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Community Corner

Ski Season Continues to Break Records

Notes from the Slopes: The New England Ski Report.

Record snowfall tends to show up at the cash register, and as a direct result of this year's phenomenal accumulation, ski and snowboard sales broke records in December and January, according to Snowsports Industries of America (SIA), the non-profit, member-owned, North American Trade Association. In January, snowsport retailers rang up more than $500 million dollars in sales, and that was after record December ski and snowboard sales of $1 billion dollars. Cross country equipment had more than a 100% increase in sales—yet another record.

Now let’s talk about snow—make that record snowfall. Monday’s big snow in central and northern Vermont created blizzard-like conditions and set records for March snow totals. Totals ran from two feet to almost three feet on the slopes of Mad River Glen and Jay Peak. Maine’s Sunday River and Saddleback also got the big snow. Ski areas located in southern New England got drenched.   

There’s been some awesome skiing this week, but some crazy weather, too with rain in varying amounts, icing, strong winds and snow, too.  Central and northern New England mountains got a bonus yesterday with more snow. By Friday morning, there’s a foot at Killington, Pico, Smuggs and Jay Peak. Maine’s Sunday River and Sugarloaf, and Attitash in New Hampshire landed at least a half-foot. 

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Today, everybody gets rain. There will also be icing and wind holds. So the weather will adversely affect operations throughout New England. Many smaller areas may opt to close today.

Ski areas will regroup this weekend. It will definitely be a mixed bag as far as snow conditions and weather are concerned. In Connecticut, Sunday will be downright beachy with very warm temps. Next week should see some sunshine and cooler temperatures. However, you can’t rule out some kind of snowfall for Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire slopes this weekend, as well as next week. 

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CT
Southington plans to reopen, Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.. Southington’s closing date last year was March 14.

Ski Sundown intends to reopen at 8 a.m. on Saturday. Events: March 19: Bump or Bust Mogul Competition

Mohawk reopens Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. after closing this week due to flooding in the lodge. Events: March 12: Mohawk Madness Beach Celebration

MA
Jiminy Peak plans to reopen Saturday. Events: March 12: STRIDE Race; March 19: Spring Fling Deals: St. Patty E-Coupon Deals

Butternut will reopen Saturday.  Events: March 20: Final Countdown Rail Jam; March 26: ParrotHead Festival Deals: Everyday $25 tickets until the end of the season begins March 14

VT
Mount Snow offers terrain for all skills. Events: March 13: USSA Freestyle B Championships; March 12-13: Season Passholder Appreciation Weekend; March 19-20: Carinthia Open features the best slopestyle skiers and boarders in the country.

Okemo has a fresh cut on the Superpipe. Events: March 19-20: FestEVOL with O.A.R. in concert Deals: Ladies’ Day Tuesdays and Online Thursdays in March

Bromley plans to reopen Saturday, closing Friday to save the snow.

Killington has all mountain areas online with a base of 36-42”. A number of double-diamonds remain offline as of  Friday. Events: March 19: Burton Stash Gathering at Bear

Mad River Glen has seen three feet of snow this week.  Events: March 12-13: The 36th Annual NATO Telefest; March 19: Triple Crown Mogul Challenge

Smugglers’ Notch has the new snow and is top-to-bottom on all three mountain areas. It’s a light rain chaser that’ll put skiers on soft, wet snow Friday. Events: March 13: Family Fun Race; March 17: Torchlight Parade; March 19: Helly Hansen Big Mountain Battle

Jay Peak Resort has a hefty base and saw the big snow this week. Events: March 12-13: Helly Hansen Extreme Competition; March 7-13: Mardi Gras features parties with music, ice carving, races and more.

ME
Sunday River
has warming temps and soft carving on damp snow. Groomers have been out with all mountains areas online and a number of diamonds are good to go  Twelve hour skiing available Friday and Saturday. Events: March 12: Retro 80's and Winterbike Race Series

Sugarloaf is on all mountain areas with wetpack and wet granular snow. Base snows are good and there’s been limited grooming to keep the snow in shape. Events: March 19: Sugarloaf Banked Slalom with Olympic gold medalist Seth Westcott

NH
Cannon
is virtually 100-percent and that includes glades and backcountry. Events: March 19: Splash and Crash Dummy Races; April 2: Bodefest. Registration is underway.

Attitash has a 54” base with 75 open runs and its haul of new snow from Thursday. Note that Spillway will be closed for racing through Sunday. Deal: March 17: $17 Lift Ticket Special Events: March 19: On-Snow Golf Tournament

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