Two years in a row now the spring warm up has ended the ski season with a sudden end to the snow. The anticipated melt and freeze conditions conducive to skate skiing on the wide open fields did not materialize. I heard it was not that great for maple sugaring in mid to late March because the temperatures failed to go below freezing much at night. The 10- 25 degree above normal temperatures melted the snowpack efficiently. So it was a quick end to skiing in most places, except in the southwestern parts of the state and pockets in the northeastern parts of the state, where record amounts of snow fell in February and March. Skiers in the northwestern part of the state had a slightly below average season as the storms seemed to bypass them and the lake effect machine did not pump the usual amount of snow into these counties in the late season. Overall though the ski season was very good if you were willing to travel to the snow. The snow started falling in mid-October and lasted through the end of March, although a warm November and early December and the January thaw, disrupted snow cover. Southern tier county skiers made out quite well and there were a lot of folks in the Philadelphia area who had more snow than most years. Now it is time to enjoy the off-season with your favorite stay in shape activities. Roller skiing is a good way to stay fit, along with running, bicycling, hiking, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. Whatever you do to stay in shape make it fun. It is also a good time to clean up your favorite trails. It was a great ski season and it is time to start preparing for next winter. Don't forget to clean the bases of your waxable skis and put on a layer of storage wax. It won't be long before the flakes start flying again. H.P.

Students enjoying a fine day for cross-country skiing at Black Moshannon State Park
March 2010