The Johnstown area got a nice surprise with some light snow earlier this fall. That along with a forecast for above average snowfall for the Alleghenies this winter had skiers and boarders alike cheering after last year’s lower than average snow totals. But it seems that we are still waiting for the snow to come.
Two local resorts opened on November 30 for the weekend after a nice cold period provided some great snow making weather. However, since that time the temperatures have been mostly in the forties in the daytime and night-time lows have only been getting into the upper twenties or low thirties. And the question is when will the winter that we are waiting for finally arrive?
This week, heading into the weekend before Christmas, the weather does not seem like it is willing to accommodate us. Temperatures are being forecast to be around forty degrees Tuesday and Wednesday and closer to the mid-forties on Thursday. Overnight lows throughout the period are expected to be at or slightly above freezing. Rain and rain showers are expected to continue Tuesday and Tuesday night, possibly mixing with a little snow. The sun will return on Wednesday with rain returning on Thursday.
But do not fret as good snow making weather should return before the weekend. Thursday night the rain is expected to turn to snow showers. Snow showers should continue through Friday night tapering off on Saturday. Temperatures should be better also. The overnight lows should be in the upper twenties on Thursday and dropping into the lower twenties for the weekend into Christmas Eve. This accompanied by daytime highs throughout the weekend reaching into the lower thirties. This should provide great snow making weather just in time for a big holiday season.
The resorts are handling the conditions differently. They are all taking advantage of snow making weather when it comes. Some, like Seven Springs are closing during the week and opening on the weekends. The resort is expecting to re-open on Friday.
Other resorts are remaining open this week. Hidden Valley has been opened each weekend since the beginning of December and announced their intentions to keep the slopes open this weekend. They will be operating daily this week through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Also remaining open this weekend is WISP Resort in McHenry, Maryland. WISP opened for the first time this past weekend and now WISP will be opened daily from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Both resorts are offering discounted prices for the week.
Two other resorts have held off opening for the season as of yet. Blue Knob was originally scheduled to open last weekend, but changed the opening date until this Friday, December 21. Mystic Mountain at Nemacolin Woodlands is planning on opening on Monday, December 24 just in time for Christmas Eve. The two new resorts in my reports, Tussey Mountain near Boalsburg and Whitetail near Mercersburg, have yet to announce an opening date.
So my advice to snow sports enthusiasts in the Johnstown area is be patient. It looks like some great weather is coming just in time for the holidays.
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