Bogus Basin Recreation Area received about three inches of snow today, giving skiers in the Treasure Valley something to talk about.
The National Weather Service predicts the ski area could get as much as 15 inches by Thursday morning.
But no need to rush to get your skis or snowboard waxed just yet. According to General Manager Alan Moore, at least 16 inches of packable snow and the promise of continued cold weather are needed to prompt an early opening. He says that right now Bogus does not have the capacity to stay open, with seasonal hiring still in the works.
Moore says that last year’s disappointing snowfall may have caused some people to hesitate in buying ski passes for this season. But he’s hopeful that today’s snow will translate into excitement – and sales – for Bogus Basin.
“This snowfall and the apparent demise of the El Nino discussion seem to help us, and bode well for a more traditional or reasonable opening,” says Moore.
According to hydrologist Ron Abramovich, the Northwest could see a more typical winter after last year’s extremely dry season. Bogus usually opens between Thanksgiving and the first week of December.
Copyright 2012 Boise State Public Radio