I was just talking with friends about this. How good did ski resorts do in 08-09. During this season I was able to ski in Vail and Beaver Creek. I lived directly accross the street from the Gondola at The Weston Hotel. This put me in a unique position to see skiers and snowboarders coming and going all day. One thing about ski Colorado is locals don't head to the mountain until temperatures rise in the morning. To be honest I got like that too.

But anyway back to my friends and I. My one buddy was firm in his opinion that the resorts lost money. Another thought it was average. Both these guys skied new England all season. From my observations by the Beaver Creek Gondola I said I thought it was a good year.

I skied over 80 days at Vail and Beaver Creek and people where on the mountains everyday. The holiday's where packed so much so it was getting dangerous. Even at Vail with thousands of acres open. Vail and Beaver Creek where 100% open in 2008-2009 ski season. In December the Vail Valley received 13 feet of snow. It is also worth mentioning Vail Resorts sold over 51.000 Epic Season Passes for 09-09 ski season.

Well the National Ski Area Assoiciation as set the facts strait.

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – May 15, 2009 – "Based on preliminary estimates, ski areas nationwide tallied 57.1 million visits for the 2008/09 season, making it the fifth best season on record. Over the last 10 seasons (1999/00 – 2008/09), the industry has averaged 56.7 million visits. The 2008/09 season represents a 0.8 percent increase from the 10-year average, and just a 5.5 percent decrease from the record 2007/08 season of 60.5 million visits. At 13.8 million visits in 2008/09, the Northeast region was up 5.5 percent from its 10-year average. Meanwhile the Southeast region, at 5.62 million visits, was up 3.8 percent from its 10-year average; the Midwest region, with 7.41 million visits, was down 1.1 percent from its 10-year average; the Rocky Mountain region, with 19.79 million visits, was up 1.3 percent from its 10-year average; and finally the Pacific West region, with 10.54 million visits, was down 5.8 percent from its 10-year average.

Relatively favorable snow and weather conditions in most parts of the country during much of the season provided a strong counterbalance to the challenging economic conditions. Based on resort comments, the impact of the economy varied somewhat depending on resort location and resort type. Many day-ski areas in close proximity to major metropolitan markets benefited as many guests chose to ski and ride at locations closer to home. Meanwhile destination resorts often reported fewer overnight visits and shorter stays. Many resorts commented that snow and weather conditions had a more powerful impact on their visitation than the economy. Overall average snowfall was down just 10 percent. The Southeast realized a 31.2 percent increase in average snowfall; the Midwest was up 1.1 percent; the Northeast was down just 10 percent; the Pacific West was down 10.2 percent; and the Rocky Mountain region was down 14.2 percent. A final report will be issued in July". For more information visit nsaa.org.