Last weekend marked the first good snowfall of the year for skiers in Connecticut. We're accustomed to skiing on artificial stuff here, but real snow is still our preference as everyone loves the smooth float a natural twelve-inch base provides. As one might predict, families flocked to the mountains this weekend to get a taste of the powder-packed slopes, and the conditions on Saturday and early morning Sunday did not disappoint.

That said, the day was not hiccup-free. I confirmed conditions with Mohawk Mountain Ski Area Staff on Saturday, January 22, 2022, before heading to the mountain on Sunday. The staff stated that the recent changes to legislation, rescinding Covid-19 capacity limits, have impacted crowds, coupled with the recent dump of natural snow – the Mohawk team is experiencing a record-breaking ski weekend. The public should be patient and expect delays for the remainder of the ski season. Resort staff are struggling with the rise in Omicron, and keeping up with the crowds while short-staffed is a challenge. Skiers should arrive early, stand back on the lines and wear face masks. Face masks are no longer mandated by state law, but adherence is appreciated. Voluntarily enacting hygiene and safety measures is wise to keep everyone healthy and ensure operations run smoothly.

Most skiers enjoyed good runs in pleasant weather despite delays throughout the weekend. However, Sunday's afternoon weather quickly turned cold, even for the ski crowd. As temperatures dipped into the twenties after 2 p.m. and the crowds knocked off most of the fresh powder earlier in the day, the slopes turned to ice. Those with young families opted to depart early for safety. As typical in New England, the slopes were essentially only for the die-hards past 3 p.m. For the rest of us, the Mohawk Mountain Ski Area offered live music and family entertainment on their patio to enjoy while resting in their Adirondack chairs and catching some sun. While most guests would have preferred to get in a few more runs before closing, all agreed it was a lovely afternoon filled with safe social distancing activities for all to enjoy.