Think Snow

Greek Peak

     People who ski are familiar with the slogan Think Snow. It is a constant theme at ski resorts, such as Greek Peak and Labrador. Trouble is, Cortland hasn't had very much snow over the past two or three years. Could it be, contrary to climate change theorists, that there is not enough thinking by snow advocates?
     There was a record total of 57 1/2 inches of snow in Cortland in December 1969. As recently as December 1995, Cortland snowfall totalled 45 inches. In December 1997, snowfall in Cortland totalled 40 inches.
    At the risk of alienating those who don't like snow or who live in Cortland by coercion, we think it is time for a good measure of snow. Now!
    Snow is beautiful--in all the right places. It would be nice if snow did not fall on roads, sidewalks or football fields while games are in progress. Oh, well, can't have everything one wishes for....
     Snow is good for gardens and farms. It protects garden perennials and bulbs from deep freezes and early thaws. It adds nitrogen to the soil and conserves soil moisture. A blanket of snow has been called a poor man's fertilizer.
     Snow is good for those who want or need outdoor exercise. It is good for the manufacturers of sleds, shovels, snow tires, snow-throwers, skis, snow shoes, boots and winter outerwear. It is also good for snow plows, salt mining and tow trucks.
     Snow is good for politicians. A steady snow on dark winter nights helps politicians prepare and write speeches. When delivered, these speeches are called snow-jobs*. They are delivered during other seasons, too, but the name for them remains the same.
     A heavy snowfall is great for snuggling and intimacy. Dogs and cats seem to sleep better during a prolonged snowfall. That's not true of children. They go sledding, build igloos and snowmen, throw snowballs and play winter games until they are exhausted and very hungry. Then they return home, raid the refrigerator and the cookie jar, and generally drive parents insane.
     Snow brings beauty to the landscape. People look around and describe what they see as a winter wonderland. All sorts of words are used to describe it. One word is beautiful. Another is cold. Other words used:  very cold, too deep and too much, and time to book a flight to Florida.

References:
1) Cortland snowfall history
2) *Words And Their Stories

Recommended:
Say a Few Prayers for Al Kryger
Snow Gives Greek Peak A Badly Needed Lift, Ithaca Journal