Despite the freezing temperatures, snow and ice, students are still looking to satisfy their sweet tooth cravings with some ice cream.

Local ice cream stores said sales have remained steady -- as far as winter months go -- even with the below average chill and frequent snowfall that has blanketed the State College area.

Tom Palchak, manager of the University Creamery, said it is a national trend that ice cream sales decline during the winter. "Ice cream sales drop off a little, but it is a dessert that is consumed on a regular basis year-round," Palchak said. "We are still serving customers milkshakes and ice cream cones."

Palchak said events at the Bryce Jordan Center help add to the Creamery's business. "Students come in at all hours for ice cream," Palchak said. "Even in the morning."

He said the Creamery introduces new flavors throughout the year but features richer flavors such as Bavarian Raspberry Crunch and Chocolate Pretzel Crunch for the winter.

Jeff Farenga, co-owner of Coldstone Creamery, 312 E. Beaver Ave., said his store's business has gone down a little during weekdays, but weekend business has remained steady.

Farenga said he has seen many repeat customers since the cold weather has approached, and students make up 85 to 90 percent of their business.

Jeffrey Mudry (senior-psychology) and Sarah Sander (senior-kinesiology) enjoyed a walk down East Beaver Avenue on a below-freezing night this week while eating ice cream. "We had dinner, and I asked if Jeff wanted to get ice cream," Sander said. "So now, we are just walking aimlessly, eating it."

Sander said she typically fixes her ice cream cravings by purchasing it from the grocery store. "I usually don't go out to get it," Sander said.

Mudry said he eats ice cream year-round. "It is like the best thing in the world," Mudry said.

Bill Reynolds, manager of Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream, 124 S. Allen St., also said he has noticed fewer customers due in part to the weather. But he said business remains steady on snow days.

"People are out for fun on snow days and stop in for a treat," Reynolds said. "There is room to eat inside."

Brian Brecmer (senior-political science) and Spencer Desouza (senior-hotel and restaurant management) said they still buy ice cream when it's freezing outside. "I don't get ice cream everyday," Brecmer said. "But I still get it."

Don Boller, owner of Boller's Dairy Queen, 2009 N. Atherton St., said his store's business has remained steady with the help of ice cream cake sales. "People like ice cream just as much in the winter time," Boller said.