- Bear Lake's tourism is growing despite low snow as its annual Winterfest begins this weekend.
- Nate Smoot assures there will be snow coverage at higher elevations for festival activities.
- Record pre-registration numbers highlight increased winter interest at Bear Lake.
GARDEN CITY, Rich County — Despite a lack of fresh snowfall this winter, Bear Lake's tourism season continues to show signs of growth as the area prepares for its annual Bear Lake Monster Winterfest this weekend.
While snow levels are low in the valley, organizers say there's still plenty of coverage at higher elevations thanks to storms that came through around Christmas.
"We have low snow, but that doesn't really take away the fact that we do have snow, and there's plenty of coverage," said Nate Smoot, owner and operator of Beaver Creek Lodge. "You can still go out and have a good time and have fun with the family."
The festival kicks off Friday with free snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing available at the lodge and the summit.
Down at the Bear Lake Marina in Garden City, volunteers were out setting up tents on Tuesday ahead of the weekend's festivities. Temperatures are expected to reach the 40s, but organizers say the warm weather won't dampen the fun.
"Who wouldn't be (excited)? Look at this beautiful weather," said Mark Smoot, executive director of the Bear Lake Valley Chamber of Commerce. "Granted, we could use some snow, but it's going to be an awesome weekend."
Activities in Garden City will include the polar plunge — which may be slightly less frigid on land, though the lake water remains in the low 30s — along with a cardboard regatta, restaurant sampling, a disco, and fireworks.
Pre-registration numbers are the highest the festival has ever seen.
"This is our largest pre-registration that we've had," Smoot said. "We really tried to push hard this year."
The chamber said the winter tourism season continues to grow as part of an effort to make Bear Lake a year-round destination. Local restaurants that remain open through winter are reporting strong business, and for the first time, a burger joint is staying open year-round. Ephraim's Restaurant is trying the winter months for the first time, meaning visitors no longer have to wait until summer for Bear Lake's famous raspberry shakes.
However, the low snow has forced one cancellation: The skijoring weekend originally planned for Feb. 13 has been called off due to lack of snow in the valley.
A full list of the Bear Lake Monster Winterfest activities can be found on the festival's webpage.
