Business & Tech

Report: Future of Connecticut Skiing May be in Jeopardy

Canadian researchers tell the Hartford Courant that drops in temperature may make it impossible for ski areas to maintain profitability within the next 30 years.

Earlier this year, Connecticut skiiers received welcomed news when Middefield approved the sale of the abandoned Powder Ridge Ski Area to a park owner who wants to invest $2 million and restore downhill skiing.

But a report published in the Hartford Courant Sunday shows that investing in Connecticut ski areas might not be a wise decision. 

The newspaper reports that Canadian researchers say slight changes in temperature within the next few decades may make it impossible to have profitable ski seasons in New England states south of Vermont and New Hampshire.

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While that may be a long-term concern for Connecticut's few remaining ski areas, owners have more pressing concerns: they hope temperatures get cold soon.

The owners of Mohawk Mountain in Cornwall and Mount Southington hope to open on Dec. 15, while New Hartford's Ski Sundown states on its website that it hopes to open "as soon as possible."

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Woodbury Ski Area, which is usually among the first to open in New England, has been welcoming skiiers since the middle of October.

Where Can I Ski Locally? 

Here's a look at Connecticut ski areas, as well as some in Massachussetts and Vermont:

Connecticut

  • Mohawk Mountain - 13 trails and base depths of 12 to 36 inches
  • Mount Southington - nine trails and base depths of 18 to 29 inches
  • Ski Sundown - 15 trails and base depths of 24 to 45 inches
  • Woodbury Ski Area - six trails and base depths of 15 to 30 inches

Massachusetts

Vermont


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