Minneapolis recently made history by successfully hosting the first cross-country World Cup events in America in over two decades, despite facing challenges such as record warmth and a lack of snow. Winter activities in the United States constitute a $12 billion industry, and the impact of El Niño on this year's winter weather has posed significant obstacles for both the economic and cultural landscapes of many northern states.
The scarcity of snow and above-normal temperatures have adversely affected businesses and events that depend on snow, ice, and cold weather to attract and entertain visitors. Across the Northern Plains and the Midwest, there has been a notable absence of snow compared to typical winters, with lake ice levels nearing record lows. Some northern cities have even experienced winter thunderstorms and tornadoes, with the El Niño weather pattern being a major contributing factor to these mild conditions. Additionally, winter is now the fastest-warming season for more than three-quarters of the country, significantly impacting winter tourism and outdoor recreation.
Despite the lack of natural snowfall, Minneapolis managed to host the cross-country World Cup events by utilizing man-made snow for over 75% of the racecourse. The event attracted nearly 20,000 spectators over the weekend, showcasing the city's resilience in the face of challenging weather conditions. However, many other winter events across various states had to be canceled or modified due to the insufficient snow and ice, including a snow sculpting festival in Iowa and Northern Michigan's Snowmobile Festival.
The ski industry, valued at $58 billion, has also encountered significant challenges this winter. While some downhill ski areas in states like Utah and Colorado have received substantial snowfall, regions further north, such as Washington and Montana, have experienced below-average snowfall and above-average temperatures, making snowmaking difficult. Montana's Teton Pass ski area had to close for the season due to historically low moisture levels, while Big Sky Resort could only open half of its terrain.
Outdoor recreational activities like ice fishing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding are vital for winter tourism in the Northern Plains, but this year has seen a decline in tourism, event cancellations, and safety concerns due to thin ice. Several events, including the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon and the American Birkebeiner cross-country ski race, were affected by the lack of snow. Local businesses in these areas have reported significant year-over-year losses, with one Wisconsin region estimating a $6.5 million revenue loss due to the lack of snow in December and January.
The safety risks associated with lake ice have become more pronounced, leading to multiple deaths and injuries from ice collapses on Minnesota lakes. With the La Niña weather pattern expected to transition later in 2024, there is hope for a moderation of the extreme heat and a return to more typical winter conditions.
