Outdoor Enthusiasts, Winter Businesses Love Latest Storm
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- For many, the snow means good times on a sled or cross country skiing. For others it means big bucks.
Lots of outdoor enthusiasts have been waiting for this day for quite some time as several inches of snow fell on the Twin Cities metro and southern Minnesota. It's all about enjoying winter in Minnesota, and that's been hard to do with the lack of snow we've had so far this season.
Now, since the snowflakes are finally flying, many are happy for the opportunity to get out and make money.
"Absolutely. Waitng and watiing and waiting, we've been eeking along with what we had so far but this is what really makes it worth it," Robin Swenson said.
Nothing brings a smile to the face of those who love outdoors activities in the winter more than a snow storm in February. For many, the white stuff is a welcome sight to those wanting to take part in this weekend's City of Lakes Loppet.
"It was dreamy. It felt good to have real snow. To be on it felt like we were floating, it was magical," Swenson said.
Because of the snow, the Loppet will go on without any problems. Not only does the event promote winter activiites in Minnesota, it means big dollars for the organization and the city.
"This is the day I got to brave the snow and go out and get my coat," Swenson said.
That big business also spreads to others like Midwest Mountaineering. This February snow has some looking for fashion to match what's going on outside.
"I'm doing the Luminary Loppet on Saturday and I thought I need a new coat to look really cool when I'm doing the Loppet," Swenson said.
Swenson was surprised to find such huge sales. A slow December forced owner Rod Johnson to cut prices.
"All the snow shoes are 40 percent off and all the skis are on sale and most to the winter stuff is on sale," Johnson said.
Sales he hopes encourages people not only to buy, but to get out and enjoy this Minnesota winter.
There should be lots of sledding, snowboarding and fort building going on after the snow is done falling. It's just in time to help us all remember how much fun winter in Minnesota is.
