Blizzard pays off for Raging Buffalo in Algonquin
Last week's blizzard caused plenty of snow-related disasters, but for kids across the region, it also meant snow days and outdoor sports. Raging Buffalo Snowboard Park in Algonquin saw extra business last week and through the weekend as 20 inches of snow, and another inch or two Sunday morning, reminded residents that being outside can be exciting in winter, too.
“It's marketing,” said Raging Buffalo Owner Keith Duck about the blizzard. “If there's this much snow in someone's yard, it's an event. They think, ‘What can we do about it?'”
For those who decided on snowboarding, Raging Buffalo offered five different runs and three lifts for all skill levels.
On Sunday, there was the chance to compete in day two of a United States of America Snowboard Association competition. Athletes wove around flags in the slalom course, vying for spots in the national championships.
Raging Buffalo operates throughout the winter using man-made snow with water from the Fox River. Even without a blizzard, snowboarders can get to the slopes.
“We don't rely on Mother Nature, but we do appreciate her help,” Duck said.
William Doble is an emergency care volunteer at Raging Buffalo. He and his Crystal Lake family spent Sunday enjoying the fruits of Mother Nature's labor. Unlike many commuters or public works employees, Doble loved the winter fury.
“It brings families together,” Doble said.
Doble's 10-year-old son, Austin, competed in the USASA event and the whole family spent the weekend at Raging Buffalo, some watching, some snowboarding.
“My kids would be home sitting on the couch watching TV,” Doble said. “Now they're out here.”
In Elgin, families didn't need to be snowboard savvy for winter fun. Saqib Anwel spent more than three hours with his daughter Mahum, 6, at Lords Park. Anwel said his family considered moving to Los Angeles but preferred the four seasons of the Midwest.
That decision meant his daughter could spend this week building snow castles and sledding, never tiring of the downhill ride.
“The snow is always fun,” Anwel said.