Ski areas in New England, which in recent seasons have relied heavily on machine-made snow, are reporting the best early-season natural snowfall in years. Depths on mountain summits are being measured in feet-up to six feet at many areas-rather than the usual inches.
Even with hefty snowfalls, ski areas in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine are continuing to make snow as insurance against a possible warm spell before the February holidays and to have enough snow on the ground to guarantee the season into April.
Killington had 133 inches of snow by mid-January this year, according to a spokesman, Ken Beaulieu. And Sugarbush reported 24 to 60 inches of packed groomed snow on its trails for the same period.
The coldest days have kept some skiers away from many areas, but overall, resorts believe the snow will be good for business.
