Brian's 108 blog

The 2010/2011 ski and snowboard season is getting off to a slow start, forcing enthusiasts to wait even longer to get on the hill.  Many resorts had planned to open on the weekend of Nov. 20, but due to poor early season conditions, most will struggle to get off to a productive start.

“The low amounts of snowfall so far, is really making us nervous this year, “ said Northstar Official, Kristin Yantis. “ Our website shows us opening the weekend of Nov. 19, so were really relying on that big storm to come in for opening weekend.”

Fortunately for those with the early season itch, Boreal provides a quick run of man-made snow as early as mid October. A variety of rails, small jumps, and bunny runs are set up for riders to enjoy the only snow in Tahoe.

UNR SKI RESORT OPTIONS from Brian Boush on Vimeo.

“I live for Boreal’s pre season snow run,” said skier Kevin Steindorf, 18.  “ Every other mountain is closed but I can still get some early season jibs in at Boreal.”

Unfortunately late season snow is unbeneficial to not only the resorts but also the riders. Low snow predictions force resorts to boost up prices on season pass. Boreal’s usually cheap college pass now costs $159 as compared to its prior cost of $100.  Northstar’s has jumped from its prior year’s price of $229 up to $279.

CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF PRICE COMPARISONS

Boreal official Jon Slaughter claims that he has very high hopes for the season, as soon as the snow begins to fall, unfortunately he realizes that running a ski resort is expensive, prices must be raised to keep running the lifts.

“It’s unfortunate that we had to raise the price of season passes, and day passes this year,” said Slaughter. “But that’s what happens when the cost of running a ski resort keeps getting more expensive over time.”

By Dec. 1 2009, Reno alone had nearly six inches on the ground, as compared to this year’s light dusting of not even an inch it received on Nov. 21 2010. Resorts have trouble opening, and getting things going with this low of snowfall this late in the season. This forces lift operations to go up in cost.

These prices along with the expensive costs of gas are making it harder and harder for students to afford skiing.

“I’m pretty bummed how expensive it is for me to afford to ski now a days,” said Ryan Hackbarth, 19. “ Tickets and gas are destroying my wallet, but not even high prices can keep me from shredding.”

Many students are beginning to anticipate the raise in prices, and begin saving for a season pass early.

“I knew the pass price would get raised this year,” said Jake Garrett,22. ” I knew that last year we got lucky and it snowed a lot, and much earlier, so almost all resorts were running by this time, and had a huge amount of snow.”

Although this year’s season is planned to be slightly later than usual, each resort has a great deal of events, and additions to offer their customers.

CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF EVENTS