Snow helps Northwoods businesses rebound

CRIVITZ - In the village of Crivitz, the sounds of snowmobiles filled the air.

"Now that we got snow, we can go," said Aaron Drewel, Crivitz.

Drewel is driving his sled to work.

"It's a blast, can't beat it. It's a joy," said Drewel.

Convenience stores are packed.

"We just got here, pulling in, we're getting gas, go get something to eat, and head to check in," said Bob, a customer.

Bob and his friends are from Illinois.

"I am getting real itchy. I haven't been out in a while," said Bob.

"Ready to go rippin'," said Jeremy Herzog, Crivitz.

Jeremy Herzog and his friend spent $20 on fuel.

"Wherever the trails go, that's where we'll go," said Herzog.

At JC Power Sports, the sales manager sold two snow throwers, an ATV and more.

"Just got done delivering a snowmobile today. A guy traded one in. Got another one. Now I am cleaning it up. Just got done cleaning the carbs on it, washing it, put it outside for sale, probably sell it today or tomorrow, I'm thinking," said Chris Schroeder, JC Power Sports, sales manager.

And the service department is backed up.

"I've got eight things back here, last week, we only had two," said Schroeder.

Schroeder says this snow already tops last year's effort.

"If the snow sticks it's always going to be a better winter for businesses like this," said Schroeder.

And people in Crivitz, are thinking snow.

"Green Bay or Chicago, neither one of them are in the Super Bowl, so I'm going snowmobiling," said Bob.

Snow business in Marinette County is big business.

Tourism officials say 40% of the county's annual tourism income of $123.9 million is generated in winter.

That's almost $50 million.