N.B. ski hills, trails hope for whiter days ahead after mild start to winter

Marc Leclair is hitting the cross-country trails of northern New Brunswick — but not on skis.

"I'm going walking, but it's not the same," said the Cross Country Ski New Brunswick president, who lives in Charlo.

Leclair said he can't remember the last time there was no snow on the ground in Charlo at this time of year.

"I don't remember. Like I've been told that probably in the '60s it happened," he said.

A green Christmas curtailed the hopes of skiers of all kinds this year, and the possibilities are still grim as the New Year's long weekend begins. Winter as a whole isn't looking especially bright for ski enthusiasts.

This week at the four main downhill-skiing spots — Poley Mountain, Crabbe Mountain, Mont Farlagne and Sugarloaf Provincial Park — only a few trails have opened at all, with decisions about opening happening day-to-day.

Leclair said there's usually snow on the cross-country trails around Charlo by early December, and in the last few years, even mid-November.

The first big race is scheduled in Charlo for next weekend, but Leclair isn't confident it will happen — which would be a big blow to the club.

He said the two-day event usually brings in around $10,000 for the club.

Along with that, the race is a money-maker for surrounding hotels, restaurants and other businesses, which would also take a hit from the cancellation, Leclair said.

December's mild temperatures, sometimes into the double-digits, and heavy rain and winds have also been hard for downhill ski areas.

At Poley, for instance, only four of 30 trails opened on Thursday, and the hill closed entirely on Friday because of rain. Crabbe had two open trails, and they too were closed Friday. Sugarloaf had only four of its 14 downhill runs open. 

Jamie