SAM Magazine-Broomfield, Colo., Jan. 10, 2011-Vail Resorts (VR) reported increases in visits and revenues from several departments for the season through Jan. 6, 2011, compared to the prior year through Jan. 7, 2010, which was an historically weak period hampered by poor early-season snow.

Total skier visits for VR's six mountain resort properties, adjusted as if Northstar-at-Tahoe was owned in both periods, were up approximately 10 percent, boosted in part by greater season's pass utilization. This helped restrain the increase in ticket revenue, up approximately 7.4 percent.

Ancillary spending, which has been depressed for the past two years as the recession gripped the country, continued to rebound for the low point two years ago. Adjusted as if Northstar was part of VR in both years, spending was up for ski school (11.5 percent), dining (13.3 percent), and retail/rental (17.5 percent).

"Our early season visitation was strong, especially as our growing season pass holder base enjoyed the outstanding snow conditions across all of our mountain resorts," said Rob Katz, VR CEO.

"In our first season of operation, we are pleased with the performance of Northstar-at-Tahoe, as it is showing improved results to date over the prior year," he added. "Tahoe area skiers have embraced the opportunity to ski our two Tahoe resorts on one pass product, which contributed to the strong growth in visitation by season pass holders."

"We also saw strong revenue growth across our lodging division and are seeing a continued strong booking pace at all of our resorts," Katz said.