Oh the weather outside is frightful

Last week saw the first few inches of snow many mountains have had in weeks, only to be followed by exceedingly warm temperatures Saturday then back to lower temps Sunday. This meant riding in t-shirts on hero snow one day and boiler plate the next. Although it was enjoyable while it lasted, the warm temps make me concerned for the longevity of this season.

That's green grass behind me...

I took a look at the base depths of most of the mountains in New England, comparing last season's  depths as of January 8th, 2011 and January 8th, 2012 and was surprised by what I found: many are reporting similar, if not higher base depths than last season despite the overwhelming lack of natural snow.

While we may have been spoiled by the exceptional amount of fresh snow we had last year, the snowmaking teams of each of these mountains have been working double time to deal with this crazy weather and give us something we can put an edge in. This means operating costs are also higher than usual, yet fewer people are going to the mountains.

In past years "Backyard Syndrome" has been very helpful for the ski industry. The idea is that if people see snow around their homes they have a greater urge to go ski. However, this also works in reverse: if there's no snow on the ground here, fewer people will head to the slopes.

Christmas vacation week at Wachusett saw pretty dismal turnouts compared to last year- about a third of the customers daily. School vacations are typically some of the busiest days of the season and the numbers they bring are critical for having a profitable winter. Wawa wasn't the only mountain to suffer these reduced numbers either, the impact is nearly unanimous. Seems the only place really getting any snow can't even make good use of it: a small town in Alaska received nearly 18 feet in a recent storm and needed emergency relief to help get rid of it (click here for more details). If only they could send some of it our way!!

In the meantime, the mountains are trying their best to draw attention to their snowmaking capabilities and any other activities they might offer as a way to entice customers. Many are offering discounts and promotions to lure people in, so if you just want to get out a ride and don't care if it came from a gun or the sky you're in luck because they really want your business. Remember: Occupy Chairlifts!