SIOUX FALLS, S.D.-
Some snow would be a welcome sight to the state’s Black Hills tourism industry, which is trying to lure more visitors in winter.
Winter tourism has been growing steadily in recent years, and state tourism officials are marketing such opportunities to people within the state and in surrounding states, the Argus Leader newspaper reported.
Tourism tax collections rose almost 12 percent from winter 2004-2005 to winter 2005-2006, according to the state’s tourism office.
“About 15 years ago, we pretty much rolled up the sidewalks in the wintertime,” said Bill Honerkamp, president of the Black Hills, Badlands and Lakes Association in Rapid City. “Now we consider it our second season.”
Snowmobiling, downhill skiing and cross-country skiing are the big three activities in the Black Hills, Honerkamp said.
Two ski areas are open–thanks in part to manufactured snow–but the snowmobile trails have been dry so far, he said.
