Skier/snowbarder numbers were way up last year

Approximately 10.2 million individuals skied or snowboarded at least once in the U.S. during the 2018-19 ski season, the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) said Friday. That's the most since 2010-2011 and approximately a million more than the year before.

The jump came as snowfall was up 31% compared with 2017-18.

In April, the NSAA reported that ski areas totaled more than 59 million visits last ski season, up 11% year-over-year.

"Snow is our greatest asset, and this year was one to remember," NSAA CEO Kelly Pawlak said at that time. "Skiers and riders were greeted with an awesome on-snow experience. Continued investment in infrastructure, like chairlifts and snowmaking, make those days on the slopes even better."