Solid early season snowfall, increased destination visits, and the weaker dollar all contributed to boost Colorado skier visits by 8.1% to 2.9 million for the first three months of the season. Colorado Ski Country USA hopes that the good weather conditions will help boost skier visits above pre-9/11 levels.

Colorado’s destination resorts, defined as those resorts more than two hours away from Denver, posted a 4.7% increase in skier visits. Front range destination resorts, or the resorts less than two hours from Denver with hotel services, saw a 7.1% increase. Much of the increase in these two categories came from increased international tourism, driven by the weaker U.S. dollar.

“For the past few years, we’ve recognized the favorable dynamics in the international marketplace and therefore increased our international marketing efforts,” said Eric Perlman, President and CEO of CSCUSA. “We’re starting to see a strong return on our investment in international marketing, and we’re optimistic that this season will surpass pre-9/11 visitation numbers.”

By far the biggest increase came from local visitors, who flocked to Colorado’s GEMS resorts (Resorts with no hotel services). Visitation increased by 26.6% at the GEMS resorts. “The GEMS have experienced above average early season snowfall and Loveland and Arapaho Basin were able to open early,” said Perlman. “If these two resorts keep up the momentum for the next two periods, it will be a tremendous season for them.”