Hello Everyone –
So I was on assignment at the State Capitol complex in Charleston, West Virginia last week when a Charleston area Delegate stopped me outside of the Governor’s office and asked me, “Is there any snow at the resorts right now?”
You may as well have dragged your fingernails across a blackboard as his comment sent chills straight up my spine. What in the world do we (the ski industry) have to do to convince folks, there may not be snow in their backyard but there is plenty on the slopes? Talk about reaching my peak frustration level.
Normally this time of year, temperatures during a normal ski day would be in the low 20’s or even in the teens. At which time people were complaining about it being too cold to go and have fun on the slopes. So now the temperatures are spring skiing-like almost every day and people are complaining. If there was ever a year to learn to ski or snowboard, this is it. You can go out there and learn without having pounds upon pounds of clothes on, while having fun. Now complain about that.
Talking to some of my weather peeps it looks like the roller coaster is going to continue with a strong shot of a true winter storm affecting the region the second week of February. I realize with the winter (or lack of) we have been experiencing; we will believe it when we see it, right? For the most part there are only two months left in the season, so let’s enjoy what we have as the conditions are very good out there right now, taking everything into consideration.
I was talking to a veteran snowmaker the other day and he said this season is totally new experience for him. He can remember opening late and not beginning able to make snow until weeks into December, but at least then, when the cold weather finally set in, it didn’t leave. So if you have not taken a ride on this year’s roller coaster, maybe it’s time to give it a try. I think you will be surprised. And don’t dare ask me if there is snow on the slopes.
That’s it for this week, 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.