This winter has been extremely mild, having large impacts on
the economy. Some sources estimate that specialty retailers lost $185 million
in sales in November because of the weather and another $158 million during the
first two weeks in December. These affects can be seen in clothing sales (such
as the north face), food sales (such as cambells soup), and ski resorts.
Closer to home, Greek Peak Mountain Resort, located in
Cortland, New York has been especially effected by the mild winter this year. The
resort has the ability to make their own snow, however, this requires
temperatures below 26 degrees. The warm temperatures experienced in November and
December forced Greek Peak to postpone the opening of their season several
weeks. The resort has been able to rely on other amenities such as their indoor
water park to help them weather the storm, or lack thereof.
Greek Peak, and many other winter based businesses, are
hoping the late start to their season will push the end of their season further
out.
