On a sunny day at Shawnee Peak, a family-sized mountain about an hour northwest of Portland, Maine, faithful early-season skiers carve their first turns
on a good choice of trails thanks to the numerous snow-blowers going full tilt
to cover the otherwise brown slopes. Ski patrol, in their tell-tale red
jackets, say something’s changed about winter.
The Vermont Ski Areas Association was initially concerned that tourists might stay away from
Vermont, following news reports of extensive damage to the state.
Vermont’s alpine ski areas say despite the tight squeeze many family budgets are facing, the economy isn’t hurting lift ticket sales and lodging rentals.
The winter storm that dumped more than a foot
of snow on parts of southern new England is causing minor inconveniences for
travelers in Vermont, but the ski industry is "giddy" that
resorts are getting snow during one of the biggest holidays of the season.
Killington officials say last month’s nor’easter and recent cold
temperatures have enabled them to kick off their season five days earlier than
last year.
A
study by two Dartmouth College professors has concluded that many ski areas
exaggerate snow totals. The
study compares snowfall reports from ski areas with the totals recorded by
nearby government weather stations.
Northern
New England’s ski industry
is viewing the upcoming season with optimism, saying the amount of snow nature
sends is a much bigger factor in determining how well the ski areas fare.