Ski Resorts Seeing Bump in Holiday Bookings

(KCPW News) The ski industry contributes an estimated $1 billion to Utah’s economy and 18,000 jobs. Ski Utah spokeswoman Jessica Kunzer says the economy has taken a toll on Utah’s 13 resorts, but things are looking up this season.

“The information that I have received from the resorts about this current holiday season that we’re in, is that bookings are pretty strong, not hugely better than last year. But many resorts are noticing they are having better bookings this Christmas than they did last year,” Kunzer says. “So I’m hoping that that pattern will continue throughout the season. And I think a lot of that has to do with the snow.”

A storm last week helped by dumping several inches to several feet on Utah’s resorts. Kunzer says Brighton received 48 inches over 48 hours. And she says more snow yesterday and today should make conditions pretty good for the post-Christmas rush. Kunzer says the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day is one of the most important for the ski industry.

“Probably one of the most classic vacations that any family will take will be their Christmas ski vacation,” Kunzer says. “So this is definitely one of our busiest times of the year and so the resorts definitely hope to see strong bookings and high visitation over this time period.”

The ski industry fell victim to the economic recession last year after five record ski seasons in a row. However, Kunzer says even with the slight downturn in skier visitation, it remains well above historic levels.