The Winter Olympics are still weeks away, but Lapham Peak State Park in Delafield is already experiencing a surge of visitors eager to try cross-country skiing. The park, which is part of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, has become a hub for skiing enthusiasts as volunteers report increased activity tied to Olympic excitement.
"There is nothing better than coming out here on a bluebird day out here and the sun's out and skiing," Charlie Ritter said.
He has been a volunteer at Lapham Peak for years and has been cross-country skiing for 50 years. He and other volunteers says they can't stop coming out and helping others learn to ski because they love their sport.
"That feeling of gliding on snow is like nothing else," volunteer John McCarthy said.
Lapham Peak offers a unique advantage in the region as one of the few places that makes snow. The next closest cross-country loop with snowmaking capabilities is in Green Bay.
"It is a big draw every year, but especially this year with the Winter Olympics, this will be packed," Ritter said. "They teach lessons out here, and those lessons are full."
Ritter says the park typically sees this spike in interest every four years during the Winter Olympics season. The City of Delafield Tourism reports that Olympic excitement also attracts international visitors.
Watch: Lapham Peak volunteers see Olympic-inspired surge in cross-country skiing interest
"You meet a lot of interesting Europeans here. You never know who you are going to meet," Ritter said.
While TMJ4 News was speaking to Ritter, Johannes Schueth, a man visiting from Germany, was skiing with his brother.
"We hope to have the winter season over here because usually we go Alpine skiing and cross-country where we live, is not possible anymore, not enough snow," Johannes Schueth said.
His brother Matthis Schueth, who now lives in Wisconsin, emphasized the appeal of winter activities.
“It is about enjoying the beautiful winter weather and getting a little exercise," Matthis Schueth said.
The increased interest has translated into record participation for an upcoming race at Lapham Peak. Around 250 people have signed up for the Lapham Loppet, marking a record-setting number of racers for the event.
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