Last winter (December 2019 through February 2020) was the fifth-warmest winter on record for Ohio. A mild winter like that makes it very tough on the slopes of Ohio's ski resorts. 

This year, it's not so much the weather that's the challenge.  

I talked to Thomas Conti, Brand Marketing Manager for Alpine Valley, Boston Mills, Brandywine and Mad River Mountain.

All four resorts are seeing good business with more average temperatures in the forecast, but keeping guests and employees healthy during a pandemic is the #1 priority.

People being trapped inside and looking for fresh air activities may be helping Ohio's ski resorts.

"We have seen an increase in new skiers and snowboarders this season. We regularly communicate with our guests and recommend they take a survey at the end of the day. A common trend we are seeing is people are looking for an outlet."

If you are a first-time skier, Thomas says this is the perfect time to start a new sport and Ohio is a good place to do it.

"Our Ohio resorts are some of the most beginner-conducive ski areas in the country where people can learn the sport of skiing without the fear-factor or intimidation you might face at larger resorts out west or in the northeast."

Of course, if you are an avid skier you will notice changes at all four resorts in order to keep people safe.

• Lift tickets will be sold online for the health, safety, and convenience of the guest.
• A capacity limit has been created to limit the number of guests at the resort at a time. This capacity has been set by working directly with the analytics team to formulate a number of visitors that will still allow ease of access to the resort, while protecting the health and safety of the guests and employees alike.
• Reservations will be required to visit. Every lift ticket comes with a reservation and Pass
• All on-property transactions will be cashless.
• All ski lift lines will have newly re-designed mazes to ensure social distancing while in lift lines.
• Face masks will be required at all times both on the hill and inside the lodge.
• Specific traffic patterns have been implemented inside the lodge to create a safe flow for guests.
• The indoor seating capacity has been reduced and tables are spaced out with a minimum of 6-foot distance between each one.

Thomas says all four ski resorts will take advantage of the cooling trend we are seeing through the end of January.

Highs will be near freezing and lows at times in the teens.

"All Ohio resorts are going to start a massive snowmaking campaign on Jan. 20, and make a lot of snow. This campaign will expand our terrain, refresh conditions, and add to our base depth which helps us insulate from the unpredictable weather Ohio can bring."

The fickle Ohio weather and COVID might be "moguls" this year, but it seems the Ohio ski business is staying on its feet.