[Logs and Dogs]

Based on what I’m seeing from a snow coverage standpoint out on the VAST trails, XC trails etc.the month of January looks to possibly be a bust from a winter tourist economy standpoint. Ski areas are alright as they can produce their own snow but in the NEK the snow coverage for the VAST system is poor to fair at best, especially at lower elevations of around 800ft.

Are other people seeing similar drop offs in the local snowmobile etc. traffic and resultant influx of $ from winter tourists?

The next 7-10 day forecast shows nothing but bad news, sun and warm temps along with possibilities of rain, this would be disastrous to the businesses that rely on the VAST system to support their winter revenue.

Thoughts?

[GraniteStater]

^
Yes, the pattern has been quite mild recently. I checked the models and it would appear that the colder air will be coming in early February.

[LisaMc46]

My husband works at a local ski resort and says that the MLK weekend skier and boarder visits were strong, despite the mild weather. As long as it's cold enough to make snow the resort does well.

Of course rain and ice are a different story. Not only do they disuade people from coming up in the first place, but they force the resort to put close certain lifts and trails.

The lack of snow cover must also be affecting the cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails and I haven't seen as many snowmobilers out as I usually do this time of year.

[vter]

I also heard that the ski areas did real well over the MLK weekend. Agree with LisaMc46-fresh snow is needed for good snowmobile/x-country conditions. Alpine areas have elevation to their advantage and snowmaking capabilities. The winter is still young though....

[RunawayJim]

I can't speak for VT, but I was at Cannon, just over the border in NH over MLK weekend, on that Sunday. Cannon is normally not crowded as it tends to have poor conditions and lacks the "family friendliness" that some of the other mountains have. Even with the crazy winds and the cloud that sat above the mountain all day, it was packed with people.

[Logs and Dogs]

Agreed on the ski resorts, as long as they have cold and no rain they are fine. I’m more a snowshoe and snowmobile guy and last weekend the trails in the NEK near us needed some snow love in a big way. Lots of dirt and open grass in fields etc. They could use 14-18” ASAP and it doesn’t look like it is coming any time soon.

[mustmove]

There were predictions of a cold dry winter. Seems they were right.

[RunawayJim]

What's interesting is the southern and eastern areas seem to be getting lots of snow. I know Sunday River reported a lot new snow this week (at least 10"), surely a bunch of that fell on the lower elevations in that area, too.

If you think we've got it bad, I have a friend in Utah who wishes he was in New England for skiing. Apparently, the skiing out there is really bad right now.

[BickleTravis]

Originally Posted by Logs and Dogs

Based on what I’m seeing from a snow coverage standpoint out on the VAST trails, XC trails etc.the month of January looks to possibly be a bust from a winter tourist economy standpoint. Ski areas are alright as they can produce their own snow but in the NEK the snow coverage for the VAST system is poor to fair at best, especially at lower elevations of around 800ft.

Are other people seeing similar drop offs in the local snowmobile etc. traffic and resultant influx of $ from winter tourists?

The next 7-10 day forecast shows nothing but bad news, sun and warm temps along with possibilities of rain, this would be disastrous to the businesses that rely on the VAST system to support their winter revenue.

Thoughts?

Well, tourism is the only industry here, so if rich mid-Atlantic types don't spend their money here, the state is even more screwed than it already is.

[momnh]

This happens every January..."January Thaw" It'll come roaring back. Enjoy the mild temps while you can. Soon we'll be complaining that it's too cold.