Ski Apache storm drops foot of optimism

RUIDOSO, N.M. (KRQE-KBIM) - The first storm of the year came with a fury Wednesday night spreading a white blanket across the slopes of Ski Apache.

It was one of the biggest storms in years.

"We got about a foot of brand new snow," Ski Apache Operations Director Justin Rowland said. "It's white and wonderful.

”We're in the process right now of assessing the upper mountain to see how much snow we've gotten up there."

It’s been a long time since crews were working in this much snow and this early at the resort in the Sacramento Mountains west of Ruidoso.

“We didn't have a storm like this all of last winter, even in October," Rowland continued. "This is a great thing to see."

Still the lifts probably won't carry skiers up the flank of Sierra Blanca for another month.

Rowland said the resort says they're still shooting for a Thanksgiving opening while some ski shop owners are hoping opening day comes sooner.

"It's like turning on a light switch, or turning it off," Ronnie Taylor of Mountain Ski Shop said. "If we have snow, you're the smartest person in the world.

"But if we don't have snow, you're in trouble."

Inside Taylor’s shop snowfall totals from the past three years are written on a board. Last year only 54 inches fell.

It’s not even Halloween yet and already the accumulation is 12 inches.

Low totals in the past few years have caused this 50-year-old ski shop to make some changes in order to stay open.

"We have converted about 50 percent of the store over to a ladies boutique," Taylor said. "It has worked out fantastic for us."

Everyone would feel better, though, with more storms like the one Wednesday night.

"You know, maybe this is an indication we're going to see some snow this year," Rowland said.