SAM Magazine-North Woodstock, N.H., May 26, 2010-New Hampshire alpine ski and snowboard resorts recorded a total of 2,228,571 alpine skier and snowboarder visits in 2009-10, a slight decline of 2.6 percent from the winter of 2008-09, which was the third best on record in New Hampshire. The season was 4 percent above the state's 10-year average for visits, and in line with an estimated 2.8 percent drop in visits across the Northeast.

Cross country areas also had a successful winter, hosting 143,787 visits, essentially even with year-earlier visits. Areas with snowtubing parks reported 105,391 snowtubing visits, down 3 percent from 2008-09.

Good snowmaking temperatures combined with just enough and well-timed natural snow
helped keep visits strong. Although 2009-10 got off to a late start due to warm temperatures, the season rebounded thanks to good numbers during the three holiday periods (Christmas week, Martin Luther King weekend and Presidents' week). These can account for as much as 30 percent of the state's ski business.

Unfortunately, for the second year in a row, March proved challenging. Typically, March brings copious snowfall, but the past two years have brought little to none. With the exception of a handful of warm, sunny days, foul weather also played a hand in keeping many skiers and riders at home and putting a damper on a potential record season.

"The ski industry is fortunate to have guests that are passionate about the special experience they enjoy with family and friends on New Hampshire's alpine slopes and cross country trails," said Alice Pearce, Ski NH president. "We hope our snowmaking, grooming, and guest service continue to provide good value for their time spent in our state."