White Christmas Unlikely for Most as Ski Resorts Face Rain, Travel Outlook Positive

For most Americans dreaming of a white Christmas this year, the prospects are looking rather bleak. Although some parts of the Rockies and Midwest could see a fresh dusting of snow by Monday, other regions typically covered in a wintry coating this time of year continue to sport their dreary late-fall appearance.

According to the director of seasonal forecasting at Verisk Atmospheric and Environmental Research, while some may get their wish for a white Christmas granted at the last minute, most of the country will be facing a brown holiday instead.

One area more accustomed to snow-filled Decembers is the Northeast, where a powerful rainstorm recently swept through and dumped heavy rainfall over the region’s ski resorts.

The relentless downpour wreaked havoc on many of the existing snow bases. The general manager of New Hampshire’s Gunstock Mountain Resort assessed the ski area damage firsthand on Monday when it was closed to the public.

Over 3.5 inches of warm rain fell as fierce winds whipped through the mountain. He remarked that rain is like a four-letter word in this business.