SAM Magazine—Jay Peak, Vt., June 12, 2015—Ski areas in Vermont tallied a record-breaking 4,670,903 million visits during the 2014-15 season. The visit totals were released during the Vermont Ski Areas Association’s (VSAA) 46th Annual Meeting here on Thursday.

Early openings at ski areas, recent capital investments in new snowmaking equipment, and a series of snowstorms that left Vermont leading continental U.S. in total snowfall were all credited for boosting overall skier and snowboarder visitation.

“A near-perfect winter in Vermont allowed for both early openings and extended season operations, leading to the best season on record,” said Parker Riehle, president of VSAA.

The season also generated nearly $220 million in economic activity in the state, representing a 4 percent increase over last year. Room and meal taxes were up 8 percent, according to the association.

Also during the meeting, Sky Foulkes, former president of Stratton Mountain and VSAA Board Chair was presented with the Industry Achievement Award. Career Employee Awards were presented to Louis Carter of Jay Peak Resort, Larry Pierce of Sugarbush Resort, Paul Roy of Mount Snow Resort, and Barry Shonio of Stowe Mountain Resort.