The Forum

Grumpy dad reflects on dwindling Mid-Atlantic snow and warmer, wetter winters, prompting debate over climate change, resort snowmaking, and whether skiers should head west.

Patf1engineer reports a kitchen fire at Hidden Valley, while subsequent posts cover the resort’s closure, guest refunds, the likely source, and spillover crowds at Seven Springs.

HVdad shares an old-school ski waxing video, prompting Crush to joke about the alarming appearance -- and possible intoxicating effects -- of liquid wax.

DCSki members compare MLK weekend strategies, with warnings about severe crowds at Seven Springs and advice on timing, alternate resorts, and conditions at Massanutten and Timberline.

Dafixison weighs Massanutten against Canaan Valley for a family’s MLK Day outing, with marzNC offering trail conditions, crowd expectations, and terrain-based advice favoring either resort.

Goodol seeks a private instructor to help her seven-year-old daughter improve carving, short turns, and challenging-trail skills, prompting recommendations for instructors at Massanutten and Liberty.

Grumpy dad worries about a disappointing Mid-Atlantic winter, prompting discussion of long-range forecasts, warmer regional conditions, elevation differences, snowmaking, and strategies for finding the best ski days.

DCSki members debate when resorts should stop expanding terrain during a difficult winter, weighing weather, snowmaking capacity, crowds, and the potential for conditions to improve later.

SeniorSki’s question about snowmaking costs prompts discussion of resort economics, labor, technology, renewable energy, and the race to open terrain early.

wgo seeks advice on airfare, lodging, transportation, and late-season conditions for an A-Basin trip, while members compare booking strategies, rental options, and alternate destinations before wgo reports back on the successful ski weekend.

neo_ny seeks the least-twisty route from Richmond to Snowshoe for a motion-sick child, with members comparing alternatives and offering gas, rental, and travel tips.

SeniorSki proposes unconventional ways for ski resorts to limit midwinter thaw damage, including reducing trail exposure and planting evergreen windbreaks, while acknowledging the challenges and costs involved.