FRANKLIN, Wis. — While unseasonably warm temperatures pose challenges for those looking to ski or snowboard, it hasn’t stopped everyone from hitting the slopes.

It’s not a typical winter wonderland at The Rock Snowpark in Franklin. For the past six years, Riley May has worked in the ski industry, and he said this one has been the most difficult.

“It has certainly been challenging weather-wise,” said May. “From the start back in December, we got a week of winter there when we had that storm. Then the cold snap had a ton of snow, and then spring came right back to it.”

The snow park shut down briefly in December because of the warmer weather at the time, and May said it’s been difficult to keep up with the range in temperatures.

“The inconsistency of the weather has been the most challenging where it’s just rebuilding the hill over and over again,” said May.

Despite the unusually warm temperatures for this time of year, skiers said the adrenaline rush hits the same.

“Given the weather, being out here seven days a week, I’m not complaining,” said AJ Riccobono. “There’s still snow here. I mean, there’s a good couple inches here. You just got to wax your skis for it and sit back a little bit, and let your tips stay up and have fun with it.”

May said his crew at The Rock Snowpark dedicate their nights to reworking the hill to ensure it’s ready for action each morning.

“It is spring-like conditions, so it is a little wetter and sloppier snow,” said May. “You know, it’s 45 and sunny during the day. It’s softer snow, too, if you’re learning the sport. It’s not as fast. It’s a little more forgiving, and it’s a little more enjoyable to be out here.”

From seasoned skiers like Cory Peterson to rookies like 4-year-old Londyn Peterson, everyone is adjusting to the softer snow conditions.

“The hills are soft, so it makes a little more difficult, but I think of it as a learning curve,” said Cory Peterson. “You know, I can do the ice and the hard pack easy, so it’s a little bit more of a challenge, so it’s just another thing to learn.”

While the warm weather was not an issue this weekend, skiers and snowboarders said their hopes of a longer season are melting fast. 

“I’m afraid the snow is going to melt and the resorts may start closing down in the next week with the 50-degree temperatures coming up and the rain in the forecast,” said Cory Peterson.

For now, 8-year-old Bentley Peterson is enjoying a little extra padding from the softer snow.

“Well, it’s kind of nicer because when I fall, it’s not as hard as it normally would be,” said Bentley Peterson.

Even though there isn’t as much snow right now, it’s clear Wisconsinites’ love of the slopes hasn’t fallen off.

“Got to have hope,” said May. “You can’t control the weather here. It’s winter in Wisconsin. You just got to roll with the punches. That’s why we invest a lot in our snowmaking in the offseason, so we can bounce back after these warm snaps.”