[tarheel1231]

So I’ve been wondering lately... it’s currently 58 degrees right now at the beginning of January, and as the years go on, it’s only going to get warmer. What are the chances that the park goes fully “year-round” in the vein of the Texas Six Flags parks, where they operate on every weekend throughout the year?

[EDIT] For comparison’s sake:

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[yawetag]

I'd imagine the hardest part to year-round operations is staffing and labor costs.

Doesn't Carowinds fall into a seasonal category of labor, primarily because they aren't open year-round? If so, the increase in year-round operations won't be just in those few months of extra labor, unless they can get the two states to update their laws.

[CoasterAddict11]

If they ever did year-round weekend operations, I don't think it would happen for at least another few years or so as Cedar Fair seems to adopt such changes a bit later than Six Flags does. Without an event like Winterfest to bring people in, it might be risky to try opening the park when the weather is too unpredictable (could 70 degrees or 30 degrees this time of year).

[jeffdavis]

I predict Winterfest will soon extend to the weekend following New Year's Day and we will see another attempt at a fall festival (Peanuts or another theme?) between Scarowinds and Winterfest. I also predict eventually the regular season will open a week earlier (mid March). In other words, just incremental increases in the season like we've been seeing over the last several years.

[Glitch99]

I dont know that the average temps for Jan/Feb adequately reflect the extremes that we see. Without the cache of "winterfest", I dont see many people braving temps in the low 40s (or even lower) just to ride rides. It'd be mostly season passholders with dining plans, who have nothing to lose by stopping by for the afternoon - and they dont help pay the bills from being open. I wouldnt be surprised if the park ended up closing for at least half the scheduled hours of operation.

With winterfest, trying to stay open in November to bridge the 3 week gap makes sense. There's really nothing to gain by being open through the winter.

[Cameron]

It's fine the way it is. 2.5 month off season is nothing.

[Christopher Mallis]

With Kings Dominion being open on New Year’s Day I’m pretty confident we’ll be open following New Year’s Eve until CMS goes back to school.