Vermont Winter Resorts Defy Economic Downturn

Despite a major economic downturn this winter, Vermont's ski resorts have fared relatively well, even surpassing levels of attendance from 2007. The overall attendance for the 2009 winter season was more than 4 million skiers and snowboarders, a number that is 6 percent lower than last year's, but still higher than two years ago. The economic difference, however, showed when it came to other types of costs, such as lodging and food. Resorts have noted that vacationers stayed for fewer days and spent less total money, both of which are a reflection on the current recession. However, a higher number of skiers and snowboarders overall may indicate that more people are spending their holidays locally, rather than traveling abroad. Vermont currently holds some of the best ski resorts in the country, including Killington, which has more than 87 miles of trails and a vast ski lift system, and Mount Snow, which hosted ESPN's 2000 and 2001 Winter X Games. These mountains are especially friendly to visitors, as they contain not only miles of the country's top skiing, snowboarding, and sledding, but also have easy access to restaurants, shopping, and entertainment, as well as options for other winter sports like snowmobiling and ice skating.