Salt Lake City, UT (Wednesday, May 5, 2004) - Ski Utah, the marketing arm of the Utah Ski Association, on Monday reported that the state's 13 ski areas saw a record number of skier days during the 2003-04 winter season (the National Ski Areas Association defines skier days as one person visiting a ski area for all or any part of a day or night for the purpose of skiing or snowboarding). Official numbers totaled 3,386,141 for the season ending May, 2004. Early and consistent snowfall throughout the season, combined with increased marketing efforts and resort infrastructure improvements, fueled the busiest season in Utah's 65-year skiing history.

"While Mother Nature certainly provided great snow conditions, the dollars spent on advertising and resort improvements made the difference this year," said Ski Utah President Kip Pitou. "We're known for having consistent and exceptional snow quality, so having great ski conditions doesn't have the impact one might expect. Leading up to the Olympics Utah resorts spent over $250 million dollars in resort improvements. Everything from new chairlifts and snowmaking equipment to improved base lodges and daycare facilities - all geared toward improving the ski and snowboard experience for years to come. We're finally seeing those investments pay off."

Total skier days for the 2003-04 ski and snowboard season totaled 3,386,141, a 7 percent increase over last season and 3 percent better than 2000-01, Utah's previous record season. Utah's Summit County ski areas (Deer Valley Resort, Park City Mountain Resort and The Canyons Resort) saw a combined record for the second year in a row with visits totaling 1,418,345, a 5 percent gain over last year. Total skier days for the past 10 years are as follows:

Season / Skier Days / Rank
2003-04 / 3,386,141 / 1
2002-03 / 3,141,212 / 3
2001-02 / 2,984,574 / 8
2000-01 / 3,278,291 / 2
1999-00 / 2,959,778 / 9
1998-99 / 3,095,347 / 6
1997-98 / 3,101,735 / 5
1996-97 / 3,042,767 / 7
1995-96 / 2,954,690 / 10
1994-95 / 3,113,072 / 4

Utah's official ski season continues through Memorial Day, May 31, at
Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort where skiers and riders are currently
enjoying a 95-inch base.