SAM Magazine-North Woodstock, N.H., July 7, 2009-New Hampshire ski resorts hosted 2,289,426 alpine skier and snowboarder visits in 2008-09, a slight decline of 3 percent from the record winter of 2007-08, as consistent snowfall and cold temperatures trumped a weak economy. The 2008/09 season was the third-best year since statewide skier visits were first tabulated in 1983-84. To provide more perspective: last season's visits were 7.3 percent above the average of the past five seasons, and up 8.9 percent over the 10-year average.

Cross country areas also had a successful winter, hosting 144,711 visits, a decline of 12 percent from 2007-08 but still the second-best winter in the past six years. Areas with snowtubing parks reported 108,720 snowtubing visits.

New Hampshire businesses also benefited. An economic impact study conducted during 2007-08 showed a total of $940 million spent by guests visiting New Hampshire ski areas; only 12 percent of that was spent directly at ski areas with the rest spent on lodging, restaurants, gas, tolls, retail, and other items. This year's numbers are expected to be comparable.

"There were obviously concerns going into this past winter given the state of the economy and fuel prices," said Karl Stone, Ski NH's marketing director. "We were able to capitalize on good snowfall and weather, the value we offer, and our close proximity to several major New England cities."

Alice Pearce, Ski NH president, added, "The ski industry is fortunate to have guests that are passionate about the special experience they enjoy with family and friends on our slopes and cross country trails." She noted that another record year had appeared possible until "a lack of natural snowfall in March brought the season to an earlier close than usual."

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