In January of 1980, a Gladstone man shovels during what was a low-snowfall year. (Daily Press file photo)

ESCANABA — In January of 1980, a mild winter was crippling the Upper Peninsula’s tourist industry, reported the Daily Press 26 years ago.

“Rain and unseasonably mild weather washed out the Christmas and New Year’s holidays — a time when Michigan’s ski areas normally are booked to capacity,” wrote United Press International.

Lack of snow forced the closure of large events such as dog sled races, cross-country skiing competitions and winter festivals.

Operators of Northern Michigan campgrounds reported their traffic was below 50% of the usual by mid-January. Service stations reported fuel sales were down by 25%.

It was noted that the year prior, 1979, had also seen less snow downstate, driving some more winter sports enthusiasts to the U.P. than usual.

In southeast Michigan, ski lodge operators had been making snow, but the concept of a snow machine wasn’t something people understood or had faith in — “skiers just wouldn’t believe there could be snow on the slopes in the absence of natural snowfall,” one man told reporters.

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The above account is a retelling of a story that appeared on the front page of the Daily Press on Jan. 23, 1980. Local newspapers serve to not only inform readers of current events, but also provide records of history.

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