CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The low levels of snowfall and above average temperatures during the past week haven’t been what operators at West Virginia’s ski resorts were hoping for. Although the resorts were able to open and make snow before the Christmas and New Year’s holiday, but West Virginia Ski Areas Association Spokesman Joe Stevens says since then the days have been few.
“These recent mild temperatures have really challenged the snow makers at all the resorts,” he explained. “It’s been very marginal snow making since the latter part of December.”
Officials are hoping for a turn in the weather to bring a northeaster or large cold front combined with a weather system into the state’s higher elevations. The forecast however hasn’t’ been favorable in the near term.
The lack of snow and snow-making temperatures isn’t the worst of the problems however. According go Stevens the warmer weather and rain are also causing the snow on the ground to deteriorate. Although man-made snow tens to hold up better to the milder temperature, Stevens noted it has its limits.
The second and probably most difficult obstacle for Stevens and resort owners to overcome is perception. Even though West Virginia has the most terrain available to ski in the mid-Atlantic, its warm and mild in those metro areas where the West Virginia resorts draw their customers.
“It may be below freezing and we’re making snow at a pretty good clip at Snowshoe Winterplace, but in Charlotte, Raleigh, or D.C. it’s 50 degree,” said Stevens.
For the time being, Stevens added groomers are able to rearrange the snow at night to maximize effective skiing conditions for the following day.
“I advise people to get on the resort website and look at the live cam,” said Stevens. “Keep an eye on those night time temperatures and those live cameras will give you a way to fell, touch, and taste the conditions as you’re trying to decide on making the trip.”