The Colorado skiing season makes up an important part of the Colorado economy. Tourism is the second largest industry in the state, and the ski industry makes up a huge portion of that tourism business.

Tourism In Colorado

Last year more than 12.5 million skiers and snowboarders visited Colorado. That’s 21% of all skier visits in the United States. The prospects of employment in the tourism business look good well into the future, with the Colorado skiing season providing a healthy boost to the economy.

The tourism business divides the Colorado skiing season into two portions: the First Period, from October 13 through December 31, and the Second Period, from January 1 until the end of the season. This year, 3,285,649 skiers and snowboarders visited Colorado ski resorts during the first season. That’s a 6.74 increase over last season’s First Period, which was itself a record breaker. These increases occurred despite extreme conditions that delayed flights and closed airports in Colorado.

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