MANSFIELD, Ohio — On a good day in the winter at Snow Trails in Mansfield, it's typical to see 74 snow guns making fresh powder for more than 20 trails.
This year, they started making snow in November and opened just last week.
However, after days of above-average temperatures, Snow Trails temporarily suspended operations on Wednesday.
“That's what we are seeing here where we just had to suspend operations because at our lift ramps, we have to have enough snow for people to slide onto the lifts for loading and unloading at the top of the slope as well,” explained Nate Wolleson, marketing manager at Snow Trails. “It's unfortunate right now."
Unfortunate timing, especially amid winter break vacation week for many Ohio families.
"It's frustrating for everyone," Wolleson said.
The perfect temperature to make snow for ideal skiing, snowboarding, and tubing is 29 degrees. It takes 72 hours to make enough to cover the full terrain.
“Our crew is working 3rd shift throughout the night while people are sleeping most times to make that snow,” Wolleson said.
The team watches the forecast closly and is hopeful by next week they can get back to making snow, just in time to start the new year.
“Once we start making snow we'll stockpile it and start going again," Wolleson said.
He added that the plans for a New Year's Eve celebration at the lodge are still happening.
The shortest season in recent history was 2015 when Snow Trails opened on Jan. 3. The season then was 67 days. A typical season is 90 days.