SAM Magazine--Denver, Colo., January 26, 2010--Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) reported that its 22 member resorts saw a one-percent increase in skier visitation for the first portion of the 2009-2010 winter season over the same period last year. The period, which runs from October 7, 2009 through December 31, 2009, saw some early snowstorms in the south, which allowed some resorts to open ahead of schedule. However, northern Colorado resorts have suffered from lack of snowfall, which limited the increase in skier visits.

"We are seeing some positive signs this year, but are not breaking out the bubbly just yet," says CSCUSA president and CEO Melanie Mills. "Travelers are booking their trips very close to the time they plan to travel, so it's hard to predict our future."

With recent snowfalls and the Olympics on the horizon, Colorado resorts are cautiously optimistic for the rest of the season.