Ski Slopes and Golf Courses Open Despite Warm Weather

Staff at Tyrol Basin are about two weeks behind schedule, but despite January temperatures in the 50's all runs will open Saturday.

The team makes snow at night when temperatures are the coolest. Warm overnight weather means they only have a foot or two of packed snow.

"For the same effort when it is 25 degrees we can make five times as much snow as when it is 25 or 28 degrees," said General Manager Don McKay.

The warm winter means an unpredictable season for golf courses as well.

Staff at Bridges Golf Course on Madison's northeast side reopened after closing earlier this season. After announcing open tee times Thursday night, they woke up to dozens of voicemails and a full schedule Friday.

They say until the fragile greens freeze they plan to stay open.

"Once we get ice on the greens it does damage to your golf course," said Becky Iverson. "That's damage that ends up getting more expensive than what you can actually make for the day."

Iverson plans to stay open through Thursday and already has several busy days booked. Varying course designs and local weather mean of several courses NBC 15 staff called Friday, only a few are open.

Source: http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Skie_Slopes_and_Golf_Courses_Open_Despite_Weather_136861898.html

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