A Great Season at Whiteface

Now that spring seems to have arrived, it is safe to say that this will be one of the best of my dozen years skiing Whiteface.

Going into the season it seemed like management had planned to open the summit as early as possible. As in recent years, the peak of the mountain was in play right away with Paron’s Run open from the top. This was several years in the making with snowmaking upgrades that were promised and now delivered.

Sure, there will always be mechanical issues at a ski area, but this year seemed different.

There was no gondola chatter about, “where are the snow guns.” Instead, I heard oohs and ahhs about the size of snowmaking whales. For a week or so, there were massive mounds on Lower Northway which I had never seen. Part of the plan included the use of SnoMax, an additive that allows manmade snow to freeze at a higher temperature.

With a seven day snowmaking window in early December, Whiteface jumped on it, firing up the pipes on the Wilmington Trail. Lookout was open on December 24th, its earliest opening since its inception in 2008.

Kudos are also due to those in the Pisten Bullys. The grooming this year has been above par, with trails like Lower Skyward, Upper Northway and Mackenzie seeing more than their usual share of love.

All is for naught unless temperatures are favorable. The weather cooperated really well this year, with temperatures remaining below freezing from just after Christmas to the end of February. This alone is an anomaly as I can still hear my late grandfather talking about the “January thaw.”

A great ski season can also be measured by the percentage of open terrain, including glades. Until snow can be made between the trees, we are 100% reliant on the frozen crystals from the skies. Tree skiers have enjoyed a prolific season as the woods have been regularly in play.

A third element Whiteface is know for is wind. If the breeze doesn’t cooperate when it’s cold enough to make snow, the effort to produce a skiable surface becomes more daunting. This season, I’d say that the wind cooperated, allowing those giant whales to form. Hallelujah!

Finally, I challenge anyone not to smile when the fireside crowd asks, “how was your day at the mountain?” and you reply by saying “we skied the Slides.” This year they have been open multiple days in both February and March.

Of course past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. However, the results, leads one to hope. Most exciting, listening to the chatter, I’m optimistic that this is the year we’re going to replace the Little Whiteface Chair.