SOUTH FORK— There has been an average of cold nights and warm days in the South Fork area for the last several months, causing the economy to struggle with the lack of snow and even more— the lack of people. The South Fork Visitor Center and other local businesses have made it a point to promote the area in the past few weeks, with the hopes of bringing people without the draw of fresh powder through innovative marketing strategies based around what an outdoorsman or woman can do regardless of snow.

South Fork, as a whole, has been using the phrase “South Fork, your basecamp for adventure” and have been working to make sure that it holds true, whether there is snow or not during the winter months. The visitor center has been advertising for mid-winter hiking trips in the area, offering free hiking advice and education through either their website or by stopping in to speak with Director Mark Teders. Teders is experienced in all things outdoors and can help people coming to the area to plan for a short- day hike or a long-term hike in the mountainous terrain that surrounds the town.

In addition to the hiking educational opportunities, Teders is also well versed in many other outdoor activities including ice fishing adventures as well as snowshoeing in the high country. In the last week, Wolf Creek Pass and ski resort have received a much needed nine inches of additional snow to their already growing base at the summit. Because of the additional snow, winter outdoor enthusiasts will find groomed trails for Nordic skiing, cross country and snowshoeing. The area may be lacking in the white stuff, but there is enough to still be able to get out and enjoy.

Due to the warm temperatures that spread Valley-wide in the month of December, the visitor center was unable to open their ice skating rink on time and host their annual New Year’s Eve bash. Teders has worked with the local road and bridge department to get the rink ready and open. A Valentine’s Day skating party is being planned for the entire family to enjoy. The event will take place on Feb. 14, depending on weather. More information will be available soon.

Other businesses in the area have also worked to help promote other outdoor activities that rely on cold weather rather than the snow. Over the past several months, weather reports have continued to promise snow, only to fall in short supply, but the cold temperatures have made the Beaver Creek Reservoir an ice fisherman’s dream come true. The lake is full after almost three years of being dry due to repairs being done on the 100-year-old dam.

Now that the reservoir is full and stocked with all kinds of local fish, everything from rainbow trout to salmon live in the water after it has frozen. Local fishermen have flocked to the area and covered the banks of the lake with holes in the ice to retrieve the fish. The sport is much loved in the area and residents are happy to have the reservoir back.

The town continues to work against the dry season to keep businesses open and to bring people out regardless of snow. Though hopes remain high for the white landscapes of the past, those who reside year-round continue to do what they can to keep moving forward.