Early snow. Bodes well for a good ski season - or does it?

Early snow (seems very early!), freezing all week and more in the forecast here on the east coast.  An early taste of winter in the west.  Looks good.  A good snow year last year in North America yet poor in Europe.  Can anyone really predict?  This year, the Birkebeiner was cancelled on the morning of the race because of dangerously high winds in the mountains rather than lack of snow.  How often does that happen?  Serious enough that they are making contingency plans for this year.  Either way, just be ready!
Birkerbeiner announces contingency plan