Aspen Skiing Company skier visits climbed 4.3% this winter over the 2008-2009 season, the company said. Consistent snowfall throughout the season, a strong January, a late surge in visits at the end of March and into April and strong pass use all contributed to the increase. The results jibed with a similar report issued by Vail Resorts Inc. two weeks ago.


“We still have a long way to go to dig out of this recession, but it is encouraging to see improvement over last year,” said Aspen Skiing Company Senior Vice President David Perry.


Aspen Skiing Company operates the four mountains in the Aspen/Snowmass area – Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk – as well as ski and snowboard schools. A skier/snowboarder visit is defined as one person visiting a ski area for all or any part of a day one time.