According to Colorado Ski Country USA, 23 of its ski resorts saw a decrease of 13 percent in skier visits from mid-October through December 31.
Unless you never go outside, it's pretty obvious that resorts are pulling low skier and snowboarder numbers.This marks as the second year in a row that Colorado ski resorts have seen a dip in skiers due to lack of snow and warm weather. Colorado Ski Country USA has released the numbers for the first third of the ski season (mid-October to December 31). In comparison to last year, the resorts have seen a decrease of 13 percent in skier visits. Last year saw a drop of eight percent. According to The Aspen Daily News, Colorado Ski Country USA represents 23 different resorts and have recorded that 13 percent fewer visits at the resorts it represents. At the same time, Vail Resorts (which is owned by a different company) reported their visits were down 10.8 percent at its North American ski areas up until January 8. Four of these resorts are in Colorado, but unfortunately in-state numbers were not available.
With a dry winter season many resorts have had to rely on snow-making to keep visitors happy -- though for a skier like myself, it just isn't good enough. You need that fresh powder. While many resorts can rely on pre-scheduled visits from tourists (albeit disappointed tourists), locals who day trip or weekend trip to the resorts are pretty much saying "f*** it" and not headed up to the hills at all.
"Unfortunately, the weather stopped cooperating and the warm temperatures in November and December kept many skiers and riders from visiting the high-country," said Melanie Mills, president and CEO of Colorado Ski Country."Stopped cooperating" is a bit of an understatement. Looking at the mountains from Denver has been frightfully depressing. Since Colorado is having its third warmest season in history, wishes for skiing or snowboarding seem to be just that -- wishes, seeing as November was one of the hottest months for Colorado: https://twitter.com/NOAANCEIclimate/status/938443968454561796 But, even with such a decrease in skiers, Mills is trying to remain positive for the remainder of the ski season:
"There is still plenty of ski season ahead of us including the traditionally snowy months of February and March. We know skiers and riders are ready to enjoy powder days and additional terrain, and our resorts are ready to meet that pent-up demand."
Fortunately, the southwestern region got a fair bit of snowfall last week, and things seem to be picking up over here (Denver). Rob Katz, CEO of Vail Resorts, claim the company's western U.S. resorts in the last week have generally improved. However, the region is still behind in typical conditions for this time of year. Aspen Skiing Co. has also said snowfall is improving, climbing to 17 inches falling in the past week. A few storms that hit the region allowed Aspen to open more runs.
Colorado Ski Country USA assures skiers not to lose hope, noting the state's historically snowiest months are still ahead. So, we skiers and boarders need to keep our spoons under our mattresses and do a snow dance to make sure the rest of the season is more fruitful ... or snow-ful.
What do you think of this unseasonably warm weather? Let us know in the comments below!
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