WAITSFIELD, Vt. (WCAX) – We’re just days away from Halloween, but ski resorts already have their eyes set on the winter season.
A new federal weather report cautions of another warm winter on Vermont’s horizon, so ski resorts say they’re eager to up their snow-making game while temperatures allow.
The reds, oranges, and yellows are still vivid as a construction crew works away at Mad River Glen to install a mid-station on the sunnyside chairlift.
Mad River says it aims to keep its slopes full of artificial snow despite the mild months ahead.
“We’ll be able to set people up one of our main lifts and spread people out early season. Should help with crowding and give people more options,” said Ry Young of Mad River Glen.
After a record-warm winter, ski resorts are eager to strike while the air is chilly.
If temperatures dip to 28 degrees or lower, Mad River could make snow by Halloween.
Those early-season flakes can be critical ahead of a wonky winter.
“You never know what sort of curveballs are gonna be thrown to you during the season,” said Young.
Further north, Stowe Mountain Resort – which opened in late November last year – aims to make snow closer to Halloween too.
“We’re constantly looking at the process. We’re constantly changing our plans based on weather, and we have a forecaster that we use,” said Scott Reeves of Stowe Mountain Resort.
With over 700 snow guns, Stowe is poised to make snow wherever possible.
“It’s really taking advantage of those early seasons and that’s where our technology is going to play that key role to make sure that we can continue to deliver that product,” said Reeves.
Back in the valley, with just 9 snow guns, Mad River’s man-made snow covers less ground.
However, they’re a smaller operation to begin with, which Young says gives them an edge over bigger competitors.
“It just goes to show that the flexibility that we have with such a small system, we can basically light it up and start making snow on a dime,” said Young.
Many resorts have already seen snow on their slopes. Mad River and Stowe report dustings and Jay Peak got a foot of snow on its summit last Thursday.