Local ski resorts are thriving

ELLICOTVILLE, N.Y. (WIVB) - Not everyone is complaining about this latest round of winter weather. "Awesome, it's awesome," she's referring to the ski conditions at Holiday Valley where 27 inches of snow fell late this week. "We've had over 158 inches of snow since our season started," said Jane Eshbaugh, Director of Marketing at Holiday Valley. Snow arrived early this year. "It was the third earliest opening of our history." The skiers are hoping it doesn't leave until late. Local ski resorts are one of the few operations thriving in this tough economy with ticket sales way up. The snow is the best advertising of all. Although conditions are ideal for skiers an arctic cold blast is heading our way for the middle of next week and if you're heading outdoors you will need to take precautions. That arctic airmass is in western Canada and Alaska right now and is bringing some of of the coldest temperatures they've seen in 10 years. The last time we were below zero except for one day last year was 4 years ago in January of 2005 where we went below zero on 6 days.This is probably going to be the coldest stretch we've seen in 4 years. Which means protecting against frostbite is a must. "Protect you fingers protect your nose which is an important part that people forget about a lot," said ECMC Emergency Room Doctor, Dr. David Ellis. If you suspect you or someone you know has frostbite, fast action is key. "The best treatment is to rapidly rewarm it. Most important thing is to not use real hot water." Dressing in layers and covering your extremities will keep you safe and having fun. For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com