BOSTON TWP.: While some grumbled about the light snow that began dusting Northeast Ohio this weekend, avid skiers and snowboarders were eager to take advantage of the first substantial snowfall of the season.
People hit the slopes on Monday at Boston Mills Ski Resort, where one ski lift and one hill were open from 4 to 9:30 p.m. for only the second time this season.
Ricky McMullen, the product manager at Boston Mills, Brandywine and Alpine Valley, said the colder temperatures this week combined with the snow gave the resort a base to finally open.
“It’s exciting to be open, and I can’t wait to get on the snow myself,” McMullen said. “Our guests are happy to see their investment come to fruition, and all the staff here are happy to get to work because a lot of them like to ski.”
Alpine Valley in Chesterland was open to skiers Monday as well. Boston Mills was only able to open one other time this season, Dec. 20, when the temperatures were cold enough to temporarily produce an adequate amount of snow.
Since then, temperatures were back on the rise, making hills more soggy than snowy.
Last month, the Akron-Canton area received 0.2 inches of snow, falling 10 inches short of the average amount of snowfall for December.
The area saw an average temperature of 43.7 degrees in December, breaking the previous record of 41.1 degrees set in 1889.
However, as temperatures continue to creep into freezing territory the rest of this week, McMullen anticipates being able to open up more hills at Boston Mills as well as at Brandywine in Sagamore Hills Township within the next few days.
“Tonight’s going to be really chilly, so we’re going to be able to make a lot of snow,” McMullen said on Monday.
So far, the average temperature this month falls at a cool 29.2 degrees.
Though the region has been experiencing unusually warm weather this season, the ski resorts haven’t had a problem opening up a little later.
Last year, Boston Mills wasn’t open until New Year’s Day, and skiers were welcomed until April.
“The late opening doesn’t hurt us,” McMullen said. “We’ll push as hard as we can to stay open until later in the season.”
Many eager snowboarders and skiers flocked to the resort as soon as it opened, sprinkling the white hill with brightly colored coats.
“It’s fun being able to get out of the house and enjoy the weather,” Alyssa Hodnick, 14, of Hudson said.
“I like being able to feel the snow in my face,” added Hailey Payne, 15, of Hudson.
Cannon-like machines spewed snow in every direction, producing more to last the rest of the week as families and friends enjoyed the chilly weather.
“It was great skiing, except for the snow cannons blasting our faces,” said Malissa Cole of Boston Heights with a laugh. “We’ve been watching the snow report all week.”
The family previously lived in the cooler climate in Alaska.
“I’ve skied a lot of times in Alaska, but I like it in Ohio,” added her 5-year-old son, Nash.
Theresa Cottom can be reached at 330-996-3216 or tcottom@thebeaconjournal.com.