Temperatures climbed 10-15 degrees above normal mid-April levels this past weekend. Combined with Saturday’s sunshine and Sunday’s April showers, it made for a true late spring feel. So why were Central New Yorkers skiing instead of hitting the links or gardening? Thanks to the colder than average temperatures and near record snowfall during this past winter, several local ski areas extended their lengthy run for another weekend.
Out of the ten area ski resorts that I report on each and every week during the winter, three of those were back open for business for the last hurrah. Song Mountain, Greek Peak and Bristol Mountain cranked out tons of man made snow to get their snow bases deep enough to weather our spring warmth.
In most ski seasons, it is typical for local areas to operate until the end of March and often call it a wrap due to lack of skier interest or a good snow base. However this past winter was anything but the norm. The abundant snowfall, 189” in Syracuse, had visitor numbers up. The owner of Labrador Mountain commented that “If a ski resort in Central New York didn’t make money this past winter, then they are in the wrong business”.
Closing day Sunday brought out some crazy skiing at Greek Peak and Bristol. You can see from the pictures included with this story, skiers took not only to the snow, but also the water. Pond skimming events made for a happy ending with contestants wearing some wacky outfits. I’ve never done one of these contests myself. I think I will put it down on my bucket list as it looks fun.
It’s been a while since I’ve seen snow in my backyard, but even with today’s summery feel there is still snow on some of the local resort’s trails. So have we seen the last of skiing this winter/spring here in Central New York? With what has happened this winter, you just never know. According to Song Mountain, they will be closed for Monday through Friday and then reopen again this coming weekend, April 16th and 17th. I think they are out to prove something at that ski resort! If you travel a bit further, you can still get some runs in at Gore, Whiteface and Killington too for a while longer.
I’m personally deep into triathlon training for this summer already and also in the planning stages for a ski trip out west next winter. Until next ski season, happy trails!
