Snow Slow To Show This Ski Season

In the past five years, Schweitzer Mountain Resort in North Idaho has invested about $1 million in upgrading its elaborate system for making artificial snow. This year, the investment is paying off big time. Schweitzer has been able to stay open – although on limited runs – and fulfill expectations of resort guests. “It’s worth its weight in gold,” said Sean Mirus, marketing director at the all-season resort near Sandpoint. Across the Pacific Northwest, a series of mild storms and unusually warm temperatures has all but erased early season snowfall and left three Inland Northwest ski areas idle as the lucrative holiday season approaches/ Mike Prager , SR. More here . (SR photo by Kathy Plonka: Skiers and snowboarders dodge weeds and bare spots at Schweitzer Mountain Resort on Wednesday)