SAM Magazine—Montpelier, Vt., June 18, 2018—The Vermont Ski Areas Association (VSAA) reported 3.97 million skier visits at its member resorts during the 2017-18 season, a year-over-year increase of 1.2 percent, but just below the state’s 10-year average. Those visits helped generate $1.6 billion in economic activity during the winter season in Vermont.

The season began Nov. 8, when Killington became the first ski area in the Eastern U.S. to open for skiing and riding. Early snowfall and good snowmaking conditions got the state’s ski areas off to a good start, but adverse weather—bitter cold, rain, and mild weather—mired much of the peak season starting Christmas week through most of February. Presidents weekend generated strong business thanks to nice weather before temps soared into the 60s for the rest of the week. Record snowfall in March helped resorts make up some ground.

“This is an impressive result, despite challenging weather conditions for much of our core season,” said Ski Vermont president Molly Mahar. “While there is certainly no controlling Mother Nature, Vermont’s ski areas have again proven that they can persevere when the weather throws them a curveball—or in the case of this season, a series of them.” Mahar credits Vermont ski areas’ snowmaking capabilities for keeping the season strong.

Ski Vermont’s learn-to-turn initiatives, such as the Take 3 Pass and the Fifth Grade Passport program, with the help of member ski areas, introduced nearly 5,000 new skiers and riders to the slopes this season.

Ski Vermont also recognized a few individuals with awards at its annual meeting.

Peter Mackey, longtime general manager of Middlebury College Snow Bowl, and Tim and Diane Mueller, who developed Okemo into the destination it is today, were each honored with an Industry Achievement Award.

This year’s class of Career Employee Awards, going to ski area staff members who have served their respective resorts for more than 25 years, included: Peg Doheny from Jay Peak Resort; Jane Bird, Vern Haskins, Vic Monte from Killington Resort; Rick Hanson from Middlebury College Snow Bowl; Bill Champion, Bob Brandt, Bill Herbert, Rick Doyle from Okemo Mountain Resort; Dave Sills from Smugglers’ Notch Resort; Tim Massucco and Pam Frothingham from Stratton Mountain Resort; and Lee Levesque from Sugarbush Resort. These staff members served their respective ski areas for, in some cases, more than 40 years.

“It’s this type of dedication and doing their best for our guests, no matter their particular job, which goes into making a great Vermont ski experience,” said Mahar.