Big storms in the San Juans have helped spur business at ski areas in the southwestern part of Colorado. PHOTO COURTESY COLORADO SKI COUNTRY USA.
State ski group reports 1 percent increase in skier visits for early season; group and international business helped resorts
By Bob Berwyn
SUMMIT COUNTY — Not counting skier visits at Vail Resorts’ four mountains, the 22 members of Colorado Ski Country USA reported a 1 percent increase in business from last year during the first part of the season, between Oct. 7 and Dec. 31, 2009.
Colorado ski areas were especially busy during New Years week, according to the trade group, which said that skier visits were up by 1 percent compared to the similar period last year.
The preliminary tally is good news for the state ski industry, still feeling the pinch of the ongoing recession, as well as the effects of spotty snowfall so far this season.
“It’s a solid start,” said CSCUSA president and CEO Melanie Mills. “However, we still have a long way to go with a lot of season left. For now, we’re glad to see a little momentum in the way of increased visitation and are hopeful it will continue.”
International visitors and group business helped the resorts hold their own in a challenging environment, according to a press release from the organization.
Late fall and early winter storms brought enough snow to Colorado that some resorts were able to open ahead of schedule and have the majority of their terrain available for holiday guests. Healthy snow conditions in the southwest and central parts of Colorado helped drive visitation to those resorts, while drier conditions in the northern part of the state in December limited first period visitation to some degree.
Group business around the holiday time and robust international visitation in parts of the state also helped boost skier visit numbers. Ski schools were jam-packed, an indicator that skiers and riders are spending a bit more this year. Colorado ski resorts focused on increasing ski school business and other special programs with deals on lesson and rental packages and other incentives.
“We are seeing some positive signs this year but are not breaking out the bubbly just yet,” Mills said. “Travelers are booking their trips very close to the time they plan to travel, so it’s hard to predict our future.”
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