Banking on snow is paying off for businesses in western Newfoundland

While heaps of snow might not be for everyone, those on Newfoundland's west coast who rely on it for business are in their glee.

"We've been busier than usual, and [it's] probably the least amount of inventory in snowmobiles I've had for years," said Craig Borden, co-owner of Rugged Edge in Corner Brook.

"Everything is nice and white. You know, fresh. Trees are covered in really nicely. So yeah, it's a great time to get out and just kind of enjoy yourself and take in what we have on the west coast."

CBC meteorologist Ashley Brauweiler said Corner Brook has already received 291 centimetres of snow this winter, including nearly 70 centimetres in January alone.

The snow depth in Corner Brook — how much snow is on the ground at a given time — is currently 67 centimetres. The average for January is 42 centimetres, Brauweiler said.

The conditions mean many snowmobilers are getting a full season for the first time in years.

Todd Grant, who fixes snowmobiles in his shop in Steady Brook, said he's had a lot of work this winter. His yard is full of machines, and he estimates he currently has about two weeks of work on his hands.

"I'd say the last two years, we might have had three days work at a time in the yard. As compared to this year, I can't even [keep up.] I've had to turn down jobs because there's so much going on," he said.

"As long as the snow keeps up like this, it's going to be real busy until the beginning of April.… This year, it's going to be a banner year for everyone."

Borden said retail sales are up this season, but the impact of pristine winter powder goes far beyond his doors.

Winter tourism is a key economic driver for the west coast, and Borden said locals and tourists have embraced it.

"They're staying in hotels, they're going out for supper, they're taking in shows. You know, people always say 'We're going to snowmobile today, ski tomorrow, then we're going to go to Rocky Harbour or Gros Morne and check out something.' So it's a lot of money being spent," he said.

"Here on the west coast, in Corner Brook, man, we embrace winter. We love it."

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