(Josh Brogadir, NECN) - Unseasonably cold weather has given skiers and snowboarders in the New England area an early start, despite the slumping economy. "Skiers by nature are just, they're optimists," said Bernie Weichsel, who put together the Boston Globe Ski and Snowboard Expo. Optimism is one thing, but discount prices helped to drive customers to the registers at the Ski and Snowboard Expo. Pricing may also have to do with the surge in early seasons skiing at New England resorts, such as Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, Massachusetts. There, skiers and snowboarders are taking advantage of the local powder, rather than spending money on expensive trips to Colorado and other skiing destinations. NECN's Josh Brogadir has the story in the video player above.