Wisconsin Winter Enthusiasts Left to Wait as Temperatures Rise

MADISON, WI - A professor from the University of Wisconsin-Madison is urging winter sports enthusiasts to remain optimistic despite the increasingly mild temperatures in the state.

Jonathan Martin, a professor of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science at UW-Madison, expressed his love for winter but lamented the lack of snow in recent winters. "One of the attractions of living here is that there's a threat of snow," he said. "But recently, the winters just have not cooperated to my satisfaction."

Martin attributes the warming globe and its impact on Wisconsin winters. "There's no doubt about it, they're getting warmer around the whole Northern hemisphere in the wintertime and we're on the sort of southern fringe of where it snows with routine frequency," he said.

The higher temperatures have also affected sports, particularly skiing. For a second year in a row, the ski hill at Christmas Mountain Village will likely delay its opening due to warmer weather. Nolan Champlin, ski operations manager, explained that the ideal temperature for blowing snow is around 30 degrees or less. "The colder the better," he said. Last year's season was shortened, and the hill opened only on January 5th.

However, Martin emphasizes that winter sports enthusiasts should remain hopeful due to advances in computer-based forecasting. "Nature can still deliver a pretty good event here and there," he said. He encourages everyone to look forward to the next three months despite recent disappointments.

Historically, Christmas Mountain Village has opened its hill just before Christmas. Champlin is optimistic about starting snow-making operations by the end of next week. As the forecast becomes more unpredictable, Martin and friends are eagerly awaiting the arrival of winter.

Sources:- Jonathan Martin, Professor of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science at UW-Madison - Nolan Champlin, Ski Operations Manager at Christmas Mountain Village

Related Story: Check back for further updates on the ski season at Christmas Mountain Village.