The Colorado ski industry reported a slight uptick in skier visits despite what an industry leader described as a “strange” snow season.
The state’s ski resorts reported 11.86 million skier visits, a 0.8 percent increase over the previous season.
Overall, the state got 26 percent less snow than it did during the 2008-09 season, according to Colorado Ski Country USA, a trade group representing 22 Colorado ski resorts. A series of spring storms brought back excellent skiing conditions late in the season, though, helping attract in-state visitors to Front Range resorts.
“It was a bit of a rollercoaster ride,” said Melanie Mills, president of the trade group.
In a speech detailing the data, Mills said, “All things considered, we were happy with (the visitation numbers).”
CSCUSA member resorts took 6.74 million skier visits, a 0.4 percent increase over the year before.
The trade group announced today it will expand its passport program for 5th graders by offering free skiing lessons in January at any CSCUSA resort.
Vail Resorts separately reported a 2.5 percent rise in visitors during the nine months that ended April 30, though that increase over the previous year included a boost from its Heavenly resort in California. Vail Resorts withdrew from Colorado Ski Country USA in 2008.
Drew FitzGerald: 303-954-1381 or dfitzgerald@denverpost.com
