Early or late?

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

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.

March/April when there's already a base developed and to also extend the ski season and provide winter conditions in the springtime..because in December/January it's all about manmade snow and whether it dumps or not..the resorts will be open....

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

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

Boo you can golf and turkey hunt in July...lol

 

[riverc0il]

Late for less crowds and no sub-zero temps and wind chill.
Early for snow sticking around longer and building a base.
I will take above average any time regardless.

 

[marcski]

If I'm forced to choose, I'd choose late. Spring skiing is where its at. Especially if its spring powder storms. However, like others have mentioned, its ashame when the ski resorts, which typically make such a high percentage of their business over the christmas/new years get washed out.

 

[SkiFirst]

Early..it would make for a great season..

 

[MikeTrainor]

I would go with late because I never want the season to end. May at Wildcat last season was amazing

 

[riverc0il]

Ultimately, after some thought, I would choose early. Base building is huge, IMO. It makes for a more complete season. Without base, that late season snow falls on dirt and sticks and you have more than half a season of skiing groomers. Early season is good for business and it is also good for building base and providing natural snow options even if it isn't powder. Earlier dumps are much better for the entire season as a whole. Late... there is always Spring Skiing if it doesn't snow late. But early? Frigid cold days just to cruise icy groomers? No thanks, not worth waiting for big dumps late.

 

[bvibert]

Thinking about this further, I don't think it's fair of Greg to ask such a question. It's like asking someone to choose which of their children gets thrown into a volcano while the other one gets to partake in their favorite activities.

 

[BeanoNYC]

Late. I like spring skiing and there's a base for all that powder to stick to.

 

[riverc0il]

Late. I like spring skiing and there's a base for all that powder to stick to.

Not if it didn't snow early.... at least no natural base.

 

[BeanoNYC]

Not if it didn't snow early.... at least no natural base.

True...but I'm assuming that there is more of a base in March than in December. Whether that base is MM or Natural is irrelevant to me.

 

[kingslug]

Early, cause I can't wait. Also because the resorts close too soon.

 

[AMAC2233]

Right now I say early, but in March I would say late. : )
But if I really had to choose, I would pick early.

 

[Terry]

I think early would be better for base building. Also it would profit the resorts much more than late season snow. But a nice steady diet of storms all season would be much preferred!

 

[sledhaulingmedic]

I know it's not as good for biz, but I prefer late.

 

[deadheadskier]

Bump


Figured it would be appropriate considering the epic start to the season we've had


As good as it's been, I still stand by my opinion that I'd rather have the heavy snows in March/April than in December/January

 

[loafer89]

Late season for Sugarloaf, as there is always more snow in April than in mid-winter and the temperatures are just right for spring skiing. This mountain is the exception with it's far northern location and high elevation, so the rest of New England might be better earlier.

 

[billski]

Early, to keep our precious few remaining resorts in business. In my life time, I've seen about 70% of the resorts in the Northeast disappear. Granted there are other reasons too, but this is a biggie.

 

[gmcunni]

Late for me. I'd rather ski a sunny day in March over a cold snowy day in Jan!! Got to love hero snow in the spring.

 

[darent]

late for me, early for the industry, can"t beat march skiing