RIB MOUNTAIN (WAOW) -
Many people rang in 2013 a bit early Monday night. Hundreds of people packed Granite Peak for a special New Year's Eve fireworks display.
Jacob Ochoa and his family have made it a tradition to say goodbye to one year and hello to another on the slopes.
"We love it. Whole family, good time," the snowboarder from Chicago said.
He told Newsline 9 the fireworks shoe and torch light display down one of the ski hill's runs is pretty hard to beat.
"It's a little different, but it's fun," he said.
Employees said they've been putting on the special show for almost a decade. They said it helps bring in business and kick-start a new year.
"We've had a really busy week up here and that's great," lift manager Brandon Marquardt said.
Ochoa said he's ready for a fresh start. He hopes 2013 brings some new skills on the slopes.
"I'm ok right now. I'm an intermediate now, but I'd like to do a little better. Try to go in the terrain park or something," he said.
Employees at Granite Peak hope 2013 brings lots of snow. Something last year did not.
"Cold, but not too cold January and February. When it gets too cold that's not good either," Marquardt said.
People who attended the fireworks show said it's a great way to ring in a new year here in central Wisconsin.
