N.H. ski industry reports big gains last winter

More than 2.5 million skier visits were recorded on N.H. slopes in 2012-13

More than 2.5 million skier, snowboarder and snowtubing visits were recorded last winter in New Hampshire, according to Ski NH, the industry’s trade group.

Ski NH reported that there were nearly 2.3 million skier and snowboarder visits at the state’s alpine ski areas in 2012-2013 — a 20.9 percent increase from the prior winter and a 4.7 percent increase over the 10-year-average. All told, the association said, it amounted to he fifth best downhill ski season on record for New Hampshire state.

Ski areas with snowtubing parks reported over 113,000 snowtubing visits, a 23.4 percent increase from the previous winter and a 7 percent increase over the 10-year average, according to Ski NH.

Perhaps the most impressive numbers were seen at cross-country ski areas where, thanks to the snowier winter weather, 151,000 cross-country skiing visits were recorded – a 57.2 percent increase from the previous year and a 14.8 percent increase over the 10-year average.

“Mostly without the benefit of snowmaking technology, cross-country ski areas really enjoyed the abundant natural snowfall,” said Karl Stone, Ski NH’s marketing director. “The storms cooperated and spread the snowfall relatively evenly across the state, allowing entire trail networks to be opened and guests enjoying snow-covered scenery.”

He said that since 2000, the New Hampshire ski industry has recorded eight of its top 10 seasons, but 2012-13 was particularly welcome after the previous near-snowless winter, said Stone.

"After a difficult ski season last year, this winter was what everyone was hoping for," he said.