BLAKESLEE -- With many of the ski slopes finally opening for the season, it's a sign of relief for ski shops throughout our area.
Workers at Peterson's Ski and Cycle in Blakeslee have been pleading for the warm weather and rain to go away and for the snow to stay.
"Definitely, it's been slower on the snowboard, ski rental end of things and we haven't seen the traffic we've seen in past years," manager Chris West said.
West has been feeling the heat when it comes to business, but over the last few days that changed as many resorts have begun to open up.
"We've seen some rentals already over the last couple days at Jack Frost and Big Boulder so those people have started to trickle in," he added.
Many of the racks at Peterson's are still fully stocked, but now that the slopes are finally opening, workers are ready to get those items off the shelves.
"We know this weekend will be a big weekend for us and we are excited about it," West said.
In Carbon County, Blue Mountain Sports and Wear has been dealing with the same issue: fully stocked shelves.
"It hurts because it's not cold out so you're not going to sell hats, coats, gloves. It's t-shirts up until the last couple days. Now it's finally gotten cold," said owner Tom Marsden.
Marsden anticipated a warmer than normal winter, so he didn't stock up as much as he normally would. Now it's the task of keeping stock as the rush begins to come in.
"As these ski areas open up and people get into the skiing spirit I think we will start seeing it like we usually do," Marsden said.
Ski shop owners in both locations tell Newswatch 16 they are staying optimistic that the cold holds up and plan to enjoy the rush of skiers while they can.
