December 24-25, 2016

SlopeEdge Chalet

As everyone remembers, last December was one of the worst in history - above-freezing temperatures and rain for most of the month prevented any sort of snowmaking, and this bad weather culminated on Christmas Eve, with highs close to +15. Fortunately, this is not the case this year, and ski hills are off to a great start due to good weather. Some very cold days have allowed for plenty of snowmaking, and natural snowfall improves the terrain and makes the scenery prettier, too. Overall, we're off to one of the best starts in recent history! 

If you're looking to ski in solitude, think about heading out the next few days, or waiting a week or so. The weather will be warm, and the slopes will be pretty empty due to Christmas. From personal experience, there are four very busy days at ski hills over the holidays: December 27, 28, 29, and 30. Before, people are busy with Christmas and shopping, and afterwards, people start thinking about New Year celebration, and then, school and work. The weather for these classic four days looks promising. A mess of ice pellets and freezing rain for Boxing Day Monday in the city looks worrisome, but hopefully outside of the city this precipitation will fall as snow. The following days are a bit far away, but expect seasonal temperatures, with perhaps some light snow on Thursday the 29th. 

Where should you ski? No ski hill would be a truly bad choice this season, but there are some things to consider. Distance you want to travel is certainly a factor - places like Le Massif de Charlevoix, Mont Sainte-Anne, and hills in New England are sure to please with plenty of natural snow, but are 2+ hours away, so a bit far for a day trip. Options closer to the city are more convenient, but may be busier with day trippers. Consider skiing at a smaller, less-known hill, since these places are often less busier than bigger more well-known places. The runs may be shorter, but conditions are often better and the lift lines shorter. 

Also, if you're looking to replace or add to your stock of ski equipment, Monday is Boxing Day, so you're sure to find a good deal. If you don't want to shop on Boxing Day, sales often continue throughout the week, and then in January deals continue as stores slowly begin to liquidate their winter stock (!). 

From the team here at SlopeEdge, Merry Christmas to all!