CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – Boosted by early snow, New Hampshire tourism officials are looking for a record season this winter.

A study for the state Travel and Tourism Division says winter 2007-2008 promises to be better than last winter, with records expected for the number of visitors and for spending. Visitors are likely to spend $890 million, a 6 percent increase over last winter. Nearly 6.5 million visitors are expected, up by 2 percent over last year.

Winter typically has the smallest number of visitors to New Hampshire after the summer, fall and spring. Most winter visitors come from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Maine, though the number of visitors from New York has continued to grow during recent winters.

More visitors are expected this year from Canada and Europe.

The Institute for New Hampshire Studies review expects more growth in overnight trips than in day trips. If snow conditions are above average, week-long family vacations are predicted to be at higher levels than last winter for the holiday and February vacation weeks.

Winter visitors spend the most at restaurants; recreational facilities (including ski areas); stores; and hotels, motels and inns.

“On December 5, 2006, there were 5 alpine ski trails open at 2 ski areas with no cross country skiing available at all,” said Alice Pearce, director of SkiNH, which represents ski areas and lodging.

“This year on December 5, we have 154 alpine ski trails open at 8 ski areas with 264 kilometers of cross country ski trails open at 7 cross country area.”

AP-ES-12-11-07 1628EST