New England Powder Shots

Burlington, VT, Mar. 8, 2001–Over the past two days the “Powder Shots” window on the SkiNet homepage has flashed 24 to 46 inches of new snow at ski areas giving bases between 55 and 120 inches. The latest winter storm to blow over New England this Monday and Tuesday quit Wednesday morning and left behind over three feet of powder at some ski areas.

So far March has brought large helpings of snow to New England, setting ski areas up for prime spring skiing conditions in the weeks ahead. Jay Peak takes the lead in Vermont reporting 46 inches of new snow with 12 other ski areas boasting at least 30 inches of the white stuff. Bolton Valley claims a base depth of between 110-120 inches, a sizable snow base for any U.S. ski area, especially one in the east.

New Hampshire also shared in the wealth of snow with 10 ski areas reporting at least 20 inches of new snow. Maine ski areas saw their fair share of the storm too but report more modest accumulations- around one foot. Not to be left out, 17 New York ski areas received over a foot of new snow with four areas hovering around the three-foot mark. Whiteface and Hunter Mountain claim bases up to 110-115 inches.

Ski Plattkill Mountain Resort, NY, normally only open on weekends, is open all week, due to the 30-36 inches of new snow, and offers discounted adult lift tickets at $20 through Friday.

Although the coastline of Massachusetts suffered water damage from wind-driven waves causing a state of emergency on Tuesday and Boston’s Logan International Airport to cancel all but 10 percent of its flights, ski areas welcomed the snow. Three ski areas reported over one foot of new snow and eight more claimed an average of two feet. Even the relatively southern state of Connecticut had four areas over the 12-inch mark on the snow stick.

Although the storm has abated and people have begun to dig themselves out and assess the coastal damage from this powerful winter storm, another snowstorm is forecast to roll over New England beginning Thursday.

So don’t put away your skis too soon, the best New England skiing of the winter may be coming just in time for spring breaks, long weekends, and calmer mid-week spring days.

For more information about the latest snow conditions check out the SnowFinder on SkiNet through the navigation menu or visit: http://weather.skinet.com/