Ski Resorts Open In Southwest USA
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Posted by Donna Dailey Nov 26, 2007 |
There are two kinds of people who sit down to Thanksgiving dinner: those who are hoping that winter storms hold off just a little bit longer, and those who can't wait to get through their turkey and cranberries and head off to the ski slopes. So the early winter snowfalls across the USA this past week were met with mixed feelings.
Nowhere is this more true than the Southwest. But there's much more riding on a good base of early snow than happy skiers decked out in their latest downhill gear. The economy of hundreds of mountain towns, resorts and surrounding communities, and the livelihood of thousands of people who work in the ski industry, depend on it. No doubt they felt truly thankful that the 2007-08 winter ski season is off to a great start.
Hearing the enthusiastic reports of early winter snowfall takes me back to one of my first jobs at Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Colorado. When I was hired in late November, the slopes were bare and everyone from shop owners to mountain crew wore long faces as they hauled out the snow-making machines.
But the day I moved to town, shortly before Christmas, it began to snow and didn't stop for two weeks. For the rest of the winter, one false step off the narrow shoveled path outside my door plunged me hip-deep in snow. So although it will be awhile yet until I hit the slopes this year, I can feel the excitement in ski resorts across the Southwest USA as the new season kicks off.
For daily updates on openings, snow and weather conditions at ski areas across the Southwest, check out the Snow Reports for individual states:
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