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Lack of snow poses challenge for businesses
While some businesses can lean on snowmaking systems, others rely on Mother Nature.
FRANKLIN, Wis. - The words "brutal winter" likely conjure thoughts of subzero temperatures, wind that hurts your face or mounds of snow and ice. But for businesses across Wisconsin, there may be a new definition.
Making snow
What they're saying:
It's mid-January, and the clearest sign of winter in Franklin is the tallest hill in town. Families don't just mind a little cold at Crystal Ridge, they prefer it.
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"We've got a great snowmaking system, so even if we got zero inches of snow all season, we would still be open as long as we have those colder temps to make snow," said general manager Riley Mays.
The cold is part of the reason every run is open for skiers, snowboarders and tubers. They can make all the snow they need; they just need people to know it's there.
Crystal Ridge in Franklin
"That's kind of what we're battling now is, 'Hey, we have really fantastic conditions because of our snowmaking,' but getting people to come out just because they don't see it in their backyard," Mays said.
The adaptation has helped Crystal Ridge be open just about all the time. There, going downhill is pretty much the name of the game – but other winter sports aren't as lucky.
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The FOX6 Weather Experts break it all down – the good and the not-so-good. We invite you to take it all in and embrace the winter to come. After all, it's Wisconsin.
Needing snow
The other side:
Jeff Katzer bought Rock's Rent-All in St. Germain, near Eagle River, thinking he would not have to worry about the weather.
"Two years ago, we had like 40 inches on the ground at this time," he said. "(This year), we have five."
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Katzer's business is reliant on snowmobile rentals.
"Last year, we didn't rent anything," he said. "The only reason we've rented anything this year is because I'm schlepping them up to the (Upper Peninsula)."
Rock's Rent-All in St. Germain
A look at the state's snow depth shows there's just not enough to snowmobile. Trails need around a foot of snow as a base to protect riders and the land. It explains why just two Wisconsin counties have "partially open" trails as of Jan. 15.
Katzer hopes a blast of weather can make his winter a little less brutal.
Wisconsin snow depth (Jan. 15, 2025)
"We are ready," he said. "It's just Mother Nature needs to help us."
Katzer did receive a $25,000 loan from the federal government in June, though he said it didn't really help him get through the prior winter. The Small Business Administration encouraged business owners to seek those loans last March; it's unclear if that will happen again.
The Source: Information in this report is from FOX6 News interviews.