TJ Kerscher operates a snow cat at Paul Bunyan Ski Hill. The ski resort has been open most of the winter, thanks to manmade snow. PC: Fox 11 Online
OCONTO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – An impending snow is nothing but good news for businesses to in the northern part of Wisconsin that rely on it to survive.
What a difference a year makes.
“Last year we had such warm weather and rain, we had very little snow, we fought with snow making. This year we had the cold weather we were able to make the snow and get the place open at a normal time and business has been pretty good,” said TJ Kerscher, owner of Paul Bunyan Ski Hill.
Despite not much natural snow, the Lakewood resort currently has seven runs open.
According to Kerscher, “You cannot rely on Mother Nature these days, so we make all of our snow.”
He’s wrapping up an expansion on the hill. And, as long as they can make snow, they expect another half dozen runs to open in a couple of weeks.
Fresh powder, however, would make things better, especially since the county snowmobile trails run right through the Paul Bunyan parking lot.
“Natural snow and Mother Nature producing natural snow, it definitely changes the mindset of the people. They see snow outside they think okay let’s do outdoor sports and stuff and every little bit helps. And hopefully we get enough that we can open the snowmobile trails because that will increase business also,” added Kerscher.
“We sing, “let it snow” anything, anything to make it snow,” said Sarah Losurdo. She runs the Spur of the Moment Resort in Mountain with her parents.
A lack of significant snowfall, so far this year, has kept the area’s snowmobile trails closed. But, that could change after Monday’s snowfall and more on the way.
Losurdo said, “The clubs are asking people to stay off. They have groomed them in anticipation of more snow coming tonight and this weekend and hopefully we’ll get some.”
More snow, means more business for places like Spur of the Moment, who’ve worked with others in the area to shift the mindset of visitors – and it’s made a difference.
According to Lusordo, “This year we’ve done a better job through the townships and chamber to advertise events in the area so we are getting more people. We have people coming for the fisherees and Valentine’s Day. So, we’re a little more hopefully and we’re snow dancing like crazy for snow.”
Because whether on the mountain, a trail or in a cabin the snow will bring even more people to enjoy a Wisconsin winter wonderland.
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