Thoughts on 08-09 season so far

[4aprice]

I was just looking over the ski reports for the northeast. I have to say it is really nice to see most areas at or close to 100% open. It's been cold and it appears as if most areas with snowmaking have been taking advantage of it. I expect at somepoint we will have a thaw but hope we get some good winter weather in Late Feb/March/Early April and a strong close to the season. I've only skied at my home mountain this year so far and feel they've done an excellent job of making snow, but I'm looking forward to hitting the road soon and good old Northern New England. Giving this season a solid B so far (A requires more natural snow).

Alex

Lake Hopatcong, NJ

 

[Johnskiismore]

I'm happy so far, Mother Nature hasn't thrown too many curve balls. Gotten a lot of skiing in, let's hope it continues!

 

[Vortex]

I have 36 days in, but a decent amount of wind hold, ncp and really cold weather. We were spoiled last year. Life is good.

 

[poconovfr]

Not enough snow.

 

[JD]

So far it's been great. Several good days early, lot's of personal first descents....over 50 at the stake, no thaw in sight.....

Stoked.

 

[poconovfr]

not enough snow.

 

[thetrailboss]

Very good so far. Last season was an A+. This season I'd say B+/A-. We've had a lot of snow and it has skied very well. But we had that bad thaw and several NCP events that were boarderline snow. It is hard to compare considering last season was so good.

 

[drjeff]

Overall pretty good. Mother natures meltdown during X-mas week wasn't particularly a high point and for certain areas the ice storm was a challenge, but decent natural and mainly good snowmaking/snow preservation temps so far.

I wouldn't mind though if the wind machine overall could be turned down a notch or 2 for the next few months

 

[frozencorn]

Agreed with the B-plus assessment.

Here's a concern though.....with the economy being what it is, what are the odds we see more resorts closing earlier, ie, not staying open into late April, despite snowpack?

 

[deadheadskier]

Very good so far. Last season was an A+. This season I'd say B+/A-. We've had a lot of snow and it has skied very well. But we had that bad thaw and several NCP events that were boarderline snow. It is hard to compare considering last season was so good.

this pretty much sums it up. Last year was one for the record books. This year still has a chance to be if we get a killer spring like two years ago.

 

[poconovfr]

not enough snow

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

It's been cold and snowy/icy..coldest winter here in PA since my youth..tomorrow will be day 40 for me so I'm not slacking in days..

 

[RootDKJ]

I agree with GSS here. PA skiing isn't as much about total snowfall as it is cold needed for decent snowmaking. Except for 2 or 3 warm-ups it's pretty much been consistently cold since mid-November.

I'm at 14 days. Last year at this time I was at 6 days. I'd say that's an improvement.

 

[riverc0il]

It is just starting to get good, IMO. The base is sensational for this time of year and now that the snow machine has been kicking on frequently, things are starting to get good. Couple more powder days and I will start coming around on this season. It is still leaving me wanting more at this point, though.

 

[Greg]

It is just starting to get good, IMO. The base is sensational for this time of year and now that the snow machine has been kicking on frequently, things are starting to get good. Couple more powder days and I will start coming around on this season. It is still leaving me wanting more at this point, though.

Pretty much the same boat. I skied not only the same hill, but pretty much the same trails since early December. It's time to start heading north and spreading out. Magic, MRG, Sugarbush, Killington, Snow, BEast, Hunter are on my hit lists. Stowe and Whiteface are possibilities too. I'm warmed up so it's time to get this party started!

 

[JD]

The pow right now is fantastic.

 

[poconovfr]

PA skiing isn't as much about total snowfall as it is cold needed for decent snowmaking.

You did not say this out loud!




Not enough snow.

 

[tequiladoug]

I had a bunch of good to great pow days the previous 2 seasons, so far only one, actually more like a 1/2 day (I worked a race) so far this season.

we need more snow!

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

You did not say this out loud!




Not enough snow.

I was skiing woods runs at Jack Frost today..

 

[Skimaine]

Agree with B+. We are off to a very good start in Maine. I do not mind the cold, but wind sucks and we have more than our share this year.