After 15 years working in the Ski Industry, I've become what we refer to as a snow farmer; one who's livelyhood depends on a good crop of skiable snow. It's always been a matter of income for me, not a matter of life and death. The last few years, since purchasing the property with Dad, Mom, Katie & Steve, I've been watching the snowpack for different reasons. Our property has seen a good number of insect infestations that have decimated a large population of our evergreen species native to the area. The region is heavily forested, and at 9,000 feet, water is at a premium. The more trees there are, the less water they each get and thus the cycle goes as nature thins out the drought stricken trees.
For some time I figured this year to be a loss. For the ski business, its been our worst December and January in 32 years. Until the last 3 days the property hasn't done too well either. As of today, the snow water equivalent has reached what is considered average for this time of year. Though we still have months to go, it gives me hope that the remaining trees, as well as the ones we've planted might just survive another year.
-Kev
