SAM Magazine—Denver, Jan. 12, 2016—According to Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA), total skier visits at its 21 member resorts through Dec. 31 were up 10 percent compared to the same period last year. This year's skier visits also bested the five-year early-season average by 13 percent.

SAM Magazine—Denver, Jan. 12, 2016—According to Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA), total skier visits at its 21 member resorts through Dec. 31 were up 10 percent compared to the same period last year. This year's skier visits also bested the five-year early-season average by 13 percent.

CSCUSA attributes the surge in visitation in part to excellent winter conditions in Colorado and pent up skier demand fueled by El Nino buzz. “Before ski season even started there was a lot of talk about this being a Godzilla El Nino year and what that would look like for Colorado,” said Melanie Mills, president and CEO of CSCUSA. “As resorts opened and ski season got underway, many skiers and snowboarders took advantage of some of the best early season conditions we've had in recent memory.”

Abundant snow in November and December allowed resorts to open ample terrain before and during the busy holiday period and drove bookings. “Resorts were able to offer amazing conditions during the holidays and many resorts reached the 100-inch milestone before the end of the year,” said Mills.

Mills is optimistic about the rest of the winter. “CSCUSA is nicely positioned for mid-season business as resorts prepare to host events and welcome visitors for popular ski weekends over the Martin Luther King and President's Day holidays,” she said.

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