The last thing skiers want to hear during COVID-19 shutdown: Snow on the way

Lifts across New England remain silent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Eric Wilbur Photo)

The bad news keeps piling up in a world of social distancing. 

All lift-served ski areas throughout New England have ceased operations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving skiers and riders in a melancholic spirit, particularly when it means missing out on a calendar of events that will never be. 

I was supposed to be on the way to Stowe this weekend to join up with a large group of friends and families. Bode Miller was supposed to host BodeFest at Cannon Mountain on Saturday. Spring Splash was set to take place at Bromley; Island Weekend at Sugarbush. 

Many a pond skim will have to wait for another year. There will be no Reggae Fest at Sugarloaf. Those precious days of sitting on an outside deck, soaking up the sun, and relaying the tales of a day filled with spring-time corn snow are gone, just like that, for a whole year. 

Then, there’s this: 

EURO Ensembles suggest a 50% of 6" or more of snow along the coastline Monday night into Tuesday.

What a hugely unpopular storm this would be…. pic.twitter.com/CWuSyHzdzf

— Keith Carson (@KeithCarson) March 19, 2020

Time to mention that your friendly meteorologists are watching the potential for a major snow storm in the Northeast early next week (Mon-Tues).

Uncertainty about coastal amounts (e.g. Philly – NYC – Boston) but interior New England 1-2 feet of snow. ❄️

"Euro" model: pic.twitter.com/qDZ3F14wXb

— Ryan Maue (@RyanMaue) March 20, 2020

I mean…

Even more frustrating are the suggested travel restrictions that should keep everybody at home. For those that live in communities that will possibly see up to two feet of snow and are up for earning your turns…well, enjoy. Also, be sure to check the guidelines being posted by various ski areas across the region. Many are prohibiting uphill travel due to the lack of ski patrol. Others, like Gunstock, are allowing hikers. 

The rest of us will have to live vicariously. 

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