After years of unseasonably warm and dry weather, Central New York’s ski season is off to a strong start. Last season marked Syracuse’s first 100-inch winter since 2018-19. Syracuse recorded a seasonal snowfall total of 109.8 inches, which is slightly below its annual average of 110.5 inches.
This season’s conditions also look promising, with more than seven inches of snowfall on the ground in Syracuse. Higher-elevation ski resorts across New York have seen even greater accumulations, with sustained cold temperatures creating prime conditions for the holiday season.
Tuesday morning’s low temperature of eight degrees is well below the season average of 23 degrees for the night time. In addition, recent highs in the 20s are also under December’s average of 37 degrees.
These cold temperatures have led to perfect snowmaking conditions across the state, along with natural snow.
“Our business is so weather related, coming off a pretty good season last year,” said Jim Longo, a manager at The Ski Company in East Syracuse. All the forecasters back in August and September were expecting this to be a pretty good snow year this year. We’re benefiting from that. It’s been unbelievable.”
Longo is also the coach of the Colgate women’s alpine ski team which placed fifth nationally last year. Another strong start to this year has him and many others looking to pull out their skis from the garage. Longo reminisces on the last time the anticipation has been there for skiers and boarders.
“COVID years,” said Longo. “That was mainly because of COVID.”
The pandemic brought much-needed outdoor life and skiing or snowboarding became a huge part of that focus in the winter time, even if the snow totals were below average for that time period.
One ski area that Syracusans can’t rely on anymore is the Four Seasons Ski Center in Manlius. The year-round golf and ski facility closed its doors in mid-November.
“It was a great facility for what it was used for,” said Longo. “Great learning area for anybody, youngsters as well. I haven’t felt a pinch on that at all yet.”
Aside from a closure at Syracuse’s closest ski hill, the other main resorts south of Syracuse and in the Adirondacks are open.
“All the areas are open,” said Longo. “I’ve heard great reviews on Whiteface and Gore. Greek Peak opened up over Thanksgiving weekend. Everyone’s reporting really good conditions.”
As of Tuesday, Whiteface Mountain has seen 32 inches so far. Five of those came Thanksgiving weekend and 11 inches fell last week with three more on Sunday.
Gore Mountain has 15 inches total. Greek Peak has a base of 32 inches.
For those that haven’t hit the slopes in awhile or are thinking about learning for the first time, there’s no better time to make it happen.
“Mother nature’s helping,” said Longo. “It’d be a good year to get out there. Conditions at this point are going to be really good.
Song Mountain in Tully is reporting machine groomed and packed powder surface conditions. It recently opened, but will be closed Monday through Wednesday while the snow guns crank out the snow.
Song averages 125-175 inches of snow annually, benefiting from Central New York’s lake-effect snow. It reported 185.7 inches last season.
Labrador Mountain in Truxton is also experiencing the same reports and notices.
Syracuse and the surrounding ski areas are off to a promising start right in time for the holiday season.