Early or late?

[Greg]

Let's assume that February in this hypothetical ski season sees average snowfall. If you had to pick only one, would you rather have well above average snows in December/January, or March/April? Assume the months you don't choose have well below average snowfall.

 

[trtaylor]

I guess today I have to go with early.

 

[snoseek]

I'l take dec-jan assuming it sticks around. those big spring storms can make for heavy snow that also melts fast.

 

[campgottagopee]

Early for me too....Come April I'm gearing up for golf and turkey hunting.

 

[deadheadskier]

Well, considering you're putting it that way, my take is


I'd rather have more snow in March than in January, simply due to the higher established snow pack in the trees / more lines available to enjoy the snow in and because there's less of chance of etheir brutaly cold days or severe wind resulting in lift closures.

I'd rather have more snow in December than April though unless for some reason it's unussually cold like last April. The sun is higher in the ski in April and powder turns to cement much quicker than December. I say this, but then I think about the established base depth in the trees which favors April.

I'm gonna say overall, I'd rather get the snow late than early.

 

[pepperdawg]

Late late late!!!!! -- as mentioned - established snow pack everywhere, less crowds as a majority of folk have moved on to "Spring activities" , Warmer weather, Softer snow....I'll take April over December all the time!!!!!!

 

[danny p]

late for sure....those late march/early april pow days last season were some of the all time most enjoyable ski days for me!!

 

[threecy]

For business? Early. For enjoyment? Late - Wildcat was awesome this spring!

 

[Greg]

For business? Early.

Right. I would really like to see the ski areas have a strong Christmas and February vacation week. If a season gets above average snow in December and January and an average February, the snow pack can easily last into April anyway despite a low snow March. Despite last April being so good, I only got three days in so I'd rather have a better December.

 

[tjf67]

Late is always better. We get big dumps in December and my the middle of January there is alway a thaw that wipes it all out.

 

[severine]

I'd rather see more snow late in the season. Purely selfish reasons though. I'm more likely to be too busy to ski in December than March/April.

 

[bvibert]

I'd like to see a pattern of late snow with cold enough temps to make snow early. That way there's still skiing to be had Dec and Jan and the natural snow in Mar and Apr will get more people to head to the slopes late season prompting ski areas to stay open later...

 

[kcyanks1]

Early if it is going to stick around. Probably late if it the early snows would rapidly melt.

 

[WWF-VT]

March / April. Traditionally best skiing conditions for me have been in March

 

[eastcoastpowderhound]

like threecy, for biz; early...personally/selfishly; late...I'd rather end on a high note than have the season peak out early and go ho-hum the rest of the winter...besides, we don't need much snowfall early to get things going, just good snowmaking temps.

 

[noski]

Economically speaking, the early snow is better. The ski areas and towns need that Christmas season income to carry them catch them up from November, and take them thru to President's Week. More people tend to come ski in that period than come March/April. By then many down-country folks are looking at gardens and golf.

 

[Zand]

I'd rather have it be cold in December and then snowy in March/April. Maybe a couple dumps in November to get MRG going. Especially for me seeing that I have a much easier second semester of school this year.

 

[KingM]

December/January from a strictly business standpoint. We had wonderful skiing last winter, but Christmas week was a bloodbath and that's the bread and butter of the industry up here.

 

[Dr Skimeister]

Late, contingent on weather early condusive to good snowmaking in the East.

 

[madskier6]

Yes. I want lots of snow both early & late. :smile:

Oh, wait that's not what you asked. :wink: So if I have to choose, I say late (for purely selfish reasons). I like extending the ski season with good conditions into April & beyond. Last April was the most unbelievable April conditions I can ever remember. Plus, the snowpack in the trees is much better late in the season (as others have already said), and I love skiing the trees!