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MN cold snap means business for ice fishing stores, adventure for winter athletes

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Published  December 11, 2024 10:26pm CST
Winter Weather
FOX 9

Cold weather welcomed by Minnesota businesses

A cold snap is sending many people indoors while others are embracing the winter activities they enjoy. FOX 9's Soyoung Kim has the full story.

The Brief

    • A cold snap is sending many winter athletes outside while other people choose to hunker down.
    • The winter weather is also having a positive impact on angler outfitters who are gearing up for ice-fishing season. 
    • Some are cautiously optimistic after last winter had very little snow. 

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (FOX 9) - While some people choose to hunker down when it is cold outside, there are many people who embrace it. Some businesses depend on it.

Fun in the snow

People at a local ski hill and a fishing store in the Twin Cities said this cold weather is a good sign for the winter activities they enjoy.

With plummeting temperatures, a group at Hyland Hills Ski Area in Bloomington said they are enjoying being outdoors.

"It’s colder than last year, so it’s better, yea," said Zak, a snowboarder.

"I feel like winter athletes, we’re kind of supposed to like, brave it a little bit," said Phoenix, a ski racer.

With the snow-making machine doing its thing, eager skiers and snowboarders were doing theirs.

"Hand warmers and lots of layers," said Stella, a ski racer.

"I think the conditions are okay to snowboard at least," said Eyan, a snowboarder.

Business impact 

Over at Lake Minnetonka, the team at Waypoint Angler Supply said this weather has been good for business.

"We love a good cold snap right now. It gets the anglers out looking around," said Ross Kellermeier at Waypoint Angler Supply. "They’re itching because they didn’t get to go out last year like they wanted to."

Waypoint said ice anglers have been asking about specific products.

"Locally owned, this is Vocelka Fishing, he’s right down the street. He makes custom rods that are really top notch, ultimate sensitivity, light weight, hand built, lifetime warranty," said Kellermeier. "Pan fish plastics that are actually imported from Japan. As well as hard baits for walleye from Japan. Fish haven’t seen them, anglers are looking for them. It’s going to give you an edge out there for sure."

Store team members said they are cautiously optimistic that this season will be a solid one for ice fishing.

"I just got back from Red Lake, we were fishing for walleyes up there. It was really good," said Wilfred Raeker-Rebeck, an ice angler.

Anglers are reminded to always check the weather and ice conditions before heading out.

Winter WeatherBloomingtonMinnetonka