Many say that winter time can make or break they're financial year.

With more than a foot of new snow on the ground, winter enthusiasts are partaking in their favorite outdoor activities.

While the new snow is great for skiers and snowmobiler's it's even better for businesses that supply their toys.

Larry Kline with Duluth Lawn and Sport says he's been waiting a long time for old man winter to arrive.

"We wait for weather like this. It's a crucial time of year for us. This weather makes or breaks our whole year. Snow before Christmas is a good thing."

Spirit Mountain is also reaping the benefits of Mother Nature.
The popular ski resort has had its earliest opening in five years and Spirit Mountain director Renee Mattson says the Mountain is thriving.

"The winter has been spectacular we are off too an amazing start we've had snow making done on the hills the earliest we've ever had it, the only thing we don't have open right now is the Sobe terrain park, but all the runs are open people are here skiing having a good time. It's a fantastic season for us."

Both Klein and Mattson say they were worried about the recession but it seems nature has out weighed the concerns over the economy.

"It's hard to say there's a recession the way it's been in here the last couple of weeks, it's been very good."

"We're actually ahead on season pass sales, so far lift ticket sales are way up, we opened earlier this year for everyday operation we opened December 5th and are open every day since then, that's two extra weeks that we weren't giving people before. So for us we're cautiously optimistic."

Aside from skis and snowmobiles, snow blowers are also hot sellers.