Fresh snow excites skiers

BLANDFORD, Mass. (WWLP) - Our local ski areas finally got some fresh powder.  22News went to Blandford Ski Area on Thursday.

It was quite a difference driving from Westfield, where it was mostly rain to the top of Blandford ski area where we had giant snowflakes.

"I love it, It's the holiday season.  That's why I live here, it's beautiful", says Montgomery's Susan Johnston.

Chair lifts running, snowboarders shredding and skiers skiing.  The signs that winter is officially here.  

"If people don't have a little bit in the backyard, they don't get the fever sort of to get out and enjoy it as much", says Blandford Ski Area Membership Director, John Wakelin.

It's the first significant snowfall of the season.  A shock to some for a thrill for others.

"It's pretty cool, I just love being out in the snow", says Southwick's Mia Winiarski.

Blandford like many other ski areas in the Northeast suffered from a mild and dry winter last year.  

"It was really tough on everybody last year. butt to As much as its great to be out on the hill, it's just good to have it out and around all through the valley as well", says Wakelin.

Everyone at the mountain is optimistic this is only the beginning of a long ski season.  
 
"We just get to have better racing and be able to actually ski", says Winiarski.

Last winter in Chicopee we only saw 11 and half inches of snow. Blandford got 7.5 and Charlemont, where Berkshire East Ski Area is saw 10 inches alone from Wednesday night to Thursday afternoon.