Tryg Solberg/For the Mining Gazette Skiers along Swedetown Trails in Calumet

The Keweenaw Peninsula is in the midst of an unseasonably warm period that has plagued many snow-based activities and businesses.

Although the area has already received more snow than the record low of 81.3″ in 1930-31, the warm temperatures have rapidly decreased the snowpack in the woods and on the trails.

Michigan’s economy is usually a huge benefactor of the ample snowfall and in 2022, Michigan Economic Development Corporation estimated the snow activities contributed over $130 million to the state’s GDP.

Speaking to local businesses has highlighted the extent of this winter’s impact.

Boondock Inn near Twin Lakes is experiencing some vacancy and cancellation issues. Their cabins have been nearly empty this winter besides a small burst of visitors after the large snowfall in mid-January. Although they have bookings through much of March, they are expecting more cancellations unless there is a change in the weather. The owner of the inn mentioned the hope that their side-by-side season will at least start earlier than a typical year.

Besides the obvious direct impact on local businesses, he also mentioned the effect that the winter will have on snowmobile and equipment manufacturers. With a huge drop in one of the more important regions in the world of snowmobiling, brands may have to delay product releases and further development over the next couple of years. This year’s lull especially contrasts the last couple years of excellent snowfall and post-pandemic tourism boom.

Cross Country Sports in Calumet has had a noticeable decrease in sales across all winter product categories. They’re grateful for the limited snow and conditions that local ski trails have produced, especially with much of the Midwest completely bare of snow. Even with trails open, it’s been a slow year of getting people into the sport and on new equipment. Fresh snowfall often is the reminder to get outside on skis, snowshoes or fat-tire bikes and without that, folks may be thinking of spring.

Cross Country Sports mentioned that even with the difficult skiing conditions, fat biking on groomed trails has been an excellent activity choice that doesn’t mind a little bare ground. Anticipation of March’s Great Bear Chase ski race at Swedetown in Calumet has them hopeful for a return of winter.

Trailside Lodge In Calumet mentioned that their lodging was nearly vacant, even on the weekend. Anticipation for lack of snow over spring break trips has already provoked cancellations over a month ahead. The past 2 winters have seen solid conditions through the end of snowmobiling season at the end of March so this year has been a stark contrast.

A representative of Atomic Nordic was offering a free demo alongside Cross Country Sports at Swedetown on Sunday. The entire North American cross country ski market has been impacted by this year’s mild winter, especially the touring category. Atomic’s sale of beginner-level skis has declined this year because many people in that category don’t have easy access to snow. More advanced ski racers often take the time on their weekends to drive to somewhere with snow or snow-making trails.

Despite the difficulties in the North American market, Europe is having a strong winter which has helped level out sales. Unsurprisingly, the Scandinavian countries are typically responsible for making a large number of Nordic skis purchases every year.

M&M Powersports in Hancock has lost all rental and sales business besides the short window in January after the snowstorm. They’re hopeful that winter will return to offer some recreation opportunities so that all businesses can see a partial return to normal.

They may get their wish as Houghton’s National Weather Service forecast calls for snow this weekend.