GAYLORD--“I’m like this snow is great, it’s here to stay. Let’s have fun, I haven’t skipped a single club, from Treetops to Boyne Mountain and Otsego, so I try to embrace it and take it all in,” said ski rep Spencer Opperman.
The National Weather Service Office in Gaylord broke their snowfall record this week.
As of Monday -- the new record is 186.6 inches so far for the 2024-2025 winter season.
People in the city couldn’t be happier about it.
“I think it’s just positive, a positive effect to have more money flowing through the community, because then we can keep building for new winter festivals,” said Opperman.
Val Wright, the social media manager form Gaylord’s Tourism Bureau said those inches have equaled dollars for the city’s bustling downtown.
“We have seen so many snowmobilers come through here and go skiing and go eat at restaurants or shop downtown,” said Wright.
“When people eat here or stay here or shop here, even getting gas. It does have a financial impact on the community.”
Over at White Birch Outfitters, a store that specializes in ski equipment, Opperman said the snow is bringing in work.
“It gets people from out of town getting in here, but it’s creating new jobs to get people at the ski resorts getting jobs,” said Opperman. “Whether it’s being a lift operator or doing the skis or whatever, it’s great for retail services and tourism, and just making people happy.”
Opperman said people from Detroit, Alpena and neighboring states have all been shoppers at his store.
He said those dollars help Gaylord grow.
“I think just creating more money flowing throughout the economy is going to boost more creative things, to get to spend the money in the snow academy.”
While building revenue for the city is important, Opperman also said it’s about more than money.
“I think people being able to build memories and people being able to go have fun with friends and family, create a little bit of trouble and have some fun, the best thing is just creating memories. Yea, the skiing is fun but it’s bigger than that.”