Future of Connecticut Skiing May be in Jeopardy

Earlier this year, Connecticut skiiers received welcomed news when Middlefield approved the sale of the abandoned Powder Ridge Ski Area to someone who wants to invest $2 million and restore downhill skiing.

But a report published in the Hartford Courant Sunday shows that investing in Connecticut ski areas might not be a wise decision. 

The newspaper reports that Canadian researchers say slight changes in temperature within the next few decades may make it impossible to have profitable ski seasons in New England states south of Vermont and New Hampshire.

While that may be a long-term concern for Connecticut's few remaining ski areas, owners have more pressing concerns: they hope temperatures get cold soon.

The owners of Mohawk Mountain in Cornwall and Mount Southington hope to open on Dec. 15 (dependent on the weather), while New Hartford's Ski Sundown states on its website that it hopes to open "as soon as possible."

Woodbury Ski Area, which is usually among the first to open in New England, has been welcoming skiiers since the middle of October.

Where Can I Ski Locally? 

Here's a look at Connecticut ski areas, as well as some in Massachussetts and Vermont:

Connecticut

• Mohawk Mountain - 25 trails 
• Mount Southington - nine trails 
• Ski Sundown - 15 trails 
• Woodbury Ski Area - six trails 

Massachusetts

• Catamount Ski Area - 25 trails 
• Jiminy Peak - 38 trails 
• Ski Butternut - 22 trails 
• Wachusett Mountain Ski Area - 19 trails 

Vermont

• Bromley - 33 trails 
• Magic Mountain - 15 trails 
• Mount Snow - 51 trails
• Okemo Mountain Resort - 91 trails 
• Stratton Mountain Ski Resort - 80 trails