Where to Ski And Snowboard - Skiing is big business in Colorado

Skiing is big business in Colorado

17th December 2015, by Abi Butcher

Skier GR Fielding in Aspen yesterday - 7in of new snow in 24 hours. Photo: Jeremy Swanson

Skiing is big business in the States. A new study has shown that the ski industry in Colorado contributes $4.8 billion (£3.2 billion) to the state’s economy — and with some of the best conditions for the beginning of the ski season in a decade, this year looks set to be worth even more.

Keystone is this week reporting the snowiest start to the ski season in over a decade, with eight and a half feet of snow since the lifts opened. WTSS web editor, currently in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, was delayed going through Denver on Tuesday due to massive snowstorms — which have dumped in the Colorado resorts.

The number of British skiers venturing to the US has been declining, but with another slow start to the season in the Alps (see this week’s snow report) and problems with ski hosting in Europe, maybe this season more will venture stateside where conditions are currently fantastic.

The Colorado study, the first of its kind in more than 20 years, shows that skiing and snowboarding supports 46,000 year-round jobs, which contribute more than $1.9billion in labour income.

The new study was conducted by RRC Associates of Boulder for Vail Resorts Inc. and for industry group Colorado Ski Country USA. It showed that travellers outside of Colorado are responsible for more than seven million skier visits per year.