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Mild December, Lack Of Snow Tough For Winter Sports Enthusiasts

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Some Minnesotans are enjoying the mild temperatures and lack of snow, but not everyone is happy about this weather.

People who love the snow are wondering what to do with themselves. Normally in mid-December, Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis has snow on the ground.

We sent Meteorologist Molly Rosenblatt out to find out how people are coping.

While Mother Nature isn't cooperating for Minnesota winter sports, there are options. Like the refrigerated rink at Loring Park for the Holidazzle-goers. We caught up with snow lovers, and there's one word we heard over and over.

It's a "bummer."

At Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis, green grass is where the snow should be. The snow cat is camped out in the parking lot, and the rope tow sits idle.

"We just need cooperation from a temperature standpoint so it has to be in the mid to low 20s for about a week to 10 days in order to accumulate to the standard for cross country skiing, the tubing and the snow shoeing," Jamie Nelder with Minneapolis Parks and Recreation said.

But Mother Nature isn't cooperating.

"Snow would be wonderful. A nice base to start with," Nelder said.

At Finn Sisu in St. Paul, business is a bit slower than usual and for the high school ski teams, practice is nearly impossible.

"We can't practice the ski motions, the ski movements that are really critical to being good once we do get snow," Taipale said.

With multiple races already canceled, coach Taipale is just hoping for the best.

"Best case scenario is if we get snow, skiable snow in the immediate future," he said.

In the meantime, the rink opens back up Thursday night for Holidazzle festivities.

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