By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org
FRANCONIA – After a winter filled with natural snow and cold temperatures, ski areas across the state were going into preservation mode Monday as rain, warm temperatures and fog continued to eat away at the snow surface.
But they hope to be open in some cases for up to a month, weather permitting.
There were not too many groomers out Sunday night and into Monday and ski areas, which were staying open, were telling skiers and riders to prepare for limited corduroy going forward.
Some ski areas closed for the day, like Cannon Mountain, which saw tremendous crowds enjoying corn snow on Saturday on almost all the trails.
Tenney was closed Monday as was Black Mountain which hopes to reopen on the weekend.
In Lincoln, Monday Loon offered no grooming and Bretton Woods reported on its website it had reduced operations to preserve its snowpack.
Waterville Valley, which was offering $17 lift tickets for St. Patrick’s Day for those who dressed like a leprechaun, was open.
Many areas plan to be open for a few weeks or more and have weekend spring events scheduled – from pond skims to cardboard box rallies – after a tremendously strong winter in terms of snowpack and weather.
Ski area operators, who have usually had to deal with January thaws, had an opposite problem this year, which was a cold wind that sometimes kept skiers away and made lift operations problematic.
Some Nordic centers have posted the potential to reopen if the weather cooperates, including Jackson Ski Touring and Bretton Woods Nordic.
Easter is April 20 this year, later than usual and that will be the last projected day for Wildcat in Pinkham Notch which enjoys a higher elevation than most ski areas in the state and often is the last to close.
There are deals out there for the end of the season.
King Pine in East Madison is offering a buy-one adult lift ticket for a full day on Wednesdays and get one free through the rest of the month and $20 Tuesday Night, March 25 from 3:30-8 p.m.
It plans to hold its annual cardboard box derby – March 2 and Pond Skim – March 30.
King Pine Ski Area will remain open daily through Sunday, March 30, with lifts running until 4 p.m.
For those who enjoy backcountry skiing, a special event will be held April 5 at King Pine called Wild Corn. It includes uphill touring, live music, gear demos, contests, and corn skiing.
For more information on most ski areas in the state visit https://www.skinh.com/