Lack of snow hurts Northwoods tourism

CRIVITZ - In Northeast Wisconsin, a snow scene might be typical for the third week of January.

But when it comes to snow, for parts of our area this year has not been typical. The southern half of the area has been close to normal, but up north, not so much. And now, the lack of snow is worrying businesses that depend on winter tourism.

At JC Power Sports in Crivitz, winter started with a bang.

"We went from wide open to, it's almost like a door shut. We went from selling 15-20 snowmobiles a week, to just like that, nothing," said Chris Schroeder, JC Power Sports.

• Interactive: 2012-13 winter storms

Brand new snowmobiles sit on the showroom floor.

"There's just not any drivers in the market to buy snowmobiles, there's no snow anywhere," said Schroeder.

Chris Schroeder says Blizzard Brianna is just a melted memory, and businesses in Crivitz are feeling the pinch.

"Everything struggles, gas stations are going to sell less fuel, everybody's going through less gas. Places aren't booked, rentals are down," said Schroeder.

"It's not good. I did speak to a couple of businesses that depend mainly on snowmobile income, and they just don't have it. They're getting a little worried," said Jamie Darge, Marinette Menominee Chamber of Commerce tourism director.

Tourism in Marinette County is big business. In 2011, revenues totaled $123.9 million. Forty percent of that was winter tourism, resulting in more than $49.5 million.

Snowmobile conditions are grim across much of the state. Snowmobile trails are empty west of Marinette. ATV traffic is up on an expanded county trail system.

"They do share with the snowmobiles, so where a snowmobile trail may be rated poor, the ATV trail would be rated good," said Darge.

And buyers are taking notice.

"If you're going to spend $6,000 on something, you should be able to use it," said Schroeder.

Schroeder says some people have written off winter.

"I sold a lawn mower today, sold a motorcycle yesterday, people are planning ahead for springtime already," said Schroeder.

Until then, the "think snow" sign outside JC Power Sports says it all.

"If I could do a snow dance, I could jump up in the air, and make it snow, or make something happen, that would be perfect," said Schroeder.

Business owners say they will have to wait to see if the snow predicted for the next few days will be enough to make any difference.