Global warming is real. Shorter winters. Overall, they're warming, Cohen said. The strongest warming was in December. I don't think December is winter anymore. Early-season skiing is getting harder
Despite obstacles, Northeastern snow enthusiasts persist. Gunstock reopened Tuesday after Monday's rain, while other ski slopes waited a day or two to construct routes.
Gunstock's trails on Tuesday weren't as washed out as Ryan Sloan expected after driving five hours from New York under “intense” weather on Monday to snowboard.
The conditions are actually pretty good,” Sloan remarked. “The trails are good at the top. Overall, quite decent, with some rough and slippery spots.” Day said extensive drainage systems kept resort trails unharmed.
Ski Vermont spokeswoman Bryan Rivard said the rain caused ski facilities to lose snow and close routes. But he suggested late this week's cool overnight temperatures will help them recover.
Vermont ski areas have some of the most powerful and efficient snowmaking systems in the world, which allows them to stockpile and distribute snow quickly,” Rivard emailed.
On little early-season snow, Rockies ski facilities have struggled to activate lifts and routes. Breckenridge Ski Resort in Colorado has 30% of its terrain available, while Mammoth Mountain in California has 48 of 176 routes.
The 2024 Minnesota Ice Festival in Eagan, Minnesota, was canceled for Jan. 5. An ice-skating rink, ice slide, and gigantic ice labyrinth were planned for the Minnesota Vikings' headquarters, but mild weather made it unsafe, Minnesota Ice CEO Robbie Harrell said.
Northeast snow fans may not have to wait long for fresh snowfall after Christmas. Cohen predicted cooler weather before New Year's Day and into January's first week.