The state Department of Tourism is trying to put the best face on a snowless winter. There are 15 inches of snow in Upson, Wisconsin in the far north but for most winter tourist areas it's just not the same this year.
The Tourism Department's Jerry Huffman says they don't have numbers yet but some areas are starting to feel more than just warm temperatures. "When the snow isn't there, it does cut down on the amount of traffic," says Huffman. Motels in Iron River sit mostly empty for lack of snowmobilers. The 24 Hours of Telemark Race in Cable was canceled and organizers of the American Birkebeiner and the Badger State Winter Games are anxiously watching the forecasts. It's Huffman's job to make sure everyone knows there are alternatives; theater, restaurants and museums.
You can track the state's snowfall by logging on to the Tourism Department's website .