Making the best of the warm winter

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - On Jan. 31, 2011, West Michigan braced for a blizzard -- 2 feet of snow and sub-zero temperatures.

As of Jan, 31, 2012, sunshine, spring-like temperatures and little snow have defined this winter so far.

Meanwhile, business owners who depend on snowfall have been wringing their hands. Others are taking advantage of an opportunity.

Ice fishing has been put on ice. Though ski resorts are making snow, 50-degree temperatures turn the powder to slush. And few people think to go tubing, sledding, snowboarding or skiing when their lawns are green.

Instead of the typical winter recreation, golfers are on the green. Maple Hill is doing late-season like business in the dead of winter and is even bringing back workers early.

At Shawmut Hills, more motorcycles are being sold than snowmobiles.

"We had a fella come in today, paid for his motorcycle and actually got to drive it home," said General Sales Manager Ken Blackport. "Not often you see that on January 31st in Michigan."