SAM Magazine-Denver, Jan. 18, 2008-Colorado Ski Country USA's 26 member resorts hosted an estimated 2,873,363 visitors from Oct. 10 through Dec. 31, about average for the state but down 12.5 percent from last year's record for the period. Low snowfall totals in November caused several resorts to delay their opening dates, and got skier visits off to a slow start.

"Seeing numbers this strong after a slow start to the season is testament to our 26 resorts and everything Colorado has to offer," said Rob Perlman, president and CEO of CSCUSA. "Along with Colorado, other regions and ski destinations had great snowfall in December and because of that, visitation is spread across the country. It's an indicator of the health of the industry overall.

"Not every year can be a record breaking year, and while we are comfortable with where we are today, we are confident that Colorado will continue on its steady pace as ski industry leader," said Perlman. "January visits are proving to be strong, telling us that folks are traveling in 2008." \