Updated: 3-13-09 |
With just ten days left in the season, Mother Nature has decided to dump a parting gift on the mountain. Four inches of fresh snow fell overnight Thursday, and snow continues to fall lightly Friday morning. Another 1-2" of accumulation is expected before the day is over. This morning we sit at the 189" mark for season snowfall-making it our snowiest winter since the 2002-2003 season. Conditions all season long have been some of the best in recent memory, and it looks like we should recover from the recent mild spell and close with some pretty pristine conditions as well.
While yesterday and today certainly feel like winter, the last week or so has been decidedly more spring-like. We've seen temperatures soar to near 60-degrees, and the snow was pretty soft, almost slushy in spots. But today is a great example of how quickly things can change on the mountain. We made snow the last two nights, and last night's gift from Mother Nature created a powdery coat on top the groomed slopes. With much of the snow actually falling in the early morning hours, most of the natural snow was left ungroomed, which we know is what skiers and riders look for.
I think this latest snowfall came as a surprise to many. With all the sun and spring-like temperatures we've had lately, most of us had kind of accepted that Mother Nature was done with winter. But, just like the warmer weather came in rather quickly, this change over happened in just a day, and the resort is once again a winter wonderland. Now, I know some of you will question why we're closing in just 10 days, since we're boasting about how much conditions have improved. Well, part of skiing in the southeast is understanding your market, and the market is telling us they're ready for spring. Almost every season Snowshoe closes with many slopes still in good shape-we lose customers before we lose conditions. So, while we can't fault folks for wanting to pull out their golf clubs and tennis rackets and head to the beach, that's the reasoning behind regional ski areas pulling the plug while there's still plenty of snow on the ground.
But, for those of you who want to make some last turns, you still have 10 days and the great excuse of fresh snow to do so. This weekend Snowshoe is celebrating Spring Break with live club performances and Happy Hour specials. This weekend also marks the end of night skiing, as the Silver Creek area will close for the season at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. Next weekend, Snowshoe will celebrate the end of another great season with our Champagne and Chocolate Weekend, as well as our annual Last Hurrah! Festivities. Come on up, make some turns, satisfy that sweet tooth and check out the hilarious pond skimming contest. Since March is Value Season at Snowshoe, you'll be able to enjoy all that for some of the season's lowest prices-and of course our events are FREE!
