Snowless winter good for gov’t but not skiing

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

Ohio’s relative lack of snow so far this season has been a boon to state and local government agencies that are saving money on road salt and work crews, but the state’s ski resorts are hurting.

The Ohio Department of Transportation says it has used 20,000 tons of road salt in the final months of this year, just a fraction of the amount needed during the same period in 2010.

Across the state, most areas have seen a very mild winter so far, with little or no measurable snow. That saves governments money not only on salt but on overtime for workers and vehicle expenses.

Meanwhile, The Plain Dealer reports that some ski resorts in northern Ohio have had to stay closed, while others have struggled to make snow in the warm temperatures.

“Mother Nature hasn’t been on our side,” said Heidi Flynn, marketing manager at Clear Fork Resort near Mansfield. That resort and Alpine Valley have been closed because of the snow shortage. Boston Mills in Summit County has been open — although with half or fewer of its slopes in use. Sister resort Brandywine also opened some of its trails Friday.

“We’re doing the best we can with what we’ve got,” said Steve Mackle, marketing manager at Boston Mills and Brandywine.

He said the resorts could get by without natural snow, but not with the temperatures that have often been above the 28 degrees or below level that is needed to make snow.

Resorts are expecting better conditions for skiing in early January.

“We know we’re going to get cold and snow,” Mackle said. “We know it’s going to happen. It’s just a matter of when.”

That’s the same outlook among local government officials around the state. They’ve enjoyed an end-of-the-year budget boost but aren’t counting on it continuing.

“Typically, the November-December cycle isn’t too bad for us; it’s the second week of January and into February and March that is the worst,” said Paul Huelskamp, Miami County engineer in southwest Ohio.

Fred Stovall, Dayton Public Works director, told the Dayton Daily News that after spending $300,000 last December on snow removal, the city hasn’t used any salt this December.

“It’s been a good December, and we’ve saved money and resources, but it could all go to pot in January or February,” he said. “To say we’ve saved money for the season, it’s too early to say that.”