Who would have guessed we would have lived to see the day? Christmas without snow? Going for long walks in mid-January with nothing more then a sweater on? I'm not really sure if I should be really or really sad. I think my snowshoes are lonely and sad, my car...happy.

What is up with the weather? For the most part it has turned about to be a very mild winter, putting it lightly.

The snowshoers, cross country skiers, down hill skiers, ice fishers, and small children have been lamenting the lack of ice and snow during this so called winter. I wouldn't really call it a winter if it were up to me. More like a long, late fall. When is the last time it has been this nice in January?

Besides ruining all the weekends I had planned to spend outside romping around in snow shoes, there seems to be a more deadly effect of this lack of powder. It is the economics.

Before you go racing away into the sunset because you're tired of hearing about the economy, don't you have time to spare for one more story?

I would have to imagine the lack of a certain snowy white substance (otherwise known as snow) has been reeking havoc on local ski hills, small outdoor stores, big outdoor retailers, and basically anyone connected to outdoor winter adventure and sports.

It's probably safe to say many of the ski hills were unable to open very earlier and have got into the habit of making artificial snow 24/7. All those cross country ski and snow shoe rental small outdoor outfitters are probably getting no business.

Not even to mention the sales at big and small stores as it relates to winter gear and clothing. Ouch. From talking to some insiders at a small outdoor retailer, the long winters can be hard enough the way it is. The cold weather and wind usually ends up keeping most people away from the store fronts. But, stores are not the only one's that get hurt.

Ski hills and all the business that goes with them take a large hit when we have winters like this, with snow nonexistent and warm weather. According to this article, ski resorts like Mt. Brighton have not only the lost revenue from short season, but think of all the workers and ski instructors around this country without any work! That is a lot of money in the economy that does not get flowing into the stream.

Another big part of economy that a lot of people don't think about is the snowmobiling culture that is out there. Most of the Midwest and even down into Colorado holds a huge number of dedicated snowmoblilers that hit the ditches every snowy weekend they get all year long. They travel far and wide, stop at restaurants, hotels, and bars. They buy and sell gear and machines, go to competitions, and in general are a very involved and dedicated culture of people. Shorting the snowmobiling season will have a huge impact on the economy. This article about Minnesota laments the lack of snow and its harmful affect on their tourism this winter

It's clear that the no snow and warm winter this year has already taken a hard toll on the economy, one that cannot be undone. Hopefully the snow will come and all the outdoor adventurers will hit the slopes, ditches, and woods!