. Ice will reveal itself. You may not want to sleep in after all…
Tree skiing is not recommended. It will be dangerous in the woods. Unless it really gets warm, but even then the shade in the trees will keep the snow in there hard.
The X factor is that the sun may soften things up on the trails in the afternoon, but again the S.G. does not see the thermometer climbing high enough for sweet corn snow to form, keep your fingers crossed though because stranger things have happened.
All In: This will be a very nice weekend to be out on the slopes weatherwise. Conditions will not be bad, but could be a little better (think powder).
Not much we can do about this situation except wait it out and hope that Old Man Winter goes out kicking and screaming next week. Stay tuned…
Thinking Snow,
S.G.
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