Winter returns on the 1st day of Spring
About 2" of pow fell on the near north 'burbs. It was expected to stick only to grassy areas, elevated surfaces etc... But considering it was close to 80 only a few days ago, it's quite surprising it stuck to the sidewalks and roads... In my neck of the woods, the plows were out early this morning...
That all said, xc skiing is doable on open fields and golf courses. But do it soon, because it'll all be gone by tomorrow....
As a side note, the southern Wisconsin ski resorts are closed for the season (earlier than normal b/c of the lame Winter we've had), HOWEVER, drive a coupla hours further north to Wausau, and you'll be able to downhill at Granite Peak. They're planning to be open until April 6. And in the U.P., Snow River Resort (formerly Indianhead and Blackjack) are planning to be open until April 13, or beyond, depending on conditions....
It seems like winter has made an unexpected return in the Chicago area with this surprise snowfall! Even though it was near 80°F just days ago, it’s always interesting to see how quickly the weather can shift in the Midwest. Snowfall sticking to sidewalks and roads, while surprising, does make for a brief window of opportunity for winter sports like cross-country skiing.
If you’re looking to make the most of this late-season snowfall, cross-country skiing on open fields or golf courses is a great idea. Just be sure to do it quickly, as temperatures will likely rise again tomorrow, melting the snow away. It's nice that the local plows were out early this morning to clear the roads, which indicates the storm wasn’t too severe, but it’s always a good idea to stay cautious in these sudden weather changes.
For those craving more winter sports, it’s unfortunate that the southern Wisconsin ski resorts have closed earlier than usual this year due to the mild winter. However, there’s still hope for some skiing further north:
- Granite Peak in Wausau: They plan to remain open until April 6th. If you’re up for a bit of a drive, this could be a great option to catch some late-season downhill skiing.
- Snow River Resort in the Upper Peninsula: Formerly known as Indianhead and Blackjack, they’re planning to stay open until April 13th, or longer, depending on conditions. This might be a great place to head for those looking for an extended ski season.
While the southern ski resorts may have closed, these northern options should provide a nice late-season snow fix. So, if you're looking to ski a bit longer this season, a trip up north could be the perfect way to extend your winter adventure!
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