Weather puts a damper on spring break activity

The more apt term for spring in Central Oregon is "sprinter." The mix of snow and rain combined with the high price of gas made for a less than stellar spring break for local businesses. However, the few sunny days last week gave a glimpse of the summer to come as visitors shopped and walked about town.

For many families on a budget, Sisters offered a place to get away for spring break. With the price of gas over $4 a gallon and travel warnings due to violence in Mexico, stay-cations and regional destinations were popular this year.

Although several businesses saw an increase in sales in comparison to the past couple weeks, one local employee reported overhearing a family from Portland talk about going home early.

"We can get the rain at home," the visitors said dejectedly.

"Overall, the spring break turnout was a little disappointing this year," said Paul Haggerty, of Best Western Ponderosa Lodge. "We were down about 15 rooms and had some reservations cancel at the last minute."

Despite the decrease, businesses like Martolli's Pizza kept busy, and the foot traffic in town was a visible change over the slower winter months.

"We had a really good spring break," said Audra Garbrecht, an employee at Martolli's. "I noticed a lot of people from Portland and the Valley in town."

Outside of the unpredictable weather in town, rain challenged Hoodoo with less-than-ideal skiing conditions early last week. However, some fresh snow blanketed the mountain throughout the rest of the week, making up for the early losses.

Haggerty, of Best Western, also indicated that things were picking up over the weekend.

"Spring break this year is finishing strong for us," he said, indicating that there was clearly time for recovery in Sisters' spring break figures.