SAM Magazine - Vail, Co, January 5, 2007 - The worst on record? That's the question that eastern resort operators are asking themselves as warm temperatures continue to plague ski resorts across the region. With temperatures lingering in the 50's snowmakers are ripping out their hair as Mother Nature continues to stymie their efforts. The latest victim is Jiminy Peak, which has closed night skiing operations.

Jiminy isn't the only resort struggling. Whiteface was one of several resorts that had to abandon early season snowmaking operations last November, a move that forced the resort to push back the mountain's opening date, joining Stowe and Mont-Sainte-Anne, which also didn't hit their targeted openings.

While resort operators remain hopeful that the season can be salvaged, there's no doubt that the lack of snow is hitting the industry hard. And it's not just resorts that are suffering. Manufacturers have reported a lull in re-orders of ski equipment and apparel as shops in the region struggle to move inventory.

Meanwhile, what looked to be a disastrous year for European resorts has rebounded as snow is falling across the Alps. "The winter definitely did not get off to a good start with a very dry December," reports professional skier Andrea Binning, who is based out of Chamonix, France. "But it looks like it is all turning around. Chamonix it getting some really good snow right now, with a bigger system looking like it is moving in, so the conditions are improving each day."

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