JEFFERSONVILLE, Vt. (WCAX) – The MLK holiday weekend is typically one of the region’s busiest for ski resorts. And despite the bitter cold, skiers and riders were still out in force.
Dozens hit the slopes at Smuggler’s Notch Resort on Monday.
After a great start to the year with plenty of much-needed snow, resort officials say they’re fortunate for the freezing temperatures, which allow them to keep making snow.
To ensure a safe ski day, mountain staff at the lift are trained to watch out for signs of frostbite.”People are very aware if there’s any sign of frostbite or anything like that. They typically will stop them at the lift corrals and have them go inside, warm up. Take a break, get warmed up, and then come back out and enjoy the snow,” said the resort’s Steve Clokey.
Visitors we spoke with say they’re glad they planned ahead. “My fingers and toes were pretty cold but while I’m on the lift up there freezing, I tell myself I’ll be warm at the bottom — and I am. So, it’s not that bad,” said Kayla Kellam, who is visiting from Chicago
The cold stretch is supposed to last through Thursday. Resorts urge visitors to dress appropriately. Signs of frostbite include skin that’s cold to the touch, numbness and tingling, and red, white, or gray discoloration.