Get your ski on! Local winter sport parks could close this weekend, as spring and warmer weather approaches

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- With spring and warmer temperatures approaching, this weekend may be the last time you could go skiing or snowboarding as multiple local ski hills are closing their doors for the season.

At Little Switzerland in Slinger, employees are gearing up to shut down.

“This is our last weekend open. We are still busy, I mean we still have a lot of families out here enjoying the day today," said General Manager Jennifer Gilmore. "Tomorrow will be another great day to come out. Even if you’re new, you still have time to learn.”

Gilmore told CBS 58's Ellie Nakamoto-White that the ski resort attracts all kinds of people and skill levels.

“We had an 80-year-old up here skiing yesterday. He hasn’t skied for four years so that just shows you the different age groups that can come out and enjoy the slopes," Gilmore said. 

Sean Naughtin, a season ticket holder for Little Switzerland, said he and his family try coming as frequently as possible when the hill is open.

“We just love coming out here and enjoying the atmosphere all around. It’s great people out here, great environment, the food is great, the lodging is great," Naughtin said. “Just watching all these kids coming down the hill, it puts a big smile on your face.”

But the most special part? Being able to make memories with loved ones.

“We came out here when we were kids and now, we get to experience it with them and relive it all over again," Naughtin said, referring to his young son and 13-year-old niece. “We’re kind of hoping maybe the weather sticks around and maybe we can get one more weekend next weekend, but we’ll see.”

Just a few miles up the road, Sunburst Ski Area is also most likely closing this weekend.

“Weather always dictates but if all of a sudden the weather changes and we can get open again we might, but most likely, yes, this will be our last weekend," said General Manager Jason Wood. 

While many enjoyed the state's overall milder winter weather, the up-and-down temperatures didn't help the ski businesses.

"The weather was interesting," Wood said. “I would say this year's been more extreme than others lately but yes, it is typical Wisconsin, and we like to say we have all four seasons every year.”

Little Switzerland will remain open on Sunday, Mar. 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunburst will remain open on Sunday, Mar. 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tubing will also be open during those same hours.

Alpine Valley Ski Resort will remain open on Sunday, Mar. 19 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. They will be closed Mon-Thurs but are planning on reevaluating later in the week to potentially open for the upcoming weekend.