It’s another Hump Day people. We are almost halfway through the work week. It looks like the weather is going to clear up today and hopefully the sun will come out here in a little bit. I walked into the office this morning and Mike was talking about how temperatures are going to be around 70 degrees here by Friday! I guess it is that time of year. It is mid March after all. Time is really flying by. I feel like it was just yesterday that my girlfriend and I were going to Sugar to ride for the first day of the season. We were literally the first customers of the season and she actually received a free liftie. That was all the way back on November 6th, almost four and a half months ago.
What a good season it has been. We do still have about a week and a half left of skiing and riding in the Southeast though. It’s not over just yet. There will be 8 ski areas open for business this weekend in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. So it’s not like you won’t have plenty of terrain to choose from. The weather will be pretty gorgeous as well so there is no reason for you not to get some spring riding in!
There’s really not a lot going on this morning. Things are pretty slow at this time of the year I guess. One morning in the next couple of weeks, I want to do a season recap talking about the snow events and conditions throughout the season. I need you guys to send me some pictures and comments talking about how things were at the time you went. I think it would be cool to have a little summary of the winter with first hand accounts of how it was. So send me some stuff at [email protected]!
Here’s a look around the region…
Appalachian Ski Mountain – 38°- Open today on 11 of 12 trails of the mountain with a groomed surface. The AppalJack terrain park is the only area not open and I’d imagine that they are rebuilding that park. Their late season rates are now in effect and will remain so until they close next weekend. This weekend they will be hosting the final Ladies Park Night and Shred for the Cup events of the season. Ice skating is open and will conclude for the season on Sunday. App is in great shape right now!
Sugar Mountain – 35.9°- Open today on 18 of 20 trails with a loose granular surface. Little Neil and the Ski School Play Yard are the only “runs” not open, so that really doesn’t effect the majority of people. March madness rates continue to be in effect, saving you 25% on lift tickets and rentals. They still have night skiing and riding going on as well. Tubing and skating have closed. Sugar hasn’t announced a closing date yet, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they remain open until next weekend. Just a reminder that they will be having an Easter Egg hunt on the slopes this Sunday, March 20th.
Snowshoe Mountain – 32°- They are open on 41 of 60 trails today with a groomed surface and they did receive a half inch of new snow. Silver Creek is closed for the season now, thus the reason for only 41 trails being reported as open. Here’s what they have to say – “We have mixed good news this morning; we didn’t see the 3" of snow that the National Weather Service was predicting for us overnight, but we also didn’t see the steady rainfall the forecast was calling for. We had a shower or two late in the afternoon yesterday which turned to a very light drizzle during the overnight hours. There were periods of snow, heavy at times, which resulted in about half an inch of accumulation, but it was a heavy wet snow. This morning we continue to have some very light precipitation falling, and that may continue on and off throughout the day, fluctuating between snow and rain. We do have some heavy fog on the mountaintop this morning, beginning at about 3000 feet. So if you’re traveling to or from the mountain this morning, please use caution. If you look outside your room and see that fog and think you’ll skip the slopes today, don’t. While that fog isn’t too pleasant looking on the top of the mountain, take a turn or two down the slopes and you’ll find clearing conditions. The base of the mountain is clear and we should have some nice, soft, spring snow to enjoy today.
Our grooming team was able to get out last night and groom everything but the Western Territory. Both Cupp and Shay’s were left ungroomed top to bottom, so it may be a big bumpy in that area this morning. We may also see a slightly delayed opening for that area while Patrol makes sure conditions are safe. With wet precipitation expected for the majority of the day, the snow should stay fairly wet and heavy all day. Overnight we’ll see temperatures just below freezing, which will hopefully allow everything to set up nicely and get our groomers out working their magic. Beginning tomorrow we have a period of absolutely beautiful weather expected. We’ll see mild daytime temperatures and plenty of sunshine; ideal March conditions.
That means we’ll have some great late-season conditions for the last week of the season when we’ll be offering Free Skiing to anyone lodging with us between March 21st and March 27th. That’s right, purchase any lodging and your lift tickets are absolutely FREE! Can’t get away for an overnight stay? No worries! We want you to help us celebrate the great season we’ve had at Snowshoe, so we’re offering $26 lift tickets for anyone who just wants to come up and ski or ride for the day. Additional resort discounts will include up to 50% off at our retail outlets, great savings on rental equipment and Last Hurrah deals for our exciting adventure activities. For complete details check out snowshoemtn.com or call 877-441-4386.
Finally, we can’t forget to mention that 2011.2012 season passes are now on sale. As the season winds down it’s time to think ahead. If you purchase your 2011.2012 season pass by April 30th you’ll save up to 28%. Plus, purchase before the end of THIS season, and come up and enjoy your last fix of fresh snow, and you’ll SKI FREE! That’s right, purchase next year’s season pass now, and SKI FREE for the remainder of this season! There’s still great snow to enjoy and plenty of time to do so. Visit snowshoemtn.com or call 877-441-4386 to purchase your passport to Snow Country!”
Wisp Resort – 35°- Open on 29 of 32 trails today with a groomed surface. Today is Locals Day, where everyone is a local and can choose from several discounts on lift tickets, rentals, tubing, and ice skating. They will have night skiing and ice skating and tubing will both be open from 5-9pm tonight.
Massanutten – 37°- They will be closed this week but will reopen on Friday for skiing and riding for one final weekend. The ski area portion of the resort will close for the season on Sunday. Their Z-Tour Zip Line will be open today and tomorrow.
Wintergreen – 36° – They will be closed today for skiing and riding before reopening tomorrow. Tubing will reopen Saturday. Wintergreen plans on staying open for skiing and riding until next weekend.
Timberline – 36°- Open today on 34 of 39 trails with a wet granular surface. They have seen a trace of new snow in the past 24 hours. Just a reminder that the finals of their Rail Jam event series will be taking place on Saturday.
Winterplace – 36°- Open today on 100% of the mountain with a granular surface. They still have one terrain park open and tubing is going on today as well from 1-5pm. As of right now, they plan on closing for the season on Sunday. We will see.