Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Monday, January 2, 2012
(PAOLI)(WAVE) - It’s the end of December and we’re about to ring in the new year with relatively warm temperatures.
While some people are loving it, some snow lovers are not. In fact, the lack of snow is having an impact on at least one Southern Indiana business; Paoli Peaks.
On the ground under the motionless chair lifts and almost everywhere else...something's missing at the Peaks.
"Snow!" David Kastan, spokesperson for Paoli Peaks, said with a laugh.
There isn't much of it on the ground. What they made earlier, Kastan said, has melted. Though large snow piles yet to be spread out still sit at the foot of the hills...it isn't enough to ski with. The peaks still haven't opened.
"It's been pretty frustrating. The biggest frustration is not seeing people out on the hill having a good time."
Kastan said after Thanksgiving, they were able to put some snow on the ground and opening day was supposed to be December 17th. But, as warm air came through, it all melted. Inside...at the independently owned Paoli Pro Shop?
"Business is way down compared to the last couple of years," Said Roger Sobotka, a Manager at the Paoli Pro Shop. "The last two years were great. This year started off slow. But we expect it to pick up once we get snow on the hill."
Conditions are so unfavorable at Paoli Peaks, they've had to bring out devices called omichrons and they shoot water into the air and create even more snow than the snow guns all over the property. This is the first time they've had to bring the omicrons out and use them in nearly 20 years.
"When we get a really late season like this, then we'll pull the omichrons out which will suck pressure out of the rest of the guns, but they can focus a lot of snow onto one area," said Kastan.
Though potential revenue from the holiday week has slid downhill, they are optimistic.
"Next week is looking very promising," Said Kastan. "There's a major cold front coming through on new year's day."
At the Peaks, they'll be watching the skies...waiting....and hoping.
Kastan said ideal temperatures for making snow of the best quality and quantity is with weather in the upper teens and very low humidity.
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