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‘Unapologetically New England’: Ski resort officials sound off about the weather
Mountain officials often use humor in their daily reports about the weather.
During ski season, mountain officials post daily reports about weather and conditions that are useful — and often entertaining.
On Friday morning, though ski areas across New England were grappling with rain and wind, with some even placing chairlifts on wind hold or closing down operations entirely, several mountain officials kept a sense of humor about it.
In Massachusetts: ‘Precipitation, Fog, and Wind, Oh My!’
Officials at Wachusett Mountain in Princeton say pack your poncho.
“It’s no surprise that Mother Nature is throwing us a wild card today,” wrote Wachusett Mountain officials. “Precipitation, Fog, and Wind, Oh My! But there is no curveball that can be thrown that we can’t handle. Our 12 trails with man-made snow are built tough, groomed to perfection, and are ready for whatever comes our way today. And yes, while we can expect rain all day and temps to be in the 50s, our best recommendation is to pack the poncho and assorted weather-proof gear before you head out the door.”
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The president of Wachusett recently apologized for the delayed opening of the Polar Express summit chairlift and said officials aim to have it spinning during Christmas week.
Jiminy Peak officials in Hancock decided Friday’s weather was a deal breaker.
“Due to the weather forecast for Friday, and in order to protect the snow by keeping groomer and skier traffic off of it, the mountain will suspend operations for the day on Friday, Dec. 19th and resume daily, day & night operations, on Saturday, December 20th at 8:30 am,” wrote officials.
In Vermont: ‘the dreaded R word’
Jay Peak officials in Jay reported wet weather, but couldn’t bear to write out the entire word.
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“Today starts with the dreaded R word before transitioning through a wintry mix and flipping back to snow as colder air moves in later this afternoon,” wrote officials. “Even with a messy start to the day, we’re sitting in an exceptional place for mid-December. The season total now stands at 194 inches, which is equal parts awesome and absurd.”
Jay Peak, named the best ski resort in Vermont by Boston.com readers, is off to a record breaking start this season. Reaching 200 inches of snow in the coming days would be the earliest the mountain has hit that milestone in more than 20 years, noted officials.
Killington officials are telling skiers and riders to “hang tight” because better ski weather is coming this weekend.
“Well, it’s a bit breezy out there this morning, skiers and riders,” wrote officials. “Strong winds are the story early today, with unsettled weather moving through into the early afternoon and a bit of backend snow expected before things begin to improve. Hang tight — sunnier skies and temps back in the 20s are on tap for the weekend, setting us up for some solid carving conditions ahead.”
In New Hampshire: ‘unpredictable’ weather
While some ski areas in New Hampshire, such as Wildcat Mountain in Gorham, closed operations entirely on Friday due to the weather, Cranmore Mountain officials in North Conway are embracing it.
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“If you’re from New England, you know how unpredictable the weather can get, and today is a perfect example,” wrote mountain officials. “A warm, rainy system is moving through our area, bringing steady rain, gusty winds, and highs near 52 degrees. It’s not a day for perfectly groomed corduroy, but there’s still skiing, riding, and fresh mountain air to enjoy if you’re willing to embrace the elements.”
North Conway was named the No. 1 ski town in America.
Over at Attitash Mountain in Bartlett, officials wrote, “A little rain can make for soft turns and a fun day! Come to Attitash today with your waterproof clothing and adventurous spirit.”
Temperatures will drop well below freezing tonight, Attitash officials noted, so after that skiers and riders should be aware of icy surfaces with wet precipitation on top that may be “slick underfoot.”
In Maine: ‘unapologetically New England’
Sunday River in Newry is calling it like it is.
“Let’s not sugarcoat it,” wrote officials. “Today is wet, windy, and unapologetically New England. That kind of forecast scares some folks off, but it’s exactly what brings the real skiers and riders out of hiding. If you’ve got Gore-Tex, now’s the time. If you don’t, trash bags work too. Start your weekend the gritty way with some character-building laps.”
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Over at Sugarloaf in Carrabassett Valley, the chairlifts were silent on Friday morning.
“You can snooze your alarm,” wrote officials just before 9 a.m. “All lifts are starting the day on wind hold. It’s real windy out there, with gusts up to 60 MPH. If we can get on the hill later, I will let you all know here, on Twitter, and on Instagram. You will also be able to tell by the smile on my face. The conditions should be like spring skiing, with temperatures in the 40s.”
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