Boarders, Businesses Hope For Snowy Season As Weather Changes
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - Snowboarders and businesses are optimistic for a snowy season. While the cold weather is coming, thousands were getting ready to hit the slopes at the Sacramento Ski and Snowboard Festival Sunday.
The wrapped up at Cal Expo Sunday.
Steven Hemphill with Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort is a little superstitious.
"I do a lot of praying for snow, I guess you could say," he said.
So what's in store this season?
"If you trust the Farmer's Almanac, it's supposed to be really cold and wet," said Ground Zero owner Seth Sternin.
It is good news following a couple of lackluster seasons.
"It can't be any worse than last year," said Sternin. "The year before that was pretty terrible."
But not all are as optimistic. So far the season seems to be off to a rocky start.
"Quite honestly, this time of year we like to see a lot more snow," said Jim McAlpine, Snowbomb.com.
But, it could be coming. The National Weather Service is forecasting a warmer storm to arrive in a few days.
"We want a colder one. It brings the snow levels down. Honestly, any storm helps because any storm, even if it's higher up, brings some snowpack," said McAlpine.
So when you see white, Ground Zero sees green.
Sternin's business sells snow gear, and he says sales slump when there's little snow.
"When snow isn't falling, they don't want to make the trip up there," he said.
Up the hill, Sierra-at-Tahoe says it's just a matter of time.
"We're confident winter is going to come and the switch is about to flip," said Hemphill.
"It's going to come; it always does," said McAlpine.
Skiers and boarders hope it's just sooner rather than later.
Here's a look at when resorts are planning to open:
- Boreal is officially open for the season.
- Heavenly, Kirkwood, Northstar-at-Tahoe and Mount Rose all are scheduled to open Nov. 22.
- Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley are shooting for a Nov. 27 opening.
- Diamond Peak plans to open Dec. 12.
- Sierra-at-Tahoe is still undecided.
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