How Small Businesses and Ski Areas Adapted after a Warm Winter Season

Last Updated on March 24, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes

The Great Lakes region is experiencing the warmest winter on record, with businesses and tourism taking a hit due to the lack of snow. Hotel owners in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula are feeling the impact, with one owner reporting a 70% drop in sales.

Eight states, including Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota, have experienced a record-warm season, leading to a decrease in tourism dollars in popular destinations like Marquette, Michigan. Snow activities usually add hundreds of millions of dollars to the region’s economy, but events like the sled-dog race UP200 had to be canceled due to the lack of snow.

Governors in the region are offering assistance to businesses impacted by the drought and lack of snow, urging them to plan for unpredictable seasons in the future. In response to the revenue loss, businesses are adapting by offering new packages and partnerships to attract visitors.

One hotel owner in the Upper Peninsula is even offering discounts in hopes of supporting the community and attracting more guests. It’s clear that businesses in the region are feeling the effects of the warm winter, but with creative solutions and support from local officials, they are working to overcome the challenges and continue to thrive in the face of unpredictable weather patterns.