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Canada Rejoices, California Says "Why Us?"

By J.D. O'Connor
February 05, 2007

Early snowfall and unerringly steady conditions have combined to make the Canadian ski industry happy this year as visitation spikes and conditions hold steady. It's a different story in California, however, as one area has already run up the white flag and others wonder when - or if - their winter will come.

"It has been a nutty season," said Kimberly Krassner, a self-described "relentless" snowboarder and frequent visitor to California's Sierra Nevada. "I've been up three times and it was thin every time. I'm hoping things turn around pretty soon or it'll be a write-off."

And while resorts in British Columbia say visitation spiked in record territory during the Christmas and New Year's holiday periods, June Mountain in Southern California threw in the towel and closed, citing "insufficient snowfall." Things aren't much better in Northern California.

"It's not good, not good at all," hydrologist Dan Greenlee said. "It's a pretty sad situation right now."

So sad that California's ski events are quietly being pushed back, scientists carefully monitor the snowpack, and resort owners do what they can, making snow and talking about a "Miracle March." Hydrologists found just 2.5 feet of snow at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe resort last week, compared to the roughly 15 feet they found there this time last year.

Areas in British Columbia and Alberta have no such problem, it seems, attributing a 12 percent jump in visitation over this time last year to ski tourists - largely from Great Britain and Australia but also from snow-denied states in the Western U.S.

There's a new storm brewing and expected to land mid-week. If you're running a mountain in the Sierra, perhaps you'll drop us a line and give us an idea of how things look on your mountain.

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Comments

Well, it shows again that although we call ourselves skiers, we might as well call ourselves farmers in terms of reliance on weather. I think it's crucial for those places that HAVE had good snow - British Columbia, of course, as mentioned - that serious marketing efforts take place next season in Europe, the East, and in California (which I knew was having a subpar year, but this sounds pretty dismal). The real challenge for all of us is to 'keep the stoke going' amongst the more casual skiers and riders, some of whom might be tempeted to say, 'hell with it, i'm giving up skiing.' a succession of poor winters in key areas could have a serious effect on participation, and nobody wins in that scenario. certainly at big white, the aussies and brits are thrilled by the conditions; but you have to know how australian resorts struggle on a yearly basis. that market certainly gets my vote as the most dedicated and die-hard group of skiers in the world.

Posted by: Steven Threndyle | February 5, 2007 09:41 AM