SAM Magazine--Aspen, Colo., June 10, 2004--Colorado Ski Country USA reported the state hosted more than 11.2 million skier visits this season as in-state visits fell, destination numbers stabilized, and several international markets rebounded. The total represents a 3.4 percent decline from the 2002-03 season.

"For the first time in seven years, Colorado posted a slight increase in out-of-state skier visits," which represent more than 60 percent of the state total, said CSCUSA president Rob Perlman. Colorado experienced strong demand from traditional core destination markets including Texas and California and saw a resurgence from Australia and New Zealand, both up 41 percent, and Germany, up 38 percent, over 2002-03.

Stabilization of the out-of-state business was most pronounced at destination resorts, which were up nearly 2 percent over the previous season. Front Range resorts were down more than 4 percent, while the smaller "Gems" areas declined 12.5 percent. \