MADISON, Wis. -- To borrow a cliché, when it comes to winter recreation, there's no business like snow business.

This week's major snowstorm has caused some major headaches for those in southern Wisconsin, but the white stuff is bringing some much-needed green stuff to many area businesses. After a few days of digging out from the storm, local businesses are trying to show how much fun snow can be, as long as you’re not stuck shoveling it or driving through it.

"In the last three days, for sure, we've seen a pretty sizeable spike because of the snow," said John Hamstra, of Chalet Ski and Patio in Madison.

For those who can make money off the snow, this snowstorm was the perfect storm: More than a foot right before the holidays.

"We get real excited, because now we're going to be busy. No more standing around in the middle of the day waiting for the customer to come through the door," said Hamstra.

Snow is on the minds of everyone, and those looking to play in it are warming up their credit cards.

"I got twin tips, boots, and a helmet and bindings," said snow enthusiast and Chalet customer Mitch Cords of Waunakee.

"We wanted to refurbish our old cross country skis so we could buy some more comfortable boots and have fun in the snow," said Nancy Streiff of New Glarus while shopping at Chalet.

Owners at Chalet Ski and Patio said that they’ve done about $50,000 in business since the snow fell.

"That's pretty darn good for a three or four day span," said Hamstra.

And it’s not just retail outlets benefiting from the winter storm: Suter’s Speed Shop in Madison, which specializes in snowmobile parts and repair, is also seeing brisk business.

"It’s kind of been a zoo this morning with all the people coming and going," said Suter’s Sam Bomgiovani on Saturday.

"A couple snowmobile chain cases, chains. I sold a complete rear suspension for a Polaris, and some littler stuff. Light bulbs and that kind of stuff," said Bomgiovani.

Though winter doesn’t officially begin until December 20, these winter businesses aren’t complaining about an early start to the season.

They say let it snow, bt all is not perfect for the businesses cashing in on Mother Nature. Employees said that work is keeping them so busy that they don’t have time to get out and enjoy the snow themselves.

But, they added, they’d rather have the business. Because, to borrow another cliché, snow business is their life.