SAM Magazine—Copper Mountain, Colo., June 12, 2014—Statewide skier visits in Colorado soared to an estimated 12.6 million for the 2013-14 ski season, the best season ever for the state, according to Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA). Visits rose more than 10 percent compared to last season, and more than 8 percent compared to the state’s five-year-average. CSCUSA released the figures today at the association’s 51st annual meeting.

“Seeing our visitation punch through the 12.5 million level and best our prior mark demonstrates the vibrancy of Colorado’s ski industry and the passion of our resident and visiting skiers and snowboarders,” said Melanie Mills, president and CEO of CSCUSA. The state accounted for 22 percent of visits nationwide.

CSCUSA’s 21 member resorts hosted an estimated 7.1 million skier visits during the 2013-14 ski season. Vail Resorts four Colorado areas accounted for the rest of the state’s total.

Abundant early season snowfall and ideal snowmaking conditions in the fall prompted an Oct. 13, 2013 opening for Colorado’s ski season. As snowfall continued, some resorts opened earlier than planned, and opened more terrain earlier than usual. “By Thanksgiving the ski season was off on a brisk pace backed by excellent early season conditions,” said Mills. Conditions and visitation remained strong through Easter, in late April, for many resorts, and Arapahoe Basin is set to operate through June 22.