The past few winters, New England’s ski resorts have been blessed with epic snowfall. But, every few years, a mild winter comes along to stifle all the fun. The annual cycle of precipitation is as unpredictable as the weather.

Although the Earth is warming and the ice caps are melting, powder hounds shouldn’t give up hope. New England usually receives the bulk of its snow in February or March. This winter could still turn around and give us bounteous white—especially since global warming is expected to cause more frequent and ferocious storms.

Local skiers and snowboarders have been spoiled by early storms that last few years, including a Halloween blizzard in 2011. It’s made some people forget that, typically, the season doesn’t truly get underway until at least mid January. Just one or two big storms can transform mountains into winter wonderlands in mere hours.  

Those jonesing for snow right now will have to settle for the man-made variety, which is like methadone for powder addicts. But even the resorts lucky enough to have good snowmaking equipment have been battling fluctuations between cold and warm temperatures, snowfall and rain. One tepid rainstorm can instantly wipe out weeks of steady snowmaking efforts.

Even resorts in northern New England have struggled to keep trails open this winter. The lack of natural snow has resulted in excess ice on narrow strips of terrain. If you’re looking to get some good runs in, avoid the weekend crowds. Better still, be patient and wait for the skies to open up. It’s bound to happen sooner or later.