Get your ski on! Local winter sport parks could close this weekend, as spring and warmer weather approaches

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — With spring and warmer temperatures approaching, this weekend could be the last time you can go skiing or snowboarding as several local ski slopes close their doors for the season.

At Little Switzerland in Slinger, employees are preparing for the closure.

“This is our last open weekend. We’re still busy, I mean we still have a lot of families out here enjoying today,” said general manager Jennifer Gilmore. “Tomorrow will be another great day to get out. Even if you are new, you still have time to learn.”

Gilmore told CBS 58’s Ellie Nakamoto-White that the ski area attracts all types of people and skill levels.

“We had an 80-year-old skiing up here yesterday. He hasn’t skied in four years, it just shows you the different age groups that can get out and enjoy the slopes,” Gilmore said.

Little Switzerland season pass holder Sean Naughtin said he and his family try to come as often as possible when the hill is open.

“We just love coming here and enjoying the atmosphere all around. It’s great people out here, great environment, great food, great accommodations,” Naughtin said.

But the special? Being able to make memories with loved ones.

“We came here when we were kids and now we get to experience it with them and relive it,” Naughtin said, referring to his young son and 13-year-old niece. “We kind of hope maybe the weather stays like this and maybe we can get another weekend next weekend, but we’ll see.”

Just a few miles up the road, Sunburst Ski Resort is most likely closing this weekend.

“The weather always dictates, but if the weather changes suddenly and we can open again, we could, but most likely, yes, this will be our last weekend,” said general manager Jason Wood.

While many enjoyed the state’s generally milder winter weather, the unstable temperatures didn’t help ski businesses.

“The weather was interesting,” Wood said. “I’d say this year has been more extreme than others lately, but yeah, it’s typically Wisconsin, and we like to say we have all four seasons every year.”

Little Switzerland will remain open on Sunday, March 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m

Sunburst will remain open on Sunday, March 19 from 9:30am to 5:00pm. Tubing is also open during this time.

Alpine Valley Ski Resort will remain open on Sunday, March 19th from 9am to 5:30pm. They are closed Monday to Thursday but plan to reassess later in the week with a view to possibly opening for the upcoming weekend.