OLD FORGE, NY (AP) -- A forecast for a "wintry mix" means snow, sleet, and misery for commuters, but in Old Forge, it means snow, fun, and business.
Mike Farmer of the Old Forge Visitors Center in the western Adirondacks says this winter's snowfall has been a blessing to his area, where snowmobiling accounts for about a third of the annual tourism business. Farmer says snowmobilers spend an average of $130 per person per day, far more than summer visitors spend.
The season got off to a slow start, without a good, heavy snowfall through December and into January. But once the snow base built up in mid-January, the sled season got into full throttle and it hasn't let up since.
Farmer says the season was over by March last year, with the worst snow year since the late 60s. But this season is on track to be one of the best of the last five years.
The town of Webb, which includes Old Forge, has a 500-square-mile snowmobile trail system with professional grooming. Next weekend, about 4,000 enthusiasts are expected for Snowfest, which features next year's sleds.
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