What was expected to be a big financial boost for ski slopes at Massanutten Resort is turning out to be not so big.

Ski slopes have been open since December 13th, but the roller coaster weather in the Valley has been making many travelers stay away.

Michael Herbert and his friend Donald Paul came to Massanutten Resort in hopes of frigid temperatures mixed with lots of snow.

"Yesterday half the mountain melted," said Paul.

Paul came from North Carolina. Herbert traveled from southern Maryland. They say what they got was unexpected mild temperatures.

"Hopefully it will get a lot colder and we can enjoy some skiing," said Herbert.

But Kenny Hess with Massanutten Resort says there's time.

"We have 10 to 14 trails open, and we have lots of snow. Now we just need skiiers to realize we have as much snow as we do," said Hess.

The resort has about 200 snow making machines to cover the slopes, but resort officials say many out of town skiiers don't seem to be getting that message.

The less skiiers means the less money comes in to Massanutten.

Hess says less money also comes to Rockingham County and Harrisonburg.

"Our numbers are down so far this year, and when they don't come, the restaurants feel it, the retail stores feel it and we certainly feel it. It's a weather dependent business. I mean, you don't have snow, people don't want to come skiing as much," said Hess.

Paul and Herbert agreed.

If I didn't have my timeshare, and if I wasn't already here, I wouldn't have come today. The mountain was very bare today, not many people," said Paul.

Without many people, the two still managed to enjoy the slopes.

"Right now they're making snow, so we got to come out and go skiing. It was nice," said Herbert.

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