Idaho Springs pins economic hopes on weekend snow after dry December
Idaho Springs is eagerly awaiting the return of snow this weekend, following an unusually warm and dry December. Local small business ideas have struggled with fewer visitors, as the lack of snow kept skiers and snowboarders away. Residents and shop owners are now hoping for a change in the weather to boost the town’s economy.
Christmas week is normally one of the busiest times for Idaho Springs. But this year, the Westbound Bar & Grill, usually packed with tourists, stood nearly empty. The absence of snow meant fewer skiers and snowboarders, leaving the restaurant quiet.
On Christmas Eve, Interstate 70 through the mountains was sunny, dry, and far quieter than expected. The lack of holiday traffic reflected the drop in visitors, affecting shops along the route. The Majestic Art Gallery saw significantly fewer customers compared to last year’s festive season. Downtown businesses have felt the impact of the mild weather. Tibetan Sisters Art, owned by Paulden Hester, reported slow sales. Hester, like others, is waiting for conditions to improve. Resident Katie Baker echoed the sentiment, saying the current weather is far from ideal for the town. Warm and dry December weather spells are not uncommon in Colorado. However, this year’s strong downslope winds made the conditions even more pronounced, keeping temperatures higher than usual.
With snow forecast for the weekend, businesses in Idaho Springs are looking for a much-needed upturn. The return of winter sports enthusiasts could bring back the usual holiday crowds. Until then, the town remains quieter than residents and shopkeepers would like.
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