A fresh layer of powder arrived in parts of the Sierra this week, but it wasn't nearly enough to get most ski resorts ready for the winter season.

Almost all have been forced to push back their opening dates, as warm temperatures and inconsistent storms make it harder to build the base they need.

And increasingly, resorts are turning to experts whose full-time job is figuring out how to make winter, even when winter doesn't show up.

One of those experts is Brendan Ryan, a man who some jokingly call "Mr. Snow."

Ryan is a principal at Alpine Solutions, a consulting company that works with ski resorts across the country to map out the most effective snowmaking strategies. His love for snow started early.

"At one point, our neighbors came over and said, 'Why is that boy out in the snow?'

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