After a relatively green Christmas, winter appears to have arrived at last. But the last two years of unseasonable warmth have taken a toll on Alger County.
While there are no numbers available to speak to the lowered income stream, the normal winter tourism that keeps the sounds of snowmobiles active and winter sports alive has had a slow start and that has been making a hole in the local economy.
One or two good snow falls might not be enough to compensate for opportunities lost. Kathy Reynolds of the Munising Chamber of Commerce said, “We need a constant, steady snowfall.”
Some of the county businesses that rely heavily on winter tourism and snowmobilers have been hardest hit. The Bear Trap, Buckhorn Resort, and small businesses like Midway General Store are all feeling the keen effects of few visitors to the area.
Some events have been postponed, such as the Valley Spur Classic Groomer Fundraiser which has been delayed from the original date of January 14, 2024, until February 3, 2024.
Other events are staying hopeful. The the Upper Peninsula Sled Dog Association is still “on track” for the UP200, Midnight Run, and Jackpine 30 races in February according to their web page.
However, the Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race and the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathons, scheduled for January have both been cancelled for this year.
While normally ice fishermen would be seen dotting the landscape by now, there are at least hints of ice at the edges of Lake Superior with pancake ice forming finally at the beginning of this week. This weekend however, is going to be cold and the temperatures will remain under freezing so conditions may change. Various news services are predicting several inches of snow over the weekend and a steady fall throughout next week.
The question is, even if the snow arrives, leaving enough inches to restore ski, snowmobile, and dog paths, will it be enough to make up for the lost revenue thus far? For some businesses, the damage has already been done and they are going to have to take a loss this year. Regardless, those businesses remain optimistic and have faith next year will be better.
