New Hampshire expects a rise in winter tourism this season, with forecasts suggesting three million visitors spending about $1.5 billion. Despite warming winters, the state remains optimistic due to stable gas prices and a strong economy. Ski areas adapt to climate change by enhancing snowmaking capabilities and diversifying into other activities.
New Hampshire Ski Tourism Adjusts to Climate Change
Despite warmer winters, New Hampshire is preparing for an expected increase in winter tourism this year.
According to NHPR, the state's Division of Travel and Tourism anticipates three million visitors, potentially surpassing pre-pandemic levels, with a projected spend of about $1.5 billion. Lori Harnois, the director, attributes these projections to stable gas prices and a strong economy. Above-average snowfall is also expected, boosting activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling.
However, New England's winters are warming faster than many other regions, impacting traditional cold-weather activities. Ski Hills are innovating to adapt to these changes. Jessyca Keeler, director of Ski New Hampshire, reports good ski pass sales and early snow interest but acknowledges the need to address climate-induced shifts in ski conditions.
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This year, a warmer-than-normal winter is predicted. As per the report, ski areas are countering this by investing in snowmaking systems, with Bretton Woods acquiring nearly 40 new snowmaking guns and Cannon Mountain enhancing snowmaking on their trails. This technology has been crucial for sustaining the industry during milder winters.
Beyond snowmaking, ski hills are diversifying into other activities like zip lining and biking, providing year-round employment and hedging against poor winter seasons. This adaptation highlights the resilience of New Hampshire's ski industry in the face of climate challenges.
The expected increase in visitors and the adaptability of ski resorts demonstrate New Hampshire's ongoing appeal as a winter destination, even as the climate shifts.
New Hampshire Faces Heavy Snowstorm Impact
A significant snowstorm hit parts of New England, including New Hampshire, bringing more than a half-foot of snowfall. This resulted in power outages affecting tens of thousands of people and hazardous road conditions, including a propane truck crash in Vermont. Over 25,000 homes and businesses in Maine and over 11,000 in Vermont lost power due to heavy, wet snow falling on power lines, as reported by MSN.
The temperatures hovered close to freezing across much of northern New England.
After a propane tanker crashed and caught fire, evacuations were necessary in two Vermont communities, including schools. Emergency personnel established a one-mile perimeter around the crash site. However, a puncture in the tanker's tank reduced the risk of an explosion, allowing firefighters to let the fire burn out. A warming center was set up for those evacuated.
The National Weather Service issued the first winter storm warning of the season for New Hampshire and western Maine. Northernmost Vermont also received a warning, and far northern Maine experienced heavy snowfall before Thanksgiving. Some mountainous areas in western Maine and New Hampshire were expected to receive over a foot of snow, while Vermont anticipated around 8 inches.
New Hampshire and its neighboring states faced a challenging start to the week, with the snowstorm affecting daily life, travel, and safety.
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