With several measurable snowfalls already and cold temps the hopes for a long winter sports season are on the rise. Sister Bay is hosting a kick-off event for its rink this Saturday but preparations are already underway as far south as Kewaunee for venues like the Winter Park. Sturgeon Bay also has a heavily-trafficked community outdoor rink. It has been after Christmas the past several years before those venues could open to the public. Community feedback has been steadfast in its desire for improvements that can get the facilities open sooner. The biggest help though might just be Mother Nature.