Skimpy snow didn’t put damper on holiday business

Central Oregon’s economy relies heavily on tourism, and in the winter months, the lack of new snowfall could put a dent in the tourism season.

“Tourism continues to be the single largest economy for Central Oregon, generating over three-quarter of a billion dollars annually,” Alana Hughson, president and CEO with the Central Oregon Visitors Association, said Monday.

With temperatures predicted to be in the mid-50s, many businesses are starting to worry.

“The first snowstorm we had, everyone was rushing in. We tripled sales that we usually do. Once the snow disappeared, people also started to disappear,” said Lea Stoker, gear expert at Gear Fix in Bend.

Still, resorts, restaurants and business had a good holiday season.

“Our reports are that the Christmas period is slightly up from the prior year,” Hughson said.

Stoker added, “We were extremely busy. December was our highest month we’ve ever done in the eight years that he has been the owner here.”

Hughson said the weather has, in fact, little impact on families booking their vacation months in advance. Experts are attributing the rise in tourism to the economic recovery.

“The economy is more important than weather conditions, because when people are in the mindset to travel, they’re going to make those vacation plans,” Hughson said.

The numbers over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend also were strong, despite the lack of snow.

“Spending was up as well so overall, a good shot in the arm and a good way to sustain the region through the winter months,” Hughson said.

Still, some businesses, relying on weather conditions, have had to get more creative.

“I think we’re learning how to adapt to the lack of snow and filling it in with other things. Uss, we added our repair shops,” Stoker said. “Hopefully the snow just starts to fall for us. Who doesn’t love snow?”