Proving that Colorado is the state to beat when it comes to skier visits, the state's 25 ski areas logged a record-breaking 12.6 million skier visits in 2013-2014. The numbers are up 10% from last year, show an 8% increase over the five-year average, and are just slightly over the last benchmark of 12.56 million skier visits set in 2006-2007. Many individual ski areas also set records, most notably Aspen Skiing Co. which saw the highest visitation since 1997-1998. Aspen's been killing it on social media lately, and resorts across the state benefitted from an early start, a late finish, and snow throughout the season. Two other likely contributions to Colorado's record season? The California drought and the fact that marijuana legalization brought international press to the state. Apparently this is a lesson of any press is good press, even when ski areas blow up smoke shacks.
· Colorado skier visits surge to 12.6M in 2013-14, set new season record [The Denver Post]
· Where to Buy Marijuana in Colorado's High Country [Curbed Ski]
· The 18 Best Hot Spots for Eating & Drinking in Vail, May '14 [Curbed Ski]