Snow Report: How Open Are Ski Areas in New England?

Ski The Least by Garrett Quinn

As February turns to March, the noise of how miserable this winter has been grows louder. News outlets all over New England are starting to notice that the region’s ski areas are in terrible rut because of the lack of snow and cold weather. It’s unprecedented for so many resorts to still be making snow at this stage in the winter, but here we are. So what’s open?

How Open Are Mountains In New England?

Believe it or not, some mountains have a base of less than a foot in many places because of the crazy weather this season. A combination of unsteady cold temperatures, occasional rain storms, and heavy use by skiers has eroded the base level of snow at most ski areas around the region. At some ski areas, particularly along the lift lines, you can see grass in many places. Oh, and forget about skiing any glades, because that is definitely not happening unless a major storm hits a ski area and covers the woods with fresh powder. Only one mountain among the the largest resorts in New England is 100 percent open: Jay Peak.

With the exception of Waterville Valley, currently operating at 96 percent open, most ski areas in New England are in the 80 percent open or less range. Some of the largest areas are really struggling to keep trails open. Killington in Vermont is only 45 percent open, while Sugarloaf and Cannon are operating at roughly half of their full capacity. Will things get better? Possibly. A major snowstorm could dump a pile of snow on northern New England anytime between now and April, but given the pattern this winter, it would probably disappear in less than a week.

Ski The East Goes North

The boys from Ski The East trekked to a place where it has actually been cold this winter: Quebec. Ski The East traveled to Le Relais, a smaller mountain with a renowned terrain park just outside Quebec City. There they cut a fun three minute edit of Simon Lachaine, Jacob Bélanger, Frederic Lavoie, and others ripping it up on the slopes. Watch below:

Bretton Woods Nordic Marathon 

Next weekend is the annual Nordic Marathon at Bretton Woods. The race runs on the classic 42-kilometer course that was home to the 1982 U.S. National Championships. It’s just $95 to enter, but you better hurry because the first 100 entrants in the race receive a free pair of Darn Tough socks. If a marathon is too much for you, sign up for the half-marathon for the same price. The entire event is capped at 400 entrants.

Boston Ski and Sports Club Party

Drink away the miserable ski season at the next Boston Ski and Sports Club BrewSki Party this Thursday at Batter Park Bar & Lounge in Downtown Boston. Entrants can win a pair of Patriots-themed skis from Bud Light, a free lift tickets and day trips, and more. Tickets are just $5. Doors open at 7 p.m.