New long range weather projections are better news for the local tourism season going into Winter.
The head of the Central Oregon Visitors Association says new projections about the season are calling for more snow that what weather experts had previously said a few weeks ago.
They were initially calling for a somewhat dry winter, but now believe Mount Bachelor and other places will get a healthy dose of snow.
COVA spokesperson Alana Hughson spoke with 1110 KBND news recently. She says Mount Bachelor is expecting to open by Thanksgiving.
"and as long as we can open by thanksgiving- we have a lot of pent up demand - so we're feeling optimistic - but weather is beyond our control- so now we wait and keep our fingers crossed...that the snow comes and builds a strong season for everyone.
Hughson also says the summer tourism numbers were as good as they were before the "Great Recession." And the early visitor numbers for the winter are already looking good.
"AND WE'RE OPTIMISTIC THE REPORTS WE'RE HEARING FROM MOUNT BACHELOR AND THEIR LONG RANGE WEATHER PLANNING IS BETTER THAN IT WAS A FEW MONTHS AGO - THEY ARE EXPECTING MORE EARLY SEASON SNOW - THAT SHOULD KICK THE SEASON OFF TO A GOOD START."
While many of us may think of winter as the main season for Central Oregon, Spring and Summer actually draw the largest number of visitors. If you'd like more details our longer interview with Hughson is posted on this website under "Take Five".
