Winter is just around the corner, and New Hampshire’s premier ski areas are already taking steps to ensure a solid season despite forecasts of a strong El Niño that could bring warmer temperatures and less natural snow to the region.
El Niño outlook and local impact
The upcoming El Niño is expected to be one of the strongest on record, a pattern that typically shifts weather across New England toward milder, drier conditions. While the exact amount of snowfall remains uncertain, resort operators say the trend does not spell disaster for skiers and snowboarders.
Preparedness at Bretton Woods
“A model like a very strong El Niño represents a probability,” said Jace Wirth, general manager of Bretton Woods. “It doesn’t necessarily represent what skiers will see on the ground. Our teams prepare for changing conditions all throughout the summer and are ready for anything throughout the course of the winter.”
Wirth explained that snowmaking hinges on a precise balance of temperature and humidity, tracked through a metric known as the wet‑bulb temperature. “Generally with snowmaking we need colder, drier conditions,” he said. “It’s a complex operation that requires 24/7 coordination. Today and over the coming weeks, we’ll be poring over the weather. I’ll be checking the weather every five minutes to see when those windows open up.”
Even within a single mountain, micro‑weather can vary. Wirth noted that the base area may experience different conditions just a few hundred meters from the summit, underscoring the need for an experienced team that understands the resort’s unique climate pockets.
Loon Mountain adds capacity
Kevin Bell, vice president of marketing for Loon Mountain, highlighted recent investments in snowmaking infrastructure. “This year, we’ve actually made a lot of investments in our snowmaking facilities, so we are adding more snowmaking to our East Basin trails,” Bell said.
Snowmaking has been a cornerstone of Loon Mountain’s strategy for more than 25 years. “Our mantra is never stop snowmaking,” Bell added. “Even during the summer, in the fall, we are investing in the team and the infrastructure to make it bigger and faster.” With more than 400 snow guns at each mountain, both resorts feel confident they can supplement natural snowfall if needed.
Why snowmaking matters to families
For many New Hampshire families, a reliable ski season is a cornerstone of winter recreation and local tourism. “Thinking about all of the winters in my life, I’ve never not skied or snowboarded, and they’ve all been great seasons to me,” Bell said. “I don’t think that’s going to change for those skiers and snowboarders that just want to be outside during the winter.”
Both resorts stress that while natural snowfall is ideal, snowmaking provides a safety net that protects jobs, local businesses, and the winter experience that residents cherish.
Looking ahead
As the season approaches, resort staff will continue to monitor the wet‑bulb readings and adjust their snowmaking schedules accordingly. The combination of modern equipment, seasoned personnel, and a proactive mindset positions New Hampshire’s ski industry to deliver a memorable winter for families, even if the El Niño brings a milder climate.
Original reporting: WMUR (Hearst) – local news — read the source article.
