Resorts stay open and make snow in the East

Old man winter has presented challenges for many resorts this year especially certain parts of the country. Despite record warm temperatures last week that wrecked end of season schedules at most resorts some are putting up a good fight to prolong the season by making snow, extending their seasons, or offering free skiing and riding.

As most Eastern ski resorts are closing for the season in the wake of recent record warmth word is Sunday River, Sugarloaf, and Loon Mountain (run Michigan-based Boyne Resorts) are now making more snow to carry the season into April. Saddleback, Maine, is doing the same. As temperatures fell into the 20s these resorts turned on the guns as if it were December.

Saddleback is making snow on five trails, and is running lift tickets priced at $39 today. Passholders from other areas pay $29 if they bring their passes. And on Maine Day, Apr. 1, tickets are $29.

Waterville Valley, N.H., didn’t turn on the guns again, but it is offering free skiing and riding Mar. 26-Apr. 1 on the snow it already has. They have managed snow to ensure skiing and riding till the end barring more rain and extreme warm.

Vail Resorts' California resorts Heavenly and Kirkwood, in theLake Tahoe area, will extending their respective winter seasons with the recent big late-season storms. Heavenly was to close April 15. Now the resort will close during the weekdays, and re-open Friday through Sunday Apr. 20-22 and 27–29, weather and conditions permitting. Kirkwood will follow the same three-day weekend-only schedule, and operate for as long as conditions permit.