Saturday, December 3, 2011

Waiting It Out

2:18 PM | Posted by I Ride Nub's Park | | Edit Post
Today is December 3rd 2011 and Nub's Nob is officially waiting for better snowmaking temps before attempting to open any number of runs.
The race to be the first ski and snowboard area open in northern lower michigan is a highly publicized event. News papers, t.v stations and radio all talk about it. Winter sports enthusiasts hog bandwidth as they Facebook and blog about weather conditions and check resort webcams in anticipation of opening days. Snowmaking season can be a headache for GM's all over the nation, reading weather reports and and issuing statements to the press, regarding a potential opening date. Lucky for us, Nub's Nob GM Jim Bartlett has been at the wheel since 1987, and has been working in the ski industry for even longer.
We asked "JB" some questions regarding his decision to hold off on opening for the season, in order to allow better snowmaking temps, below are his answers!
1. Northern Michigan just experienced a pretty great Indian Summer, how has that affected snow making efforts at Nub's ?
While all of us have enjoyed the great fall weather here, we are behind in snowmaking hours so far this season. While it's painful to look out my window this morning and watch it raining, this is not a rare occurrence as we have experienced these late starts almost as often as the early openings over the years.

2. Is there a certain weather pattern in play for the 2011/2012 season (la nina, el nino)? And, how does that pattern impact the northern Michigan ski and snowboard season.
This year is forecast to be a mild la nina year which generally bodes well for the Midwest. Here is the latest prediction from the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center dated 11/10/11:
During November 2011-January 2012, there is an increased chance of above average temperatures across the south-central U.S. with the odds favoring below average temperatures over the north-central U.S. Also, above-average precipitation is favored across the northern tier of states, excluding New England, and drier-than-average conditions are more probable across the southern tier of the U.S.

So, if their prediction materializes, we should see a colder winter with above average precipitation once it gets going. We just need a little patience.

3. Nub's has been blowing snow as the weather allows, and temps have been pretty sporadic; what's it like trying to balance the need to get open vs. the need to have quality snow?
Quality is always first at Nub's. Given that the forecast called for rain all day with occasional periods of freezing rain (which is exactly what we've had since 7am this morning), not opening this weekend on a minimum base depth with unconsolidated snow was an easy call.

4. Well, thanks for sharing with us; Is there anything else you'd like to let the people know about the upcoming season at Nub's Nob?
Keep the faith - winter will show up and we're looking forward to making yours the best it can be!








1 comments:

themantis said...

Great info thanks for the updates.

December 3, 2011 at 7:56 PM

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

Blogger Template created with Artisteer.