They might not have a choice this winter, but forecasters say El Nino might not have the energy to live up to its dry personality anyway.

While the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center forecasted an El Nino weather system for this winter, NWS meteorologist Johnny Burg says that forecast now calls for a weak El Nino or perhaps a neutral winter.

In La Nina winters, the Northwest tends to experience colder and wetter weather, typically meaning plenty of snow in the mountains. Back-to-back La Ninas kept skiers knee deep in powder the last two years.

During El Nino winters, temperatures are usually warmer and drier, resulting in less snow.

Burg said the current prediction of a weak El Nino means it’s almost “50-50 that winter weather will be warmer than normal.”

While this news might not be as good as a La Nina forecast, ski areas are still rejoicing. “Although,” Burg said, “keep in mind that long-range forecasts are not always correct.”

Still, John Gifford, new president of the Pacific Northwest Ski Area Association, is ecstatic at the prospect of a normal winter.

Gifford, former general manager of Stevens Pass, heard the news on a popular weather blog maintained by University of Washington professor Cliff Mass.

“The best part,” Gifford said, “was that he said it was OK for skiers and snowboarders to get a season pass.”

Guy Lawrence, marketing director of the Summit at Snoqualmie, couldn’t agree more.

“Essentially it looks we’re going to have a good winter,” Lawrence said, “but we’re going to have to put up with a few pineapples (stretches of warmer, rainy weather. … It’s better than a full-strength El Nino.”

Here is the announcement from the PNSAA:

The Pacific Northwest Ski Areas Association (PNSAA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of John Gifford as its new president.  Gifford will assume his duties on August 15.

“I am very pleased to announce John Gifford’s return to the PNSAA, where he served as a PNSAA board member for the past eight years,” said Dave Rathbun, chairman of the PNSAA Board of Directors and Mt. Bachelor, Inc. President and General Manager.  “John’s business acumen, his experience as a ski area general manager, his vast knowledge of the Pacific Northwest ski industry, and his relationships with the leadership at the National Ski Areas Association make him the ideal candidate for this critical leadership position.”

Gifford will be the PNSAA’s fourth president, succeeding Scott Kaden who resigned after 12 years with the Association.  Gifford spent the last 14 years at Stevens Pass Mountain Resort, serving as general manager for the past 10 years.  Gifford served on the PNSAA Board of Directors for eight years, as the Ski Washington founding president for six years, and served one year as a member of the National Ski Areas Association Board of Directors.  Gifford is a graduate of Washington State University.

 

Here’s PNSAA statement:

Scott Kaden announced he is stepping down as president of the Pacific Northwest Ski Areas Association (PNSAA) to pursue additional, formal education on a full-time basis.  Kaden became the PNSAA’s third president in July 2000, succeeding Doug Campbell who retired after 10 years with the Association.  Kaden’s last day will be September 15, 2012.

Under Kaden’s leadership, the PNSAA has enjoyed numerous accomplishments over the past 12 years.  Most notably, he improved the financial health of the PNSAA, ensuring the Association has the resources needed to maintain full operations, even in the event of a crisis.  He significantly elevated the quality of the educational programs, seminars, and conferences produced by the Association and hosted in conjunction with the National Ski Areas Association, reflected by strong and consistent attendance at each event.  Kaden also improved ski industry relationships with key U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service personnel in the Pacific Northwest and in Washington, D.C., particularly in the areas of master development planning, NEPA documentation and compliance, and special use permit administration.  His personal successes involved PNSAA special projects, which included the creation of the Association’s first mountain safety video.   He also worked directly with PNSAA member ski areas and snow sport suppliers on strategic initiatives.

“Scott has been an extraordinary leader of the Pacific Northwest’s ski industry association,” said Dave Rathbun, Mt. Bachelor, Inc. President and General Manager and chairman of the PNSAA Board of Directors. “His professionalism, attention to detail, and knowledge of the Northwest ski industry are precious assets we will surely miss.  We wish Scott the very best as he pursues his new goals.”

“I appreciate the opportunities I have been given at the Association and the guidance and support the PNSAA Board of Directors has shared with me during my time as president,” Kaden commented.  “I have great respect for the businesses that constitute the PNSAA membership, and I know I will miss daily interactions with the ski industry.”