Vermont, N.H. Areas Had Strong Visits in 2010-11

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15 June 2011

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SAM Magazine-Warren, Vt., June 15, 2011-Vermont and New Hampshire resorts posted strong visit totals for the 2010-11 season, according to data released today. Vermont's ski resorts recorded 4,365,906 skier visits for the season, while New Hampshire resorts tallied 2,355,100 skier visits.

The season in Vermont was the best since 2004-05 and maintained Vermont's position as the third-largest ski state in the country, behind Colorado and California, according to the Vermont Ski Areas Association.

Vermont ski resorts saw a substantial rebound in snowfall (third highest all-time) and consumer confidence over previous years, "bringing rooms & meals tax revenues 5 percent ahead of last season's expenditures and generating 6.5 percent more in sales tax revenues for the winter months," Ski Vermont president Parker Riehle said. "The post-recession rebound in skier/rider consumer confidence was evident on and off the mountains."

New Hampshire's visit totals represent a 5.6 percent increase over the previous winter and are the third-best of all time, just missing the state's record of 2,366,000 in 2007-08. The visit total was also 8.3 percent above the state's10-year average. Preliminary reports show the Northeast region (including the six New England states and New York state) up four percent from last season.

New Hampshire XC areas also had a successful winter, hosting 167,161 visits, up 14.8 percent from 2009-10. Snowtubing visits reached 118,448, up 12.4 percent. The resorts cite abundant snowfall and favorable weather, especially around key holidays, for the successful season.

Ski New Hampshire noted that favorable conditions during the crucial December holiday period began a memorable stretch of snow conditions statewide. Snow fell regularly during midweek periods, improving conditions and allowing for roads to be clear for weekend skiers and riders. There were no lengthy thaws or significant rain events, keeping the mountains in excellent condition. As in recent years, early March presented less-than-ideal weather at times, but winter returned in the second half of the month and helped maintain a deep base of snow for the spring season.

"Regardless of the year, we're fortunate to have guests that take pride in skiing and riding close to home in New England. We're on a stretch of several winters where Mother Nature has cooperated, and it's fun to see our guests rewarded for their loyalty," said Alice Pearce, Ski NH president.