GLADSTONE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The late start to winter has been tough for outdoor sports enthusiasts, but it has also had an impact on the businesses that equip them.
On January 20, the National Winter Trails Day event was supposed to take over the Rapid River Ski Trail.
“It’s an event that here at Brampton Bike & Ski and the Federal Forest Service and with the help of a bunch of friends and volunteers, we’ve made happen for over 15 years,” said Brampton Bike & Ski owner Michael Williams. “We’re typically good to have over 100 people to attend that event.”
Unfortunately, due to the mild first month of the season, organizers had to postpone this year’s event until February 24.
“Snow has definitely been lagging in the U.P.,” Williams said. “We were hoping to see that snow that came through a little over a week ago, and it just didn’t materialize like we were hoping. Ideally, you’d like a foot on the ground after you pack it and track it.”
Although snow has fallen over the last couple of weeks, Williams says it was a bit late in the season for many of the usual January activities.
“The biggest impact to our business is whether or not we have it before Christmastime, which is that primetime,” he explained. “People want to rent stuff who might not otherwise be there. If you don’t have it before then, the entire season is really spent playing catch-up.”
He says that creates a problem for retailers who carry winter sports gear.
“I’ve been in the industry since 1986, so I’ve seen a lot of it through the years,” said Williams. “Being established definitely helps—I’m able to control my orders—but it’s definitely tough. I would hate to be starting out in this, or any, industry.”
However, as conditions begin to feel, and look, a little more like they normally do at this time of year, Williams has hope for the season ahead.
“I’m optimistic, yet I’m not in way over my head,” he said. “The Gladstone Ski Hill has opened up and our other local hills. We just have so much at our disposal, so it doesn’t make any difference what you do, just get out there and enjoy it.”
Brampton Bike & Ski is located at 910 Delta Avenue and is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information about the shop, call (906) 428-2135.
Click here to view the Hiawatha National Forest Facebook page for updates on the National Winter Trails Day event.
