CSCUSA
President and CEO Melanie Mills sites variable snow conditions as a
contributing factor. “We had a promising start in October with several
robust storms giving
resorts a solid base and allowing some to open earlier than planned,”
explained Mills. “But we faced inconsistencies in weather patterns for
most of November and December, leading to slower visitation especially
by in-state skiers at some ski areas.”
There
is a lot of skiable terrain available. Combined, CSCUSA’s 22 members
have about 80 percent of their lifts open, servicing approximately
17,609 acres of terrain
with several resorts 100 percent open or very close. “Skiers and
snowboarders are taking advantage of the beautiful weather, being
outside, enjoying the terrain that is open and having fun with friends
and family,” said Mills.
Colorado
is at an advantage for managing snow. “Resorts have been able to
maintain the big snows we received early on, thanks to Colorado’s higher
elevations and colder
temperatures. This also allows resorts to make snow where needed,”
continued Mills. “Investments in state-of-the-art snow making and
grooming equipment, along with the best snow maintenance experts in the
industry give our resorts an advantage in providing
a quality product which skiers have come to expect in Colorado.”
Resorts
were busy over the holidays. During Christmas and New Year’s, travelers
visited Colorado resorts and diversified their ski vacations with other
attractions
resorts offer. “Colorado is known for our world class resorts, and part
of the reason is the wide range of off-snow and non-skiing activities
they offer guests,” continued Mills.
The
ski season in Colorado is long, with the state’s snowiest months still
ahead. “When comparing this year to last year, remember that last season
was exceptional,
with several of our resorts breaking the 500 inch mark for snowfall,
and we were skiing until the 4th of July,” explained Mills.
“In our weather-dependent business, we feast in the big snow years and
suffer a bit when it’s dry. But we’ve got lots
of the season still ahead including a bonus leap year ski day on
February 29.”