Ski Festival Cancelled - NO SNOW.

[2naSalit]

This is the First Tracks Ski Festival that is an important event for the ski sports world as well as a boost for the economy of the tiny town of West Yellowstone, MT that sits right outside the West Gate of YNP.

I have served as a volunteer for these events in years past. The worst part is that no snow at that elevation means the drought is pretty bad. It's going to be in the 50s through today and then a small burst of fall - like weather is approaching but by weeks' end, it will be really warm again. Snow pack will need to include serious blizzards over the winter or there will be water problems in the west that will overshadow everything.

I heard about this on YPR but they haven't posted the sound file or text yet so I checked the event page. From the events site:

http://www.skirunbikemt.com/yellowstone-ski-festival.html

IMPORTANT UPDATE
2021 Yellowstone Ski Festival
In 32 years our committee has never had to make this difficult decision. Due to current conditions and without significant snow in the forecast we are unable to groom. With much regret the Yellowstone Ski Festival Committee must cancel all events at this time.
We hope you all enjoy a safe, healthy and happy Thanksgiving and we look forward to seeing you at this event in the future.

FIS RACE CANCELED
CLINICS CANCELED An email will be sent with refund options for all of these categories.
PRESEASON PASSES

[mahatmakanejeeves]

1. West Yellowstone -- been there. NT

[2naSalit]

2. When there's snow...

There is world class skiing, cross country, the best in North America. No snow at 7,000ft at this time of year is a bad sign. Lived there for several years and seen big snow winters and little snow winters, big snow winters are best low snow winters are hard on the ecosystem. I'm passing through there later today, went through last week and the most snow they've had so far is about 4" of wet stuff that melted after the sun got on it.

The event includes time trials for World Cup and Olympics stats so it's a big deal if there isn't snow there. For years it has been the reliable early snow event but it's been having less snow every year for some time, why it's called First tracks. It's a major indicator of climate change for those of us in the northern Rockies.

[mountain grammy]

3. We're at 8500 feet, dry..and warm

Winter Park has managed to open a few runs but the only snow I'm seeing from my windows is on the mountain tops and that's pretty skimpy. gonna be 50 today. Wow.