A large number of ski areas in Quebec, New York state, Vermont and Maine have announced they're closing for up to four days due to an intense Polar vortex that is currently descending on the area.
Temperatures widely in the -30 Celsius (-20s Fahrenheit) and likely to feel like -40s (-40s F) with wind chill are just beginning to take hold. Some areas in Quebec expect the windchill to reach -50+C (-58F) or even -60C (-76F).
Along with increasing the likelihood that machinery like ski lifts will stop operating, these temperatures can cause frostbite within minutes.
For much of December and January ski areas in the region have been battling a different winter weather temperature issue – repeated warm spells and rain – with temperatures well above freezing rendering the extensive snowmaking arsenals in the region impotent and making it difficult to build bases and open much terrain.
However last week more consistent cold temperatures and heavy snowfall finally got the season in the region into good shape with up to two feet of snowfall reported.