Bayfield County Recreation Venue Restructuring with Deficit Issues

A popular Bayfield County venue plans to restructure its offerings after running a deficit that’s reached nearly $1 million since 2022.

Big Top Chautauqua and Mt. Ashwabay Ski and Recreation Area are popular destinations for area residents, offering skiing opportunities in the winter and various concerts over the summer. The Ashwabay Alliance jointly manages the nonprofit venues.

According to a WPR report however, the organization is facing a budget deficit of nearly $1 million. Officials say the rising cost of musical performances and the lack of snow over the last couple of years has caused a great deal of trouble for the venue. The organization is restructuring its offerings to address that deficit.

On the Big Top Chautauqua side of the issue, the organization will put on fewer outdoor concerts this summer and begin exploring year-round opportunities. According to Executive Director Garry Schalla, the Bayfield County venue hosted 47 shows last year with only 13 of them being profitable. They’re hoping to lower the upfront costs of the performances, which they say have skyrocketed since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Solving the Mount Ashwabay Ski and Recreation Area’s issues will require a more aggressive plan. In recent years, ski hills across the state have needed to rely on making their own snow to remain operational. Mild winters have become a common issue for businesses that rely on snow in Northern Wisconsin. Even the American Birkebeiner race was forced to change their course for last year’s event without adequate snow.

Since the Ashwabay Alliance can’t force the weather to provide enough snow, they’re shifting their focus to offseason events. Officials say they plan to expand their hiking, biking and environmental education opportunities to diversify their offerings. They’ll also expand their nordic trails and add more winter events to maximize their busy season.