Despite the snow that Wyoming received this week, the below average snow fall has caused at least one opening day delay for the state’s ski resorts. Grand Targhee Resort was supposed to begin its winter season November 18, but the mild weather and light snow has caused a delay in opening for the first time since 1999. Resort marketing and social media manager, Jennie White, said that she hopes they get more snow soon.
“We have a lot of events scheduled, from on mountain races, free ski events, to even some fat bike races. So, I’m really excited for the season to get going and to celebrate winter. I mean, that’s part of the reason why a lot of us live here, and why we play here. This is our backyard,” said White.
White said the resort only received 57 inches in October before the weather warmed up again, but predictions for snow on Monday point to a favorably heavy snowfall. She also mentioned that if enough snow does fall, it would only be a matter of days until the resort is finally able to open.
“You know, with the delayed opening, we can definitely make up some of that traction for the rest of the year,” said White. “All forecasts are predicting an above average winter, so we’re just hoping that those predictions are going to stand true and that we’re going to catch up throughout the season.”
Some resorts have been using snow guns to help distribute the little snow they do have. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is still scheduled to open on time for Thanksgiving Day, while others, including Grand Targhee, hope the new storm will allow them to open soon after.