Big Sky Resort had consistently good snow conditions throughout the 11/12 season, leading to a record number of skier visits.
IN JANUARY, the ski landscape across the west looked bleak. The snow wasn’t falling. Resorts struggled to open on time. Photos of still grassy bowls at Vail circulated on Facebook.
But at Big Sky Resort, the snow came in on time and kept falling all season long. Powder was consistent and good, and snowfall numbers were right on target.
The good snow translated to visitor numbers, and skiers flocked to Big Sky’s snowy slopes. In January, Big Sky extended an offer to deprived Colorado and California skiers and riders – free lift tickets at Big Sky when they booked in Big Sky’s lodging. The deal did not go unnoticed.
Big powder dumps before Christmas and Presidents’ weekend brought in record holiday skier visits. On Sunday, February 19th Big Sky Resort recorded its highest number of skiers in one day with an increase of 6% over the previous record day during the April 2011 Pond Skim.
And the final tally is in – the exceptional snow and deals meant a record season for Big Sky, even while other ski resorts coast to coast saw a nearly 20 percent drop in skier volume. With a season two week’s shorter than the previous record season in 2010/11, Big Sky still drew in more skiers than ever before.
“The consistently good snow at Big Sky is key,” said Taylor Middleton, Big Sky Resort’s General Manager. “Skiers go where there’s snow.”
The uptick is good for the resort as well as the entire Big Sky community, Middleton said. “More skier visits means more business.”
But the best part? While more skier visits equal more business, it doesn’t equal crowds, said Big Sky PR Manager Chad Jones. “Our massive terrain and lift capacity maintain one of Big Sky’s best assets: virtually no lift lines!”
- Greer
Big Sky had big powder in December while other resorts struggled to open terrain. Snowfall stayed consistent at Big Sky throughout the entire 2011/12 season.
