Vermont Breaks Record

According to a press release issued by SkiVermont.com, Vermont ski areas recorded 4,354,621 skier visits for the 2007-08 season, marking a 14% increase over the prior year’s tally, and was well ahead of the industry’s 10-year average. “The resounding theme of this year’s season was well-timed and record-setting snowfall that greeted skiers and riders with fresh powder for just about every weekend and holiday period,” remarked Parker Riehle, President of the Vermont Ski Areas Association.

Other factors including a weak start to the season for western resorts, higher airfares and fuel prices, as well as the national publicity garnered by the Today Show’s four-hour national broadcast from Sugarbush also contributed to the increase in visits by skiers and snowboarders to resorts in Vermont this past season.

With weather playing such a crucial role in the success of the winter-sports industry, it remains to be seen whether or not the record-setting numbers can be eclipsed during the 2008-2009 season. The marked increase in fuel prices as well as the faltering economy will certainly affect the industry in the coming months. The question is, how much? Are skiers and snowboarders more recession proof as a demographic than other recreational industries?

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