SAM Magazine-Denver, Colo., Jan. 11, 2006-The 25 member resorts of Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) set a new record for skier visits during the first part of the 2005-06 ski and snowboard season. Collectively, the areas hosted more than three million skier visits through Dec. 31, 2005, up 5.6 percent from last season and nearly 11 percent ahead the state's five-year average.

"This record pace clearly establishes critical momentum for a successful ski and snowboard season in Colorado," said Rob Perlman, CSCUSA president and CEO.

With as much as 20 feet of snow so far this season, Front Range destination resorts are fueling the growth. Front Range area visits grew by more than 10 percent over early-season 2004. For the second year in a row, the Gems/Front Range resorts have set a record for the period, up 3 percent from last year. Destination resorts reported a slight decline of 2.8 percent from the prior year, though they were still ahead of their five-year average.

"We surpassed the three million skier visit mark earlier than we ever have," stated Perlman. "Although we have the majority of the season ahead of us, early reports indicate the first ten days of January have been strong, keeping Colorado on pace for a record year."