SAM Magazine-Denver, Mar. 18, 2008-Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) says that a snowy January and February fueled a 6.7 percent gain in skier visits over the prior season for the period. In total, Colorado resorts racked up an estimated 5,540,464 visits during January and February. The increase puts the state on track to match last winter's record season; Colorado is now within one percent of last year's record-setting pace.

"A relatively slow beginning to the season has turned into one of the most memorable ski seasons for any skier and snowboarder who visited a Colorado resort during the last several months," said Rob Perlman, president and CEO of CSCUSA. "Looking ahead and based on the superb snow conditions across the state, we anticipate the strong demand to continue."

CSCUSA attributes the up-tick in skier visits in part to an increase in international visitors. International marketing efforts combined with the weak dollar have made Colorado an attractive and affordable vacation spot for international guests. But for many guests, it's the snow that makes the difference, and the state has been regularly pounded by storms, resulting in many resorts equaling or bettering snowfall records. \