Snow Patrol

CO=corn snow; GR=granular; PO=powder; IC=icy condition; HP=hard-packed snow; W=wet; HB=hard base; SB=soft base; NS=new snow; BC=breakable crust; BS=bare spots: CL=trail or slope closed; DC=dangerous condition; UC=unbreakable crust.

NUMERALS REPRESENT INCHES OF SNOW

Most ski areas are still looking for more snow, although there are some exceptions. Spotty snowfalls blessed southern Vermont and New Hampshire. In the West, Reno and Alta are hip deep in powder but for most of the others, the season has already started

NEW ENGLAND: BIG BROMLEY, VT.: Earliest opening in history last weekend started the seasonal surge. 2 PO surface on 13-15 HP brought out record crowds with 2,600 skiers on the slopes last Sunday, and plenty of good snow for all. Only drawback—waiting time on lifts hit maximum of 25 minutes, unusual for this high-capacity area. Continued below-freezing daytime temps. Will maintain fine snow cover.

STOWE, VT.: Opening date set Dec. 18 but early birds worked out on Mt. Mansfield T-bar last weekend. 15 PO maximum at bottom, 24 on top. Conditions fair-good with best action so far on venerable Toll Road, Tyrol and Standard.

MAD RIVER GLEN, VT.: 5 NS on 25-30 old, good, but chair lift will not open until Dec. 18.

NORTH CONWAY, N.H.: Skimobile opened last Sunday. Good on upper part with 6 packed PO.

JIMINY PEAK, MASS.: 0-8 PO so far but 10 more inches are needed before T-bar will operate.

FRANCONIA, N.H.: 3 PO on 12-24, good-excellent. Everything open this weekend and daily operation begins Dec. 17.

NEW YORK: BELLEAYRE: Area put out no advance snow report but 2,000 skiers came last weekend anyhow. 0-6 packed PO and temps, down to 6 provided fair conditions which will become good with six more inches.