SAM Magazine--January 20, 2012--Colorado Ski Country USA's (CSCUSA) 22 member resorts reported a decrease in skier visitation for the beginning of the 2011/12 ski season. Skier visits at CSCUSA resorts were off by 10.65 percent during the first period of the ski season, defined as opening day of the season through December 31, 2011, compared to the same period last year.

CSCUSA President and CEO Melanie Mills sites variable snow conditions as a contributing factor. "We had a promising start in October with several robust storms giving resorts a solid base and allowing some to open earlier than planned," explained Mills. "But we faced inconsistencies in weather patterns for most of November and December, leading to slower visitation especially by in-state skiers at some ski areas."

Currently, CSCUSA's 22 members have about 80 percent of their lifts open, servicing approximately 17,609 acres of terrain with several resorts 100 percent open or very close. \