Whitecap opens for business

By P.J. GLISSON

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UPSON, Wis. - The snow season started stirring nearly three months ago at Whitecap Mountains Resort, but skiing did not open at the Upson ski hill until Jan. 13, the day that a winter storm hit this region.

"We started making snow on Oct. 30," said resort owner David Dziuban of the staff's efforts toward the end of 2023.

The early snowmaking, of course, was foiled by a prolonged warm spell - including rain - that ruined any prospects of opening hills for the Christmas or New Year's holidays.

Hence, the recent winter storm was welcome, and Dziuban estimated that it brought up to 2 feet of snow in some of the higher mountain regions, with 8-10 inches estimated at the base.

"It's very strange how it comes in off the lake," said Dziuban of lake-effect snow from Lake Superior.

"It's been a tough year for everyone," said Christina Goodness of Nekoosa.

She was taking a break from the hill with her husband, Allen, after they had made the 4-hour drive to spend the weekend at Whitecap.

Goodness, who said their regular travel to the area also includes visiting family, noted that the late snow has had a marked effect on the northern regions of both Wisconsin and Michigan.

Dziuban, who also manages the resort, said his staff has faced more than one challenge. Last weekend, the main lift needed repair, so the base ski area was not open and skiers instead were being shuttled to other areas of the mountain.

Nevertheless, he said the first week of skiing had gone well despite extreme cold that at times took wind chills below zero.

"Everybody seems to be having a good time," he said as he sipped hot chocolate in the restaurant of the Whitecap hotel while other skiers lounged nearby.

Next door was the hotel's new retail store, which features clothing and other ski needs, along with Whitecap memorabilia.

The new shop is nestled between the pool and the "picnic room," where hill users can don or remove ski gear and eat a picnic lunch if they wish.

Patrick Day, and his son, Jeff, 14, were there, gearing up for a second round of skiing.

Day said he's been skiing at Whitecap since before the lodge burned in 2019.

"The snow was good," he said, adding, "It was a little icy in some spots."

Day said his family rents ski equipment, which they regard as more affordable. He added that his employer, the Lac du Flambeau Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, also helps with costs as part of health benefits.

He is a counselor for the band's Employee Assistant Program, and his wife, Kelly, directs the LVD Family Resource Center.

Day said he and his son escaped the cold to enjoy lunch in the restaurant.

As Jeff put on his helmet, his father said, "I would recommend helmets to everyone. Helmets are the way to go."

Other Wisconsin folks also spoke happily of their time outside.

"I love it," said Joy Schelble of Mellen. "The hill is amazing."

She said it was her first visit this year but added that she'd been coming to the site for years.

"It was good," said Pete Rasmussen of Marengo, but added that the area still could use more snow.

"Thank God we made the new snow-making pump a priority," said Dziuban.

He described snowmaking as "a very expensive proposition," but emphasized its importance at his resort.

"This year drove home the point that you can have the nicest resort in the world and if you don't have snow, you don't have anything," he said.