Ski Utah have reported that the state's ski areas saw record business in the 20-21 season, despite pandemic operating restrictions and a general trend away from destination resorts to 'ski local' options recorded across Europe and north America.
Trade-body Ski Utah recorded 5.3 million skier days, up from 4.3 million in the pandemic curtailed 2019-20 season.
The number was also the state's biggest ever, overtaking the 5.13 million skier days set in the last full season before the pandemic, 2018-19 ski season.
It comes as a surprise for many as local media reports from Utah ski towns through the season appeared to indicate a seriously depressed market.
"Throughout the season it became clear that skiing provided a respite from the day to day realities of the pandemic and allowed an option for guests to safely socialize outside," Nathan Rafferty, president of Ski Utah, said in a statement.
Utah is home to a number of North America's best-known ski areas including world famous resorts like Alta, Deer Valley and snowbird and also to the largest ski-area in the USA, Park City.