Scott Smith, Purgatory Resort
Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) announced today that its 21 member resorts reported an increase in skier visitation through February. Skier visits at CSCUSA resorts were up by 3.8 percent during the second period of the 2015/16 season, defined as January 1, 2016 through February 29, 2016, compared to the same period of the prior year. The mid-season momentum has also pushed the industry ahead in season-to-date skier visit totals, defined as opening day through February 29, 2016, where visitation at CSCUSA resorts was up by 6.2 percent compared to the same point in time last year.
Were very pleased with the way the season is shaping up, explained Melanie Mills, president and CEO, Colorado Ski Country USA. While we wouldve liked to have seen more significant storms come through Colorado in January and February, the weather pattern was not unexpected given that this is an El Nio year. Resorts received enough snow to hold up their fantastic early season conditions and guests have been enjoying the sunny days and mild temperatures just the same.
With beautiful spring skiing conditions around the state, resorts are welcoming spring break visitors and guests from all over the world. There are about two months left in the season and snow is in the forecast for this week. Were optimistic that this seasons positive momentum will continue and skiers and snowboarders will take advantage of the spring conditions, the Colorado sunshine and the outstanding hospitality for which our resorts are known, said Mills.
Spring is a popular time for CSCUSA resorts and CSCUSA reminds people to ski and ride safely. Visitors should familiarize themselves with the nationally recognized Your Responsibility Code and conduct themselves accordingly. Visit http://www.coloradoski.com/page/ski-safety for helpful tips and slope safety best practices.
Final season visitation numbers will be announced at CSCUSAs 53rd Annual Meeting in June. Skier visits are the metric used to track participation in skiing and snowboarding. A skier visit represents a person participating in the sport of skiing or snowboarding for any part of one day at a mountain resort.
