Lack of snow starting impact tourism in northern Wisconsin
Wisconsin Weather-- It's called northern Wisconsin's most valuable asset, and it's in short supply right now. A lack of snow is keeping many folks away from places where they'd normally be snowmobiling, snow-shoeing, or cross-country skiing.
- Riding the trails
EAGLE RIVER - It's called northern Wisconsin's most valuable asset, and it's in short supply right now. A lack of snow is keeping many folks away from places where they'd normally be snowmobiling, snow-shoeing, or cross-country skiing.
According to the National Weather Service, the only place in the north with a decent snow-cover is Winchester in Vilas County, with eight inches on the ground. Other places have three-inches or less. And with rising temperatures later in the week, even that snow cover could be in jeopardy. Kathy Rasmussen, whose family owns a resort near Cable, tells the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram that the lack of snow is quote, "like a farmer if they don't have rain." Lisa Marshall of the state Tourism Department says it will be a while before officials know how the weather affects businesses. She says it will certainly have an impact on smaller places where the motels rely on snowmobilers.
Snowmobile groups in Eau Claire and Chippewa counties say business could drop if their trails stay closed much longer. Dave Bernier of the Chippewa Valley Snowmobile Organization says his trails need an eight-inch snow cover at the minimum. But there's no measurable snow in the forecast for now. And above-freezing temperatures are predicted in the north from tomorrow into the New Year.
Tags: news, wisconsin, weather
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