KTVN Channel 2 - Reno Tahoe News Weather, Video - Lack of Snow Affecting Tahoe Area Businesses

Lack of Snow Affecting Tahoe Area Businesses

We haven't had any snow for almost two months which is forcing ski resorts to make their own to keep up.

But the lack of real snow might keep people from hitting the slopes causing a ripple effect to other businesses.

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Hotels, in South Lake Tahoe, say they had a strong end of the year but January has been a different story.

At Montbleu, business is so slow that they have lowered their room rates. And the dry weather means one of the busiest weekends of the winter will be a lot slower than usual.

Even though ski resorts are up and running, as long as snow is not falling - expectations are. "We had our hopes that it was going to be a really busy weekend. We expected to be seeing more snow, by now. Heavenly is open, right next door. So, there's plenty of skiing. However, we do see our business being down 25% over the prior year."

Jef Bauer says Montbleu has been pretty busy, this winter, despite the lack of snowfall, and that with full ski resorts, comes full hotels, casinos, restaurants, and nightclubs which he says they've had until recently. "Our New Year's was very strong. It exceeded our expectations. We were not looking for that much business but we got it and it was really nice to see. It has gotten a little quieter this first half of January, though."

Since most ski resorts make their own snow, some companies are still hoping for a big holiday weekend. "Anytime kids are out of school, you definitely see a lot more traffic. So, we're hoping people will still come up and enjoy the snow we've got for them."

Russ Pecoraro says Heavenly has the largest snow-making system on the west coast, putting $6-million into their system over the last five years.

Alex Tondo of San Francisco says, "I didn't expect any runs to be open or any lifts. Especially, from the road. Everything's just baron. It's like 48-degrees, so I figured there can't be any snow."

Pecoraro adds, "We're hoping that Mother Nature kicks in, at some point, and does her part. But until then, we're going to keep making snow. A lot of people pray for it. Here, at Heavenly, we make it. So, we'll keep pumping it out and putting out a great snow surface for folks."

While the dry weather may keep some people away, this weekend - others think they will come regardless.

Aaron Thomas of Mansfield, Massachusetts says, "It'll be busy. People made vacations in advance. But not as busy as it would be if there was snow."

Bauer adds, "I think, once we get that first downpour, we're going to be really busy. There's a lot of pent-up demand, right now."

With the forecast showing the possibility of some moisture, in the next couple of weeks, businesses are hoping they'll see a spike in foot traffic because of skiers and snowboarders. If not, they're looking forward to President's Day weekend, which they hope brings more snow than this weekend will.