"We're pleased visitation is up, even if only by a nose," said Melanie Mills, president and CEO of CSCUSA. "We held our own in attracting the destination skier, and even with the challenges the travel industry still faces, we found that several indicators are moving in the right direction."
Visitation from Front Range and other in-state skiers was down slightly, while visitation by out-of-state and international guests increased. International visits to CSCUSA members were up approximately 6.5 percent, ahead of the one percent gain reported for the entire Rocky Mountain region. "CSCUSA and our members have had a strong presence in a diverse array of international markets for several years, and we are really seeing those efforts rewarded with growth in international visits," said Mills.
Ski school business was healthy at many resorts this season. Preliminary data shows an increase in overall lesson volume, including a five percent increase in children's lesson.
Overall snow totals across the state were a contributing factor to this season's visitation patterns. Snowfall amounts were down substantially, by 26 percent compared to the 2008-09 season, and down 26 percent compared to the 10-year average. The season ended with a robust spring and showed signs of visitation getting back on track. "Starting March 1, visitation rallied, growing by five percent over the previous year during that period. This was fueled by heavy spring snows and a favorably-timed Easter," said Mills.
Separately, Aspen Skiing Co. reported visits rose 4.3 percent this past year at its four areas (Aspen, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass) compared to 2008-09, when visits plummeted as a result of the recession's onset.
