Statewide road closure has left ski areas with little choice but to close on powder day.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015, NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com
A statewide travel ban issued by Governor Charlie Baker has left Massachusetts ski areas in limbo in the midst of a large snowstorm. Ski areas in the eastern part of the state may receive two to three feet of new snow.
Governor Baker's Executive Order, issued on Monday, January 26, allowing only essential emergency response professionals, medical and health related travelers, essential public transit and support workers, public works and utility travelers, essential state employees, and members of the news media to drive.
A precedent for the preemptive ban dates back to February 8, 2013, when then-Governor Deval Patrick shut down roads in the midst of Friday rush hour. At the time, the Boston Globe quoted former Governor Mike Dukakis as supporting the ban, claiming "There's no question that the governor's doing exactly the right thing - have people home, get them off the streets, and just cool it."
Reactions to the "Winter Storm Juno" ban:
Berkshire East: Open; Family ownership attempting a petition to stop further snow storm travel bans.
Blandford: Closed.
Blue Hills and Bradford: Closed
Bousquet: Closed
Butternut: "CLOSED: Due to Governor Baker's mid-day statement on Monday, there has been a Statewide Travel Ban, which has forced Ski Butternut to be closed on Tuesday, January 27th."
Catamount: "The mountain will be closed on Tuesday due to travel restrictions that have already been put in to place."
Jiminy Peak: Open
Nashoba Valley: "The Ski Area will plan to reopen after the state wide DRIVING BAN has been lifted by the Governor."
Otis Ridge: Closed.
Wachusett: "When people ask "Do you ever close during a snowstorm?" we would always answer "Do they close the beach when the sun comes out?" Unfortunately, that is no longer true. We are CLOSED Tuesday for day and night operations DUE TO the driving ban issued by Governor Baker."
Ski Ward: "It does seem odd to say we will be closed in a snowstorm but it's true....we will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27 and plan to reopen on Wednesday."
