By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org

HENNIKER – New Hampshire’s ski industry is having a banner winter thanks in large part to the amount of natural snowfall, cold temperatures and a lack so far of a mid winter thaw.

Getting a boost going into the upcoming month of February with its important school vacation week was the snow that continues to fall since Saturday, which has left on average a foot or more of light, dry powder snow.

At Pats Peak, General Manager Kris Blomback said this season is without complaints.

“Cold – great for snowmaking and quality of surface,  and now this little bit of icing on the cake,” he said.

The area reported 14-16 inches of new snow Monday and there were expectations of more snow as the day progressed.

Blomback said the Martin Luther King/Civil Rights long weekend was record setting and Christmas week was strong.

“About as good as it can be if you’re askin’,” he said. “Setting us up for a great week.”

As of 8 a.m. across the state Attitash in Bartlett was reporting 11 inches of new snow. Bretton Woods was tallying eight inches with 98 trails and glades open and 104 inches of snow so far this season.

Hitting the jackpot it seems were ski areas in the southern part of the state including McIntyre in Manchester with up to 20 inches at 9 a.m. and all trails open reporting powder conditions.

Crotched Mountain in Francestown reported 18 inches of snow at about 8 a.m. where ski patrols were dropping ropes and “unlocking new terrain” for skiers and riders to enjoy due to the natural bounty.

Waterville Valley reported 14 to 18 inches of snow falling across its terrain including its extensive Nordic center in the village.

Other Nordic areas that rely far more heavily on natural snow than alpine resorts were also enjoying lots of white with Jackson Ski Touring Foundation reporting a foot of new snow at 6:30 a.m. Monday and Gunstock Outdoor Center in Gilford called it 10 inches of new snow at 7:30 a.m.

Caroline Sweet, communications manager for Vail Resorts in New Hampshire which operates Mount Sunapee, Crotched, Attitash and Wildcat, said the new natural snow, combined with ongoing snowmaking, is accelerating terrain expansion.

“Attitash is now operating with 56 of 76 trails open—73 percent of the mountain,” she said. Attitash is in Bartlett.

“Vail Resorts’ other New Hampshire mountains are also enjoying exceptional conditions. Wildcat Mountain picked up nearly 15” with another 1–4” expected today, Mount Sunapee received 14”, and Crotched Mountain saw an impressive 18” of overnight snowfall.”

Kathy Bennett, a publicist for the Mount Washington Valley, said last Thursday she visited both Great Glen Trails at the base of Mount Washington and Wildcat, nearby.

“Wildcat has received a series of small storms of late, and conditions have been mostly packed powder…Great Glen Trails was running its Tuesday Meister Nordic ski race day, with skiers and families out snowshoeing and fat biking.”

Chris Ellms at Bretton Woods said by the time the storm wraps up, they will probably receive 16 inches for a storm total.

“Great season, got out of the gates early and had phenomenal snowmaking temps throughout December with only a one day blip of rain. As we sit here today we have virtually 100 percent of terrain open, visits up and revenue following suit. Great season for NH ski areas!”

While the weather has been colder than usual, that has helped retain snow. It is expected to remain cold this week with temperatures in the teens during the days this week and down into the single digits at night.