Dan Cannon opened 2+ weeks before Wildcat and Black way before any of them. Wildcat reported zero snow until they opened this explains the difference in snow totals.
Ah! That is very interesting as most mountains seem to count all snow, regardless of when operations began. That makes a lot of sense. Wildcat is to be commended for the honesty. But it makes it hard to compare YTD snowfall when they are not using the industry standard.
I have mixed feelings on counting pre-opening snowfall. If it all melts out before opening, it is a meaningless number. But if it contributes to the base at the start of the season, then it is meaningful. Since opening dates can vary year-to-year, I think counting everything makes it more comparable year-to-year and area-to-area.
I think I’ve changed my tune on this issue, I used to consider it disingenuous to count pre-opening snow, especially if it all melts. But lack of accurate comparable data and inconsistency compared to what has become an industry standard are bigger issues.
That said, Beast Patroller is spot on that they had ample time to make more snow. Doubly so if their actual YTD snowfall is in the 60-70″ range and they had at least a little natural snow on the ground when they opened.
