MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) – Despite the financial anxiety, Vermont’s ski areas are optimistic about the upcoming season, with a jump in season-pass sales and reservations on track or above last winter at some resorts.

Visitors are calling the Vermont Ski Areas Association to book trips months ahead.

Stowe, Smugglers’ Notch and Sugarbush report that season-pass sales are up and reservations are generally the same as or slightly above last season.

Skiing and riding is a $1.5 billion industry in Vermont.

Michael Berry, president of the National Association of Ski Areas, says he’s hopeful about this season, following last season’s banner snow.

Vermont’s ski areas now are crossing their fingers for early snow to help them through the December holidays.