DENVER, Colo. – January 22, 2015 – Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) reported today that total skier visits at its 21 member resorts were approximately one percent off last year's blistering pace during the first period of the 2014/15 ski season, defined as Opening Day (October 17, 2014) through December 31, 2014, compared to the same period last year. Last season's first period skier visits were more than 20 percent up over the preceding season's first period. Additionally, 2014/15 first period skier visits, like last season's first period skier visits, exceeded the five-year first period average, this year by nearly four percent.

Visitation numbers speak volumes to the strength of the CSCUSA brand and dedication of Colorado skiers despite a few resorts that opened late and a few days of very cold temperatures during the popular holiday period.  “Many in-state skiers didn't head to the slopes at the beginning of the season, a time when most visitation is our Colorado based skiers and riders,” said Melanie Mills, president and CEO of CSCUSA. “It wasn't until mid-December that Colorado saw significant snowfall that arrived in abundance and in time for resort guests from out-of-state, as well as in-state, to enjoy wintery holidays.”

Holiday period visitation was strong with good snow conditions and resorts reporting increased spending across ancillary businesses. “Guests turned out in good numbers to enjoy resorts during the holidays, and on colder days they took advantage of warm drinks by a cozy fireplace in the lodge,” continued Mills. “While snow and weather are key factors in skier visitation, we also account for our resorts excellent guest service and popular holiday activities.”

Momentum from last season and a number of high profile international ski and snowboard events happening in Colorado this winter are keeping optimism and excitement high for the months ahead. “Resort calendars are teeming with exciting events and we're seeing a lot of confidence in the indicators for the season in front of us: strong hotel bookings as we look to spring, a well-timed Easter holiday for ski vacations, and Colorado's traditionally snowier months are still ahead,” commented Mills.

It is important that skiers and riders remember to practice safe behavior while on the slopes. January is National Ski Safety Month in Colorado and skiers and snowboarders are encouraged to know and follow Your Responsibility Code; widely regarded as the key to skier and snowboarder safety on the slopes. Simply referred to as The Code, it is comprised of seven principles that collectively outline on-mountain skier etiquette and safe skiing practices. More information about how resorts are recognizing ski safety month and The Code can be found at http://blog.coloradoski.com/2015/01/07/colorado-ski-country-resorts-promote-safe-skiing-riding-january/

Skier visits are the metric used to track participation in skiing and snowboarding. A skier visit represents a person participating in the sport of skiing or snowboarding for any part of one day at a mountain resort.

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Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) is the not-for-profit trade association representing Colorado's 21 ski & snowboard resorts. CSCUSA is the global voice of the Colorado ski industry. The Association's primary functions are concentrated in marketing, public policy and public relations. Information about CSCUSA and its members can be found at www.ColoradoSki.com, on Twitter @ColoradoSkiUSA and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ColoradoSkiCountryUSA. This release and other press information can be found in the online press room at http://media-ColoradoSki.com.