BURLINGTON, Vt. -
New numbers are out showing Vermont is having a better winter tourism season than last year.
Now some resorts are reporting record numbers this year. While there are still lots of runs left in the season for skiers and riders, Vermont Department of Tourism's Jen Butson says this winter season has been a lot better than last year.
"The weather has been time perfectly with amazing snow storms right in time for peak holiday times for destination travelers," says Butson.
Here are some of the winter tourism numbers so far.
In November and December 2012, the state collected $20-million in tax revenue from spending at hotels and restaurants. An increase of 7-percent from 2011.
Since then, there are no tax numbers.
But we know 263,875 people stopped at Vermont visitor centers from January to mid-February. An increase of 4.1-percent from the same period last year
At the Skirack in Burlington Thursday, co-owner Spike Clayton says business has changed a lot since last year.
"It was some of the worst we've seen," says Clayton.
Clayton says this year is more average at his shop. Though with snow melting outside, he says many winter customers are disappearing too.
"Those will drop off now as people think about summer running shoes, bikes and stuff like that," says Clayton.
Now many resorts aim to be open into or through April. So many are hoping this strong season continues into spring.
