‘New England without winter? Talk about an identity crisis’
Boston.com readers were nearly evenly split when we asked if they miss winter or are happy with the mild season. Here's why.
This winter has been nothing like the snowy wonderlands of New England’s past. And in a region so used to feet of snow and snowy-weather activities like cross-country skiing, snowball fights, making snowmen, and pond skating, readers aren’t quite sure how to feel about a mild winter.
The last day of February marks the end of meteorological winter, which includes December, January, and February. For the entire winter season, Boston received just 9.7 inches of snow, falling short of its average winter snowfall of 32.9 inches. The mild season is not only a harbinger of climate change, but for one Boston.com reader, also signals an identity crisis that could bring an end to the region’s wickedly cold and snowy reputation.
“New England without winter? Talk about an identity crisis. Nothing beats a walk in the woods in the quiet and peaceful snow. Plus, cold weather means pond skating. What could be more fun? If we lose winter, perhaps we’ll lose our hardy-ness. Long live winter!” said reader Doug from Weymouth.
He’s in good company. Boston.com readers were nearly evenly split when we asked if they miss winter or are happy with the mild season. Of the 224 respondents to our poll, 52% said they are pleased with the mild winter weather conditions, with 48% trailing behind saying they miss New England’s bygone snowy weather.
Many of those who said they miss winter said the lack of snow has put a damper on the many snowy-weather activities they would have liked to participate in.
“I appreciate old New England winters, full of skiing and skating,” reader David T. from Methuen said. “The changes to the climate are horrific, but hopefully we can reverse them.”
Bob from Stoughton agreed, saying the lack of snow this season has made for the “worst Northeast ski season I can remember in 35 years of skiing.”
Other readers said they miss the quiet and peace that snowfall brings to their daily lives and routines.
“I love walking the dog in a quiet snowstorm or cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. I love how it looks and how it glows under a full moon. I love staying in and making soup and watching the fire. I used to like playing board games as a family on a snow day. I do love the snow (as long as I don’t lose power),” K.O. from Tyngsboro said.
Apart from limiting snowy winter weather activities, the warmer temperatures this season have also put a damper on one reader’s winter fashion plans.
“I miss it being cold enough for me to wear all of my cute sweaters without being sweaty,” Anna from Brighton said.
Many readers who have enjoyed the warmer weather said not having to shovel snow or deal with unsafe commuting conditions have offered much a needed respite.
“I’m grateful. I’m old, and I’m too short to shovel. Most winter sports are still available in the mountains, most slopes and skating rinks manufacture snow and ice when there isn’t enough. People who enjoy them can find them only a few hours away. Thank you, universe!” reader Jacqueline L. from Brighton said.
Suzanne S. from Newton agreed, saying she is “too old and arthritic to shovel!”
Below, you’ll find a sampling of readers sharing what they miss or don’t miss about winter and the mild 2023-2024 season.
Some quotes have been edited for length and clarity.
Do you miss winter, or are you happy with the mild season?
I am happy with the mild weather
“This was a hard question to answer. I’m definitely happy with the mild weather but there is just something nostalgic about winter snow. I miss the White Christmases of my childhood. However, I definitely don’t mind not having to shovel or snow blow, or the power outages, but I also feel for the snow plow drivers who aren’t getting the work they usually do, or my small engine repair guy who always laments the lack of business lately because snow blowers aren’t breaking down. It’s a real Catch 22.” – Mark, Canton
“I don’t miss clearing snow and ice from my driveway, nor the unsafe driving. I still have a snow pack on my lawn even now, and so it doesn’t feel unseasonable.” – Brian, Westminster
“I’m happy with the warmer/shorter winter but at the same time, I worry what the effects of these shorter winters will be. It feels like we’re picking a fight we can’t win against mother nature and the warm winters are a constant reminder of that.” – Matt, Concord
“I’m a local, I feel a little sad for my grandkids not experiencing the big storms and sledding in the street, but today’s parents wouldn’t allow it and the kids really aren’t interested in spending days in the cold sledding. So for grandpa I’m liking a milder winter and saving on my heating bill.” – Mike, Seacoast, New Hampshire
“I love being able to commute easily and freely without cold snow everywhere. Now that I have a baby the last thing I want is dealing with a stroller making its way through 10 inches of powder. Happy for warmth although terrified what it means for the future.” – Tamara W., Boston
“Haven’t used my snowblower in 2 years. Good by me.” – M.J.B., West Bridgewater
“I don’t particularly miss it, even though I know it portends of more coastal flooding, stronger storms, and likely eventual droughts in the area. It means lower heating bills, more days outdoors in winter, and fewer driving issues, which I enjoy. As The Police once sang, ‘When the world is running down, you make the best of what’s still around.’ – Scott, Waltham
I miss winter
“The lack of winter weather isn’t only depressing but it’s concerning to see the radical environmental change. This isn’t a matter of being happy that temperatures are mild and we don’t have to shovel; it’s not normal for us to not have snow in the winter in New England and it’s a sign that things are going very quickly in a bad direction. When you look at the catastrophic flooding, wildfires and changes in temperature that are occurring in other parts of the country and around the world, it solidifies this idea. When are people going to open their eyes?” – H.V., Arlington
“I miss the crunch of snow under my boots and snowshoeing along trails and woods close to my house … I love bare tree branches and bushes glistening in the sun after a new snowfall.” – Jay, Stoneham
“Snow days. Snowmen. Snow Angels. Snow forts. Snowball fights. Pond hockey. Sledding. The beauty of snow-covered trees during the holidays. All of the above were very joyful during my childhood and life. I’m sad that my children (7 & 5) aren’t getting to experience/witness them.” – Jonathan, Newburyport
“As a lifelong, multi-generational and competitive mogul skier it is deeply saddening and highly alarming to see such a massive downward shift in the overall snowfall across New England. This season should have been quite exceptional with it being an El Nino year. Seasons that once started as early as mid to late October and extended well into May and sometimes June at the larger resorts, or even into July like in Tuckerman’s Ravine as of a decade ago, are virtually nonexistent now due to dwindling snowfall levels. Other activities such as fat tire snow biking that families such as mine also enjoy are on hold due to sub-par if not downright dangerous conditions due to the lack of snow. Kiteboarding on lakes was an absolutely impossible if not deadly pursuit this winter due to most lakes such as Winnipesaukee never freezing over like they usually do. I am utterly dreading what disasters this summer will bring between oppressive heat, droughts that destroy agriculture, and spikes in tick-borne diseases due to not having a normal winter.” – Erik M., Durham, New Hampshire
“One of the things I love most about living here is the beauty of the changing seasons. I would much prefer a snowy landscape to the drab brown view I have right now. And the lack of winter concerns me and increases my anxiety about the impacts of climate change on our lives. Yes, there are hazards and inconveniences when it snows, but I’m okay with that!” – Bari P., Southborough
“I am terrified of what the lack of snowfall will continue to mean for our environment. Trees depend on the snowpack. It’s just another reminder that the climate is changing before our very eyes. The world needs to reduce its carbon sourced energy consumption in a hurry.” – Adam B., Cambridge
“We have been experiencing climate change for decades, but it seems like change is accelerating. I miss the snow but really hate that my young kids are dealing with the stress of understanding where the current trajectory will lead us.” – Ben I., Lexington
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