CHEWELAH, Wash.- This winter’s dry spell has posed challenges for local ski resorts, but recent snowfall offers some hope.
Rick Brown, head of skier and rider experience at 49 Degrees North, shared his insights on the situation.
“It was a little bit of a late start for most of the local ski areas, and most of the West Coast has not gotten a lot of snow up until this point, but now we are starting to see those storms roll in,” said Brown.
The lack of snow early in the season affected business, particularly during the usually busy holiday period.
“If you have a late start there’s a little bit of lower enthusiasm in the community. Especially when you don’t get open until late in the holiday season. It’s also a really busy time of year for us typically. So that’s business that’s really hard to makeup,” said Brown.
Despite the slow start, Brown and many others are optimistic now that the slopes are seeing significant snowfall.
“We’re not just talking inches, but a foot plus, and it’s just going to keep getting better and better,” said Brown.
Currently, 49 Degrees North has just over 2 feet of snow, compared to the usual 6 feet. However, Brown remains hopeful.
“We’ve been telling people all winter long, winter’s not over. It’s going to be late, but it’s coming, and it’s going to be really good. And it’s happening,” said Brown.
Brown anticipates that guests will enjoy the slopes well into April, despite the delayed start to the season.
