Lack of Snow Melts Winter Fun

Here's my latest article for The Western Carolinian. It talks about how the lack of snow is affecting local businesses.

"Cullowhee's winter wonderland has been nonexistent this season due to unseasonably warm temperatures. While students may be bummed by the lack of cancelled classes as compared to the 2011 spring semester, local businesses also feel the heat of Mother Nature.
Ski resorts, like Sapphire Valley and Cataloochee, have experienced less business this season because few snow-loving sports fanatics want to ski or snowboard in 60 degree weather. Sapphire Valley, especially, has lost a substantial amount of business.

Steve Martel, director of amenities at Sapphire Valley Ski Resort, said revenue is less than half of what it was last year. This year, the facility has been open for only eight days.
"When you can't make snow, I guess the days of our ski hills being open are limited," he said. "You really can't compensate. It's like a golf tee time that got rained out… There's nothing you can do to change the weather."
While the majority if not all of the snow used at the resort is generated, the weather has been too warm to even create ice pellets that convert into snow for skiing. The pellets immediately melt.
"We never got to the point where we could cool down the ground," Martel said. "It's been too warm of a winter to do anything for skiing."
Cataloochee has experienced less of a hit, but Chris Bates, general manager, said that business is "ten percent off" compared to last year..."

Check out the rest of the story here!! 

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