SAM Magazine—Denver, Jan. 20, 2017—Considering how long it took the ski season to get rolling in Colorado, it's not surprising that total skier visits for the period Oct. 21 through Dec. 31 are down year-over-year at Colorado Ski Country USA's 22 member resorts. The fact that they're only down by single digits compared to last year, and actually up 3 percent over the five-year average, is a testament to how good things have been of late.

Strong visitation arose after an unseasonably warm fall contributed to delayed openings at some ski areas. “The warm fall kept Coloradans' minds on summer activities, and [discouraged] many Colorado-based skiers and riders from heading up to the high country until December,” said Melanie Mills, CSCUSA president and CEO.

In contrast, last season's first period numbers were buoyed by a “Godzilla El Nino” that dumped a ton of snow on the state well before the New Year.

Despite the late start, Mother Nature arrived in force in December, dropping abundant snowfall throughout the end of 2016 that created excellent conditions during the busy holiday season. Several ski areas experienced all-time single day records during the week between Christmas and New Year's Eve.

That momentum has continued. Snow has been falling on a regular basis, bringing the statewide snowpack to 54 percent above average.

“Colorado Ski Country USA member ski areas are well positioned for a strong season with continued snowfall, packed calendars, and the traditionally snowier months still to come,” added Mills.

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