Winter have ALWAYS sucked here. This is absolutely nothing new. I've been here my entire life. Last winter was a great winter. I had 3 weeks of winter last year. The year before I had 11 days of winter (below freezing with snowpack). It only happens every few years on average. This year probably won't have any period of winter since the past 2 did. I suggest people travel. I know.. it's not the same. I suggest renting a house and staying for a week or more. I did that and it was almost like snow at home.