Backyards are green but the slopes are still white.  I’ll be the first to admit the stretch of warm and wet March days has taken a toll on the Central New York snowpack. Reports are already coming in of buds on some trees and early season flowers are just around the corner. Ski areas are at higher elevations for a reason though; it’s colder and they get a deeper snowpack over the winter up there. Man made snow from guns helps make even more and this time of the year that finally pays off. The resorts are also typically on north facing hills. This minimizes the direct rays from the late winter sun. This is why we are able to weather the warm storm and keep on skiing through March. Sure, the trail counts are going down and ski surfaces may not be packed powder any longer, but some of my favorite skiing is still to come. Days get longer, making for more daytime skiing and its better visibility. The sun seems to shine more too, remember to wear some sunscreen. And the warmer readings get you out of the long underwear and heavy parkas. If the temperature hits 50, look for me in a t-shirt. I’ve skied it in shorts as well. Make sure you know what you are doing with that one because it can get messy and hurt if you go down.

This week at a ski area near you….Woods Valley holds the Jamie Pepper Memorial Race at 10am Saturday. There is a $10 entry fee and prizes to be won for all age groups. Proceeds from the race go to the Woods Valley Ski Team. Spring hours are in effect at Toggenburg and that means no more Monday skiing.  Also during the month of March at Tog anytime you bring a donation of canned food or dry goods, you can get a lift ticket for just $15! You’ll be saving up to $30 with the deal and help local food banks fill their shelves as we head into spring. It’s steeper and deeper at Song Mountain this Saturday night. I’m talking about the snowmobile hill climb in conjunction with the Tully Trailblazers.  Snow Ridge says no more skiing on Thursdays thanks to the arrival of spring. Everybody’s Irish this weekend at McCauley. Don the green and ski for only $17 this Saturday and Sunday. Then on Sunday wear your wildest, zaniest St. Patty’s outfit and join in on the pond skimming contest. Greek Peak holds the Jack Heib memorial race this Sunday. There is three ski race disciplines involved to find the ultimate racers. Also check out the synchronized skiing and riding demonstration and cookout on the snow. And golf season is just around the corner for Four Seasons in Fayetteville. They plan on opening the golf, mini-golf, batting and soccer cages up for the year on April 1st. Boooooo!

I will be looking to get out on the slopes a couple of more times this spring. I’ll let you know what it is like right here. If you would like to share your ski trips or events, you can too with the comments section right below. Drop me a line or a picture better yet. Maybe I will use it in my video ski report next week on WSTM, WTVH and right here on CNYcentral.com. Happy trails…