MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — The record storm that dumped 2½ feet of snow on the streets and suburbs of southern New England and New York last week has primed the ski resorts of northern New England for the President’s Day holiday that could help erase memories of last year’s dismal season.

In the ski industry, it’s a truism that the weather events that drive skiers to the mountains, isn’t heavy snow on the slopes but snow on city streets and suburban backyards that gets potential customers thinking about heading north, where they’ll buy lift tickets, stay in lodges and inns, rent skis and eat in restaurants.