Ski races are canceled, resort openings are delayed, and skiers on the east coast are frustrated by the worst start to a ski season in recorded history. In the last few weeks, thousands of heat records have been broken from the midwest to the east coast and there is no end in sight.
Snow making crews have been able to put down some snow, but they have been hampered by unseasonably warm temperatures.
Currently the forecast is calling for some meager precipitation but any significant accumulation won’t fall until the New Year at the earliest. Although some meager snow is expected on Saturday and Sunday, totals should not exceed a few inches, much of which is predicted to come in the form of rain and sleet. After which, clear skies are expected to continue their dominance in the northeast through the Christmas holiday.
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And although many city dwellers are stoked on the fair weather, skiers are not happy.
Just to name a few, Song Mountain, Mad River Glen, and Bolton Valley will remain closed until mother nature starts feeling a little more frigid. However, it’s not just the downhill skiers who are feeling the heat. Cross country ski races from Michigan State University to Waterville, Maine have been canceled and race officials are waiting on more snow to reschedule.
Unfortunately, the forecast doesn’t look promising.
“Only 0.2″ of snowfall thus far at Burlington, VT this season. This is the lowest seasonal snowfall on record through December 12th. Last year at this point, 29.8″ of snow had already fallen. The 30-year mean snowfall through December 12th is 11.9.”- NWS Burlington
According to USA Today, the culprit is El Niño, which is currently pushing the jet stream north of New England. In fact, the storms appear to have been hitting the Chic-Choc mountains in Canada and if you’re frustrated by the warm temperatures, maybe it’s time to make a trip to Ski the Chic-Chocs...
Also Read: East Coast Off To A Terrible Start To The Ski Season | Just How Bad Is It?