DENVER -– It was a big year for Colorado’s ski industry as a record number of visitors hit the slopes in the 2015-16 season, Colorado Ski Country USA said Thursday.
Skier visites at CSCUSA’s 21-member resorts totaled 7.4 million, up nearly 5 percent compared to last season’s total and set a record for visitation.
“Seeing our members’ visitation overtake their previous record demonstrates the passion and dedication our guests have for Colorado’s signature sports,” Colorado Ski Country USA President and CEO Melanie Mills said in a news release.
“It also makes clear the nonstop commitment our member resorts have to provide the best ski product in the world by setting the industry standard for guest service, skier safety, and quality snow conditions.”
Colorado resorts outpaced the rest of the country.
“Colorado’s reputation as the No. 1 ski destination is evidenced by our ownership of 24 percent of the 2015-16 national skier market,” Mills said. “It’s a testament to our members’ dedication to provide a top-notch guest experience from friendly employees who offer a welcoming spirit to a consistent snow surface with plenty of powder days.”
Fall snowmaking conditions paired with ideally timed snowstorms and blanketed resorts with heavy amounts of early-season snow. Loveland Ski Area and Arapahoe Basin opened on Oct. 29.
“The season started with excellent conditions and resorts handily delivered on skier demand fueled by buzz of a Godzilla El Nino,” Mills said. “Our savvy in-state skiers took advantage of the best early season conditions Colorado had in recent memory.”