Warmer winter weather creating headaches for businesses that rely on seasonal tourism

foxbusiness.com:

Many U.S. states rely on winter tourism, but with record-breaking, warmer winter temperatures, some businesses are losing money.

The winter tourism industry in the U.S. typically brings in billions of dollars for the economy, but businesses in many cities across the country are struggling because of record-breaking warm temperatures.

In Longville, Minnesota, Tara Mueller drives a mile from shore using the Lake Leech Ice Road. She rented an ice fishing shelter from the Leech Lake Ice Road at Chippewa Lodge with her friend and boyfriend. It’s their first time ice fishing this year.

«He and I spend most of the winters ice fishing,» Mueller said. «This is probably the latest in the season that we’ve actually gotten to go on the ice.» 

Mike Peterson runs the Leech Lake Ice Road. Though the access point isn’t open for public vehicle traffic yet because of low ice levels, Peterson is still able to rent out one of four, four-person sleeper houses.

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Minnesotan Jake Petrowitz measures his fish on Leech Lake after an ice fishing trip with a group of friends in celebration of their birthdays.  (Mills Hayes/Fox News / Fox News)

«Our fish houses are a lot lighter than most of the manufactured ones nowadays. So, we're able to get them on a little bit thinner ice than normal,» Peterson said. «This time of year should be a heck of a lot more busy than it is.»

Last year, 400 to 500 people used the ice road over New Year’s weekend. This year? Zero.

Chippewa Lodge Owner Josh May said it’s a loss of tens of thousands of dollars for their business. With less anglers on the lake, most businesses that survive on tourism have been severely impacted.  

«It’s not just us that are suffering, it’s the