April 20, 2015
Dear Editor,
As we work towards the end of what is turning out to be another successful ski and snowboard season, I want to draw a little extra attention to those who contributed to that accomplishment in a year when our winter weather did not cooperate as many might have hoped.
If you have been up to any one of Utah’s 14 ski areas, you would know that the quality of the skiing and riding has been truly spectacular. It is during a season like this where our resort’s investment in snowmaking and grooming infrastructure really pay dividends.
Our wintersports economy consists of a diverse team of players including off-mountain lodging, transportation, retail, restaurants and more – all of which depend on a quality on-mountain experience. Even though the resorts know that the majority of every dollar spent by skiers goes to businesses other than the ski area operator, they all invest considerable time and money, to ensure that Utah’s $1.3 billion dollar wintersports industry is successful.
Deserving of special recognition at the resorts are the hundreds of on-mountain staff, including the snow-making and grooming teams, who are directly affected by drier winters and have made a special effort this season in particular.
I have personally witnessed the smiling faces of skiers and snowboarders who have enjoyed a great experience here in Utah this winter season. As a local, it’s easy to get frustrated with anything but the deep powder we are normally accustomed to. But we need to remember that the majority of the visitors to the mountains we call home have just as much fun, if not more, cruising on perfectly groomed snow under sunny skies.
It’s comforting to know that our resorts have the ability to provide an exceptional experience for our guests even when Mother Nature doesn’t provide her normal, copious helping of The Greatest Snow on Earth.
Sincerely,
Nathan Rafferty
President & CEO
Ski Utah
