Truth in Ski Conditions

[billski]

My local Stowe contact says it has been raining on and off all day, not worth going out for and he lives 10 mins away. Backyard Stowe snow gauge is now reading 6", down from 18" seven days ago.

In looking at forecasts this seasons, I'd give my vote to Mad River and Burke for providing the most plain truthful, sometimes brutal snow reports.

Here's an excerpt today's report from Burke:
"Note: The rain is coming down heavier and heavier by the minute! We will be closing at 12 PM today. Please call for the latest updates at 802-626-3322. "

I find Sugarbush's live webcam to be the most ellusive (to be polite here) cam ever - Whenever things look terrible, the cam has "technical difficulties" and all you get is a black screen.

For all other areas, my modus operendi is "It's not what they report, it's what they DON'T report that matters."


What do you think???
Almost time to rake the yard.

 

[riverc0il]

good call bill. though when a ski area must alter planning operational times such as burke closing early or cannon not closing at all, i think most ski areas are nearly 100% to tell the full honest truth as potential customers will need it justified to them why they can't ski and the "R" word will most definitely keep people away and ensure the resort does not have to deal with people driving three hours to get turned around because the ski area is closed.

on the other hand, very few ski areas would report the "R" word if the ski area was open regardless of what the weather is. i believe i recall hearing a marketing person in the industry say they were specifically told NEVER to use the "R" word in a report. "mixed precip" or "light showers" might be preferable.

additionally, we must be careful to measure ski areas during this time of year as NCP is excepted and understood by people still skiing. snow is the exception in spring skiing during april, so ski areas are more likely to report to truth, especially when there are only a few open places as things fall off.

MRG is hands down a yard stick for all nearby ski areas. when used in conjunction with a local forecast the night before, MRG can be used as a reliable forecasting tool for ski areas in the white mountains i have found. burke as mentioned is also dependable for good reports. i believe there is a previous thread regarding MRG and accuracy of reporting.

 

[thetrailboss]

Yep, we've had many a discussion about this. Burke, MRG, and Cannon have been good in my experience.

SB has had some interesting reports and tactics...including the infamous, slow mid-week day wind holds that seem to plague upper mountain lifts :roll:

I've heard complaints about Stowe and Jay (their problem is wind).

I suggested in our ski area challenge that Tenney that they straighten up on their snowreporting after two incidents this past season and a friend of mine found out yesterday that they had not changed...too bad. :evil: :x

 

[Vortex]

Yep, we've had many a discussion about this. Burke, MRG, and Cannon have been good in my experience.

SB has had some interesting reports and tactics...including the infamous, slow mid-week day wind holds that seem to plague upper mountain lifts :roll:

I've heard complaints about Stowe and Jay (their problem is wind).

I suggested to Tenney that they straighten up on their snowreporting after two incidents this past season and a friend of mine found out yesterday that they had not changed...too bad. :evil: :x

I got a marketing piece from them about buying into the new management ownership deal. Trashed it quickly.

 

[thetrailboss]

I got a marketing piece from them about buying into the new management ownership deal. Trashed it quickly.

Yes, saw that as well....hate to be down on them, but.... :-?

 

[Vortex]

Ya all done being negitive.

 

[skibum1321]

Smuggs claims to have the "no bull" snow report but is always terrible. They claim to have trails open when a little section is open or none at all.
Last week I went and they claimed partly cloudy skies and it was pea soup fog.
Shady stuff

 

[billski]

favorites

A couple of my favorites are:

"A slight chance of rain"

"Periods of light rain or snow"

 

[MichaelJ]

At Sugarloaf this weekend we were all quite amused at:

"non-frozen precip"