No one is happier about the recent Ohio snowfall than members of the Ohio State University Alpine Ski and Snowboard Team.The first four weeks of their racing season were demolished by 50 degree temperatures and warm rain.

“We’ve only had one practice, and our first few races have gotten canceled,” said Cassie Taylor, president of the club sports team.

The team, which races against other club teams at Ohio colleges, was scheduled to have five slalom and giant slalom races this season. The first two were canceled.

Snow Trails, the Mansfield ski resort where the winter athletes practice, had only been open nine days this season, as of Wednesday. The Ohio ski season typically starts in late November.

“We’ve had a very late start this season,” said Chelsea Schumacher, who works at the resort. “We’ve had a few customer complaints because people can’t use their passes. Obviously, there’s nothing we can do.”Groans about the unseasonable weather can be heard by several winter athletes.

“The trails have been ridiculous,” said Taylor, a junior in biology. “Such slushy, horrible conditions, and bare spots on the ground.”

Shannon James, a sophomore in theatre and member of the team, agreed.

“This season is terrible,” she said. “It seems each winter gets worse and worse. I know that last year we were racing in rainstorms, but at least there was snow to race on. This season, it just blows.”

Thirty members of the team optimistically searched for snow covered mountains on their winter break trip to Mont Tremblant Ski Resort in Quebec, Canada. Instead they faced slushy trails and grassy spots.

Despite the lack of snow at home and abroad, members have remained dedicated.

“A ski lift was broken at Snow Trails but we still hiked up the hill,” Taylor said. “We’re all very dedicated athletes.”

As for the canceled races and practices: “We’re going to hope for a refund,” Taylor said. “We prepaid for all of the races and tickets.”

Although the season passes are non-refundable, members could get cash back for registration fees for the canceled races.

Athletes are also hoping to get their money’s worth for season passes to resorts.

“I paid $190 for a pass and I’ve only got to ski so far this season two days,” said Justin Smith, a sophomore in biology who is also on the team.

“I know that eventually I’ll get my money’s worth, but this time last year, I’d already gotten my money’s worth and then some,” said James, who also has a pass.

Needless to say, members were thrilled when Columbus received its first real snowfall of about three inches on Sunday. Taylor said the athletes are excited to take to the slopes for a race at Snow Trails this weekend. They are also optimistic about their last two races at Boston Mills/Brandywine in Peninsula, Ohio and Perfect North in Indiana.

The team could be in luck: According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are expected to stay around freezing or below for the rest of the week, and there’s a chance of snow on Saturday and Sunday.

“I’m stoked about the rest of the season because Snow Trails will definitely have snow from now on,” Smith said.

Schumacher at Snow Trails agreed.

“Business has really picked up since the snow,” she said.

Samantha Steiner can be reached at [email protected].