The resort began making snow 10 days ago and opened its first trails Nov. 16, he said. The snow guns have been humming for about 160 hours, he said. Hope and a chill have hung in the air since the opening, he said. Forecasters he has consulted predict that average temperatures will be about 4 degrees lower than last year, Livingstone said. That would mean not only more snow, but also snow that stays on the ground instead of melting.
More natural snow means lower overhead.
The snow guns at a large resort can cost thousands of dollars a day to operate. Skiers on a beginners' trail at the Saddleback ski area in Rangeley on Friday gave manager Tom McAllister reason to be encouraged. The natural snow that has dusted mountains several times this year also helped. Lost Valley Ski Area in Auburn is projecting a December opening, said Cindy Liming, an instructor. People are coming in and picking up their season passes.