Photo by Ashley Low
Ski areas across the United States experienced a strong rebound this winter despite public health restrictions put in place amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Skier visits to U.S. resorts totaled 59 million for the season, the fifth best on record, according to the Colorado-based National Ski Areas Association.
“What a year it has been,” said Kelly Pawlak, association president and CEO. “From utter uncertainty to a top-10 season in terms of participation, it shows the wide spectrum that our industry bridged this year.”
Resorts across the country were forced to close in spring 2020, and many mountain communities were disproportionately affected by COVID-19 early in the pandemic.
BRETT FRENCH
After 47 years as a ski area owner, George Willett sold Showdown Montana to his daughter, Katie Boedecker, in September.
âIâm looking forward to Kate having a great experience here and continuing to enjoy what sheâs doing,â Willett said.
Boedecker could not be reached for comment. But during Willettâs ownership she has worked a variety of jobs at the Little Belt Mountains ski hill. These include director of marketing and advertising, prep work in the kitchen, busing tables, operating the ski lifts, teaching skiing and overseeing guest services. In 2001 she became the ski hillâs operations manager.