There’s nothing like fresh snow in the backyard to get people thinking about winter sports.
And Saturday predicted snow storm will make people feel even better because most people don’t have to drive to work.
The moderate snow forecast to fall in southern New England Saturday is just what ski resorts are looking for.
Yes, snowmaking has allowed many areas to open nearly 75 percent of their trails, but the big problem was one of perception.
Some skiers and snowboarders still believe conditions aren’t that good because snowfall totals are down this season. Too bad, it’s their loss because snow conditions are surprisingly great … even in Connecticut.
Earlier this week I skied several days in Vermont and was amazed on how good the snow conditions were. Beautiful, cruising, packed powder conditions were found at both Killington and Stratton.
The only people disappointed were those who like to ski/ride into the woods and bash the moguls.
Those who are holding back heading north, or even hitting areas in Connecticut and Massachusetts, are making a big mistake.
Here’s a look at the weekend:
It’s been a great week for Green Mountain areas with many picking up several inches of fresh snow. In the last seven days most areas picked up a foot of snow; Jay got up to 22 inches, Mount Snow, 23; and Okemo, 17.
Areas approaching the 100 percent open mark include Sugarbush, Stowe, Okemo and Jay.
Northern New England areas will got will only pick up a few inches this weekend.
Granite State areas have also picked up some fresh snow this week; up to a foot in White Mountain areas like Wildcat and Cannon. Areas have about 75 percent of their terrain open.
Crotched, Gunstock, Loon and Mount Sunapee are a few trails shy of being open 100 percent.
MASSACHUSETTS
Ski Butternut leads the pack with 100 percent of its 22 trails open. Nearby Catamount has 26 of 33 trails and Jiminy’s got 38 of 45 trails. All of those areas are ideal picks this weekend.
NEW YORK
Over in the Catskills, Hunter looks good with 44 of its 55 trails open. Windham has 41 of 49 trails ready and 27 of 55 trails.
CONNECTICUT
The best weekend of the season so far, lots of trails open, packed powder and fresh snow on the way. Ski Sundown and Mount Southington are 100 percent open; Woodbury has 10 of 15 trails open. Mohawk has half of its 25 trails open. Expect trail counts to rise this weekend.
Mohawk will celebrate its 65th birthday on Saturday. they will be randomly selecting guests to receive gifts (65 of them) from Mohawk Mountain. Gifts could be anything from small ski/snowboard items up to a season pass. Join them on the deck for Mohawk Mountain Birthday Cake. I
Its best ticket deal: $46 for an 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ski Sundown will hold its Bump or Bust Mogul Competition on Saturday and Sunday, starting at 1 p.m.
