SHELBURNE, Vt. -
"After last year, when we didn't have any snow at all, it's just so great to have everybody back here, we've been swamped," said Carol Wellings of Shelburne Farms
Every winter Shelburne Farms offers cheap sleigh rides on the weekends. But last year, a lack of snow meant the horses stayed in the barn. For families, their return to the harness means a return to tradition.
"Once a year we try to come out for the sleigh ride because you know, on a day like this, what else is there to do in Vermont except take an amazing sleigh ride," said Erik Shonstrom of South Burlington resident.
This year the team is scheduled to provide rides through the end of February. Cross-country skiers are always welcome at no cost.
Theresa Reed of Essex says she ran at Shelburne Farms with the lack of snow last winter. The situation proved just as bleak at the Catamount Outdoor Center which only had 10 days of coverage.
"We were on the edge of some really tough times before it snowed," said Erik Bowker of the Catamount Outdoor Center.
The outdoor center sits at too low of an elevation to make snow-making feasible, that mans they're dependent on Mother Nature's good will.
"As soon as the snow came, the people came, I don't have a budget for advertising, so the snow itself is the best advertising we can do," said Bowker.
He says he knows they're doing well when the parking lot is full. He says the snow arrived at the perfect time to repair the bottom line the holidays. But both he, and everyone in the snow business, just hope it sticks around.
