Businesses Happy About Snow

The Northland is staring down at a winter storm. But this one is arriving a little late. Cross country skier Nikolai Anikin has had to go to the very edge of the Northland to find snow.

"I went to Ironwood last Saturday. Ironwood is notorious for having huge amounts of snow all the time because they are in the snow belt."

Outside of the snow belt the Northland hasn't seen much white, and skiers aren't the only ones waiting. Winter businesses have seen a drop in sales. Most of the skis at Ski Hut in Duluth are still stacked against the wall. Scott Neustel says business this year was hit extra hard, taking a 15% loss.

"Part of the reason our business was down is because of the warm weather. People weren't buying the jackets or gloves or hats."

Snowmobile sales have also taken a hit. Beaver Bay Sports Inc. Says their numbers are down about 30%.

Glenn Johnson runs a snow removal company, and his trucks have been parked for most of the season. There's good news since Johnson says the first flakes means the start to business.

"That probably started a couple days ago. Where we've gotten a lot more calls now. People getting on the list and making sure they're on the list."

As the cold settles in and snow approaches, Neustel says his numbers are starting to recover.

"We have seen an uptick in business, but if we do get this storm, we get 6 or 8 inches of snow, I think people will really come out."

Johnson says a fresh white blanket means he is gearing up for a busy week.

"We're trying to get the trucks ready and make sure all the plows are working, the snow blowers are ready and greased up and ready to go. We've gotta pick up new shovels today, but besides that we're pretty much ready."

Which is good because Anikin says he has high hopes for high snow totals.

"Six inches would be a dream because six inches you can groom trails."

And falling snow means rising numbers when it comes to businesses. According to Spirit Mountain, all the snow this week looks good for Snocross this weekend.