Santa Fe, New Mexico — Up until recently, lots of the Western U.S. were well below average in terms of snowpack. This is still the case in New Mexico, which doesn’t tend to do well during La Niña winters.
KOAT reports that the ski industry in Santa Fe is struggling due to a very dry start to the winter. Businesses that were interviewed are pondering whether they’ll have to close early
“Usually, our season extends out to the first week of April. Past seasons used to be the second week of April. But now, if it keeps going the way it is, we’re looking last week of March, if not midweek of March,” said Wanonce Rakestraw, who’s the assistant manager of Bluebird Mountain Sports. “It’s been really slow. When places lose business, you lose people, employees. You close early.”
The local ski resort isn’t doing so well either.
“It’s tough skiing out there for everyone,” said Ben Abruzzo, Ski Santa Fe’s General Manager.
The good news for Ski Santa Fe is that relief has arrived. Over the past 24 hours, they’ve received 3″ of snow, with more expected in the days ahead. Their season total is only 33″.
At this point, 32 trails and 5 lifts are open. Snowmaking operations are still underway, which has resulted in some trails being closed.
Image/Video Credits: KOAT, Ski Santa Fe
