MILLCREEK, Utah (KUTV) — Local ski and snowboard businesses have noticed a decline in customers as parts of the state experience record-breaking high temperatures.
Some are wondering if the conditions will hold tourists back for the rest of the season.
“It’s been underwhelming, I guess,” said Nigel Koolik, a skier from Australia. “But it’s also been nice to have no crowds on the hill as well.”
MORE | Warm Winter Weather: Businesses hope for snow as warm weather leaves Park City slopes quiet
Koolik came all the way from Australia to ski in Utah with his family. He said he prefers coming to Utah for a few reasons, including the cost.
“Reasonably priced, so close to the city,” he said. “You have good options for accommodations and food. You’re not stuck in a small resort town where everything is sky-high expensive.”
He bought skis at Evo in Salt Lake and will be staying there for a few weeks with his family.
Over in Millcreek at Christy Sports, rental technician Colton Hawkins said he has noticed a difference in business.
“It’s been kind of slow, but it’s kind of picking up for the holidays,” Hawkins said.
When asked if he thinks it will be like this for the rest of the season, Hawkins said he hopes not, but if it continues to be a really bad snow year, it likely will be.
Colton said he has friends in the hotel industry who are seeing cancellations for ski trips.
But, Colton said, “It still kind of is early season.”
The Park City Chamber of Commerce stated that the town traditionally has a strong occupancy rate between Christmas and New Year, and this year is no different.
They said reservations on the books suggest a normal Park City visitation through the ski season.
Since Koolik and his family will be there for a few more weeks, he hopes the snow conditions will improve. Booking a long trip was part of the plan so they could get the full Utah experience.
He joked that he hopes for “continual blizzards,” but then added, “Really, we want a healthy time and no broken legs.”
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