A week of mild temperatures has silenced snow guns at area resorts and reduced base depth, and relief may not be in sight for at least another week. Highs for the next 7 days will remain in the 50’s and 60’s, with lows staying above freezing. Local ski resorts were able to build up healthy bases during an extended stretch of cold temperatures in late January and early February, but the continued warm temperatures will result in spring-like snow conditions, some bare spots, and trail closings.

This past Friday, temperatures climbed as high as the low 80’s, but amazingly, many local resorts remain in fair shape. For example, Pennsylvania’s Ski Liberty is reporting a base depth of 21-34 inches and still has 100% terrain open. Grooming is helping to reduce bare spots. Nearby Whitetail Ski Resort has closed several trails over the past couple days, but is reporting a base depth of 16-24 inches on open terrain.

In West Virginia, Snowshoe Mountain Resort’s high elevation has helped to combat the warm temperatures. Base depth is 24-96 inches with groomed, loose granular conditions. 55 trails are open. Rain on Sunday is expected to change over to snow as a cold front enters the area, with a possible accumulation of several inches.

Although the balmy temperatures may seem like spring, winter is not over yet and local resorts intend to resume snowmaking whenever temperatures permit. In the meantime, leave the longjohns at home and enjoy some spring skiing.