Friday, December 21, 2012

Looking forward instead of backwards........

Greetings,

I recall a saying going something like, if we didn’t have weather what would we have to complain about?  As we head into the Winter Holiday week, we are facing challenges, but also some things positive. Like waking up Friday morning to 5-7 inches of snow on the ground.  This was one of those times when the weather man wasn’t quite right!  The forecast was for 1 – 3 inches of snow, but the temperature held below freezing up through the atmosphere and snow it did.  The challenge part is the rest of the day we will see a mixture and some liquid precipitation. 
So now you ask, what does that mean?  The new snow and wet weather are making for some wet snow skiing today.  The forecast is for this system to clear out of the area this afternoon and change over to flurries and perhaps some light snow.  Our plan will be to wait and see and check on the snow as the evening progresses.  We won’t take the groomers out immediately on the trails.  We want to let the snow dry out some and then begin grooming right around the time the colder temperatures arrive.  Our plan will be to begin snowmaking as soon as temperatures permit.  When the temperatures get into the 24-26 degree range we will turn on the guns.  Obviously that will be on the upper mountain, but we will work down towards the base areas as quickly as possible.

First Day of Winter 2012
 

What is the plan you ask for snowmaking?  It really has not changed from other blog posts.  Sachem, Wardance, base area trails and lodging trails all are on the top of our list. Rimrock opened today and Sidewinder is only one night away from being finished.  We are going to take a hard look at some of the lodging trails and see if it will be possible to ski them with the natural snow.  We are also beginning on Nor’easter to give us another route from the summit and working towards Quantum Leap.  Blind Faith and Wild Thing will be our first trails in the South Face area.
Since the World did not end today, Okemo will be working every avenue to get the skiing and riding in top shape quickly.  Some trails may open late this weekend as grooming continues and we will make snow on as many trails as possible and that may even include making on some trails while you ski and ride. 
Thanks for your confidence in Okemo and support and I hope to see you on the slopes.  As always, let me know how we are doing.

Happy Holidays,
Bruce Schmidt

Okemo GM

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