April is living up to its reputation as being one of the snowiest months in the state – and the continued snowfall is pushing the state’s ski industry closer to a record season.
A spring snowstorm Saturday dropped an additional 2 to 6 inches of fresh powder on Colorado ski resorts, a welcoming closure to some that are in their final weekend of operation.
“We’ve definitely had a phenomenal year,” said Winter Park Resort spokeswoman Darcy Morse. “This year we’ve been hit with snow and skiers who are trying to get that last day in.”
Colorado Ski Country USA, an industry trade group, is optimistic the 2005-06 ski season could break the record for visits made by skiers and snowboarders to Colorado’s high country.
Last year, Colorado Ski Country USA reported 11.81 million skier visits, which is defined as a skier or snowboarder riding for one day. The record was set during the 1997-98 season, when 11.9 million snowriders took to the slopes.
This season’s skier-visit tally will stop on June 15.
“We’ve come close to 12 million, but it’s always eluded us,” said Colorado Ski Country USA spokeswoman Molly Cuffe.
Aspen received 3 inches of snow Saturday afternoon, adding to the 86-inch snow base.
“People are thinking anecdotally that this is one of the best winters ever,” said Kristin Rust, spokeswoman with the Aspen/Snowmass resort.
Most resorts in the state will be closed after today. Five others will remain open a bit longer, including Arapahoe Basin, Loveland and Silverton Mountain, which is scheduled to close around June 15. Breckenridge and Vail are scheduled to close next weekend.
“This season has been one of the top five best seasons with record snowfall,” said Jen Brown, a spokeswoman with Vail Resorts.
Staff writer Annette Espinoza can be reached at 303-820-1655 or aespinoza@denverpost.com.
