"Some think winter's not coming:" Lack of snow, cold temps means businesses missing out on money

FRANKLIN -- The absence of snow so far this December means we're missing out on all the hassles that come with it -- but we're also missing out on the fun! And businesses that rely on snow and cold temperatures are missing out on money.

At The Rock Sports Complex in Franklin, the snow guns are perched in position, and they're ready to spray some snow. But that can't be done right now due to our mild temperatures.

FOX6 Weather Expert Vince Condella says if winter were to end now, it would be the warmest December on record in Milwaukee. But December isn't over.

On Sunday, December 13th, we actually broke a record in Milwaukee. It was 59° -- beating the previous record of 58° back in 1975.

"This is the toughest because we should be open right now," Mike Pfeifer with The Rock Sports Complex said.

Employees at The Rock have been trying to make do with what Mother Nature refuses to do: produce snow!

"The concern`s always there. You know, we`re dependent on the weather -- completely. We don`t need snow. We can make our own snow, but we need cold temperatures," Pfeifer said.

Cold temperatures have been somewhat difficult to come by so far this winter. And with Christmas just days away, some are worried.

"They`re really hoping that the weather changes, and that we can get open soon," Pfeifer said.

For now, the skiing, snowboarding and tubing runs remain closed at The Rock.

Meanwhile, at Erik's Bike, Board and Ski Shop in Greenfield...

"Some people think winter's not coming. They`re shopping, but as far as buying right now, I think they`re wondering how long the season`s gonna be. I think this is being affected -- more than the skis and snowboards because on the ski and snowboard hills, they have snow machines. The mountain bike trails don`t," Bill Bates said.

Snow can be made at The Rock Sports Complex when temperatures are some 20 to 25 degrees colder.

Officials at The Rock tell FOX6 News there are tentative plans for The Rock to host a kickball or wiffle ball tournament to make use of their ball fields while it's somewhat nice out.