According to their web page Canaan has moved opening day from 12/1 to 12/8.

Clay

I know that there are a myriad of forcasts out there and that you can find one that will say what you want it to. But here is an east coast skier friendly forecast from Accuweather.

From the press release:
"Range Forecaster Joe Bastardi believes that the current El Niño pattern will be one of the factors that determines the nature of the coming winter, but that the government's weather service is overplaying its effects. Unlike the National Weather Service forecast, Bastardi does not see this winter being warmer than normal across the vast majority of the country. Overall, the AccuWeather.com Winter 2006-2007 Forecast calls for a cooler-than-normal winter along the East Coast and eastern Gulf Coast, and a warmer-than-normal winter from the western Great Lakes to the Pacific Northwest."

You can read the whole thing learn about the Madden-Julian Oscillation , but basically, he is saying that he expects it to be 1 degree colder than average and (hang on to your hats) 150% of normal precipitation for those who ski in NC, VA and WV and 125% for those who ski in MD and southern PA. Check out the two map sidebars for predictions for your favorite mountain.

The whole forecast is here.

The press release is here.

Clay

Wisp's "On Snow" instructor training was scheduled for this weekend...Something tells me that there is going to be a change of plans.

I don't know about you guys but I rarely every make any serious skiing plans on the east coast (short of a day trip or two) before January. Honestly I think the seasons are shifting a little bit. How many times has WV gotten a dump of snow in early april. I think for the last few years. I know Timberline could stay open until mid-late april if they wanted to. Perhaps it's time for the Mid-atlantic to adjust their ski seasons. I'd love to see them build some monster bases during the cold times and stay open til may.

I think a lot of the problem isn't the lack of snow. I've seen Snowshoe close with awesome coverage. The problem is that when it starts getting warm they folks that there may still be snow on the mountain put their skis away and go do other things. The mountains can't stay open if no one visits so they have to close down. Until you can realign peoples perception the season length can't change regardless of coverage

accuweather 10 day forecast says starting late Friday, Dec 1 that night temps in mchenry, md will be in 20s or teens all the way thru weekend of Dec 9/10. might want to go to Wisp birthday bash on 10th. will be interesting to see how they prograss from nothing til then!?!

If that forecast is accurate, 7 Springs and Wisp should be able to crank out a whole bunch of snow over the course of 7 or 8 nights.

I'm usually trying to jump the gun and make a forecast, but I don't see the right kind of weather to get "that feeling" yet. If we can get 24 hours of snowmaking in monday 12/4 and an average of 6 hours a night after that, a 12/9 opening is barely possible. RoundTop may have the extra degree or two difference to make it. Whitetail and Liberty look to be under 50% chance to me. After 12/9, it's still a guess if the cold dome hangs around or more warm weather returns. Right now, my gut is telling my 12/22 is more likely, but I'm not at the point where I'd bet money. I'm just hoping they blow piles until the ground freezes and they have enough forecast cold to open for sure.

Almost everything west of the Allegheny Front will be able to open by the 8th--Wisp, Timberline, Snowshoe, 7 Springs, and maybe CV. The best bet for next weekend will 7 Springs. Historically, it usually is "firstest with the mostest" once it decides to make snow in earnest.

East of the line resorts will have a tougher time.

Another thing... December weekends before Christmas typically are not crowded because people have too many committments during this period to ski--parties, shopping, school events. At the Springs, Sunday is often light because in Pittsburgh, football is more important than skiing.

I like the optimism, but I think very limited will better describe the weekend of the 8th. Temps are still near 60 in CV, Garrett Cty, and Somerset. Next week will see some colder weather, but not the consistent, deep dry cold needed to really get things cranking. I stick with the original dates forecast at the top of the thread, with Wisp having only the front side (no east ridge or northcamp) open, 7 Springs having front side with maybe one backside run, TL one run from the top at best, and Snowshoe with 1/3 the basin next weekend. Everywhere else will be still be hoping for weather that allows them to open by Christmas week.

Let's hope I'm wrong, but there sure doesn't seem to be any real cold shots on the horizon

'They' will open SOON!

I agree with johnfmh... traditionally we start our season with a 4 day weekend between Demo Days and Christmas at Snowshoe. The rates are low. The crowds are manageable as long as you stay away from Ballhooter and Cupp mid-morning. The weather is hit or miss; we have been there for rain and 60 mph winds and last year for a bootiful 2 day dump.

That weekend before Xmas can be some of the best skiing around the MidA. My advice is; TiVo the game and go ski!

i really do think that roundtop will be opening on the 9th. cold temperatures at night are forcasted throughout the week. you'd be amazed what roundtop can do in a short time.

The guns just came on at the Springs.

yep t-line and wisp have re-begun also

Me and my big mouth. Now I see Whitetail plans to open later this week and the forecast has changed to lows in the low to mid 20s. Now this I don't mind being a stupid dork for. Now if the website would only get back up so we can watch the progress on the web cams. If this forecast holds, there will be no problem getting angel drop open by Saturday.