Winter storms bring excellent conditions to Colorado ski slopes

As a Texan who has skied in Colorado,  I can attest that the saying "If Texans didn’t go to Colorado, the ski resorts might have to close" is only a mild exaggeration. However, avid skiers who head west know that winter 2015/2016 has already been exciting for those who love to plunge down the slopes in plentiful powder.

All levels of skiers enjoy the excellent conditions
in Colorado this winter.

A report from Colorado Ski CountryUSA (CSCUSA) confirms—noting that total skier visits at its 21 member resorts were up 10 percent during the first period of the 2015/16 ski season, which is defined as Opening Day (October 29, 2015) through December 31, 2015, compared to the same period last year.

The surge in visitation numbers can be attributed 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.”

 

Wolf Creek, 12-15-15
Photo by Jason Lombard

“Thanks to some well-timed storms, resorts were able to offer amazing conditions during the holidays and many resorts reached the 100-inch milestone before the end of the year,” Mills added. “Even a couple very cold days between Christmas and New Year didn’t keep folks from taking advantage of the powder conditions.”

The ski lifts are busy this season.

Snow was just part of what drew skiers to the slopes. “Travelers know that when they visit a Colorado Ski Country resort they’ll be met with friendly employees, personal interactions and a welcoming spirit, and that goes a long way with our guests,” Mills said.

January and February event calendars at CSCUSA resorts are packed with family activities, international competitions and Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month promotions. “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,” Mills said.

 

January is also 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. It is comprised of seven principles that collectively outline skier etiquette and safe skiing practices.

Information courtesy of Jennifer Rudolph, Communications Director, Colorado Ski Country USA