KEWAUNEE COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Preparations continue along the Lakeshore ahead of the anticipated opening of the Winter Park Ski Area near Kewaunee.
Manmade snow is flying, and park leaders say Thursday’s cold temperatures had an impact.
“Technically, this is our third time making snow this season We’ve had a few cold days, which have been followed by warm days and rain. So we’ve been making snow and letting it pile up. Saving it for when weather cools off finally,” said Dave Myers, Kewaunee County promotions and recreation director.
Myers says five snow making machines are working overtime to get the Winter Park Ski Area ready for the season.
“We made some pretty good snow last night. Although it’s very cold, prefer it to be a little warmer, but we’ll take it and do what we can with it,” he said.
Officials say temperatures in the teens and dry conditions are best for making snow at the site.
Kewaunee County Parks Department Groundskeeper Hailey Piepho says the process involves spraying ice-cold, high-pressured water onto the hill.
“If the temperatures get too low, you have to baby them a little bit more. We have to check the filters in the guns, just to make sure everything’s going smoothly. You got to make sure it’s going up to speed with that. So you’re battling the cold temperatures there. Heating elements potentially going out, if it gets too cold. Then that’s Why you’re checking them so much. But so far, knock on wood, we’re good,” said Piepho.
Park leaders say last season’s warm weather forced them to open late, and close early. Myers says so far, he’s cautiously optimistic.
“Last year, we wanted to be open for Christmas. That didn’t work out because it rained out. So this year, we’re looking like the weather might be favorable. We always try to be open that week of the Christmas holiday, so we can get people out here tubing at least,” he said.
In a given year about 10-12,000 people visit Winter Park Ski Area. The season typically wraps up in March.
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