Maine ski/snowboard areas record 1,366,752 visits during the 2008/09 season

Maine’s second best season on record.

Maine ski areas posted their second best season on record with 1,366,752 ski/snowboard visits. The previous 2007/08 season set an all time record with 1,401,043 visits recorded. Early season snowfall and extensive snowmaking systems allowed Maine to maintain strong numbers in spite of the tightening economy. In fact, Maine increased its share of the Northern New England market by 1%. “Although one percent is not a huge number, the fact that Maine is gaining market share in the competitive Northeast Market is a very positive sign” stated Greg Sweetser, Executive Director of Ski Maine Association. “Maine ski areas are providing great value and a great product and that is reflected in our attendance numbers. Maine ski areas and the Maine Office of Tourism are showing results from their marketing efforts.”
According to the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), ski areas nationwide tallied 57.1 million visits for the 2008/09 season, making it the fifth best season on record. The 2008/09 season represents a 5.5 percent decrease from the record 2007/08 season of 60.5 million visits. A skier visit is an industry measure which counts attendance by a skier or snowboarder for a portion or all of a day.

Ski Maine Association, located in Portland, is the non-profit trade association representing the Alpine and Nordic ski industry in Maine.