Utah Ski Areas See Record Visitation for Fourth Consecutive Year
SALT LAKE CITY - Utah's ski and snowboard industry notched its fourth consecutive record-breaking season totaling 4,082,094 skier days during the 2006-07 winter season, becoming the third most skied state in the nation (The National Ski Areas Association defines 'skier days' as one person visiting a ski area for all or any part of a day or night for the purpose of skiing).
Nationwide skier days were down approximately seven percent in 2006-07.
"We've seen some strong growth over the past five years. Momentum is definitely on our side," said Ski Utah President Nathan Rafferty. "With the most consistent snowfall anywhere in the world and unrivaled access via an international airport that continues to add non-stop destinations, we're on the right path."
Despite snowfall totals pushing beyond the 400-inch mark, many considered this a lackluster snow year, at least by Utah standards. Last year's skier-day count was 4,062,188, a difference of 19,906. The ski season began Nov. 15 and continued through May 20.
"There's no question we're spoiled here in Utah. With over 600 inches of snowfall the previous two seasons, we knew that a sub-500 inch year was going to have an impact. With Utah locals accounting for almost half our skier visits, they're a critical component to our success," said Rafferty.
Utah's statewide tourism product has seen a significant increase in visibility over the last several years thanks to a surge in state funding dedicated to promoting the state's many tourism offerings, from skiing and snowboarding to southern Utah's five national parks.
"We owe a huge amount of our success to the ongoing support of the Utah Office of Tourism and the keen foresight of Governor Huntsman to view tourism as an important economic engine for Utah's economy," added Rafferty.
Ski-related tourism contributed over $700 million to the State's economy during the 2006-07 winter season.
Total statewide skier days for the past 10 years are as follows:
Season |
Skier Days |
Rank |
2006-07 |
4,082,094 |
1 |
2005-06 |
4,062,188 |
2 |
2004-05 |
3,895,578 |
3 |
2003-04 |
3,429,141 |
4 |
2002-03 |
3,141,212 |
6 |
2001-02 |
2,984,574 |
10 |
2000-01 |
3,278,291 |
5 |
1999-00 |
2,959,778 |
11 |
1998-99 |
3,095,347 |
8 |
1997-98 |
3,101,735 |
7 |
For interview opportunities with Ski Utah President Nathan Rafferty, please contact him at (801) 433-2014 or nato@skiutah.com. Information on Utah's 13 mountain resorts can be found at skiutah.com.
Ski Utah
150 West 500 South
Salt Lake City, UT. 84101
www.skiutah.com
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