Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 16, 1994 TAG: 9403160113
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The Massanutten resort in Rockingham County has already set a record for attendance, and the Wintergreen resort in Nelson County is having its best season in five years.
The spectacular 1993-94 ski season follows a successful winter in 1992-93.
Last season, Massanutten saw 125,000 skiers on its slopes, a record for the 20-year-old resort. Massanutten spokeswoman June Brinkman said 135,000 have paid to ski at the resort so far this winter, and the snow conditions are so good that the ski season has been extended to at least March 27.
"Christmas started off the season with a bang, and it just keeps going," Brinkman said.
The Homestead's 10 trails closed last weekend after a highly successful season, ski manager Sepp Kober said.
"We were up . . . about 25 percent over last year," Kober said. He declined to give precise figures.
"It was basically a very good season. A lot of snow."
Wintergreen should see more than 140,000 paid skiers by the time the season ends, spokesman Mark Glickman said. Last year, the resort attracted 124,000 skiers.
Wintergreen's ski season runs at least through March 20.
Glickman said cold mountain temperatures and snow-making machines are keeping the slopes in excellent condition. All 13 of Massanutten's ski trails and all 17 of Wintergreen's are open.
"There's a ton of snow up here," Glickman said. "It's been terrific. It's been the best season of the '90s."
The 1992-93 and 1993-94 winters have been a welcome relief to ski resorts that suffered through several marginal skiing years.
This year's winter storms have dropped 40 inches of snow on Wintergreen, Glickman said, and the cold weather has made it easier to add artificial snow.
by CNB