Early Snow Has Sierra Businesses Hopeful
EMIGRANT GAP (CBS13) -- The white early November snow might as well be gold for people in the higher elevations -- it means business is coming.
It sure is a sight to see -- snow-covered trees still holding on to their yellow autumn leaves. Snow has fallen, but it's still fall, which means the Sierra could have an early start to the ski season.
"It's gonna help our business out a lot," Shawn Newman of Soda Springs said on Friday.
Ted Lurch was the only person eating lunch at the Summit restaurant in Soda Springs on Friday when CBS13 was there, but he says soon, every chair will be filled.
"It's good for the resorts," Lurch said of the early snow. "Obviously they want to get the place going. It's a seasonal area, that's what they depend on."
But for travelers, the snow can also cause headaches. There were some accidents and spinouts on Highway 80 on Friday as big semi trucks and passenger cars dealt with elements. Several motorists were unprepared for the snow, traveling without chains.
Still, despite the tricky road, Thursday's snowfall combined with this weekend's forecast of more flurries means a lot for people whose livelihoods depend on snow.
"It gets people excited for snowboarding and skiing," said Cheryl Paduano at the Soda Springs General Store. "We sold a lot of chili today, so it got really cold out."
Thursday's storm had Sugar Bowl's John Monson hopeful for an early opening.
"In the Sierra Thanksgiving is sometimes a bonus," he said of the start to the ski season. "You know you're going to be skiing in early December, but if you can get Thanksgiving , it's a big boost for all the resorts. Not just us, but for the bars, hotels, restaurants."
While it does feel early for some to see this much snow, longtime residents say it's right on time.
"I've seen 18 inches of snow on Labor Day weekend around here," Lurch said. "That's two months ago."
Boreal already opened its season Friday. Two other popular Tahoe resorts with snowmaking operations, Heavenly and Northstar, issued a press release saying they plan to open Nov. 18.
"This first storm system has not only helped our efforts with the addition of natural snowfall, but the cold temperatures it has brought with it will allow us to continue our snowmaking efforts in the coming days," said Bill Rock, vice president and chief operating officer of Northstar. "We're looking forward to welcoming our guests back for another incredible winter season."
