Sales are booming at shops and resorts as ski season gets off to great start

The start of the ski season is still a week or two away, butthose working in the industry say it's already gearing up to be a busy year.

Matt Mosteller, senior vice president ofmarketing ofthe Resorts of the Canadian Rockies,said this season'sforecastedsnowfall and colder temperaturesis revvingup skiers and snowboarders.

"We're looking forward to a great, really a peak winter, as cycles of weather look to be the bestearlycycles in the last ten years, at least," said Mosteller.

He said RCR, which runsNakiska andKicking Horse among others,has seen an increase in sales for its seasonpasses and overnight getaways at its resorts despite tough economic timesin Alberta.

"Obviously thestaycation, yep, that's really happening,people are doing that, and they're also maybe not doing as much, you know...they've pared that back and maybe instead of fivesports or three, they're doing two or one," said Mosteller.

Lake Louise ski resort also reports increased sales over last year.

"We've certainly seen strong sales of our seasonpasses, both in the springwhen there was the early bird discount, and our fall sale we just recently had, so our numbers are a bit stronger than the previous year," said Dan Markham, director of brand and communications.

"The economic situation actually may provide some more time for people to go out skiing than they may have in the past," he said.

Staff at Ski West in northwest Calgary said they were concerned sales would be down thanks to the recession, but manager Eric Reid said they'vebeen running flat out ever since the weather turned cold.

"Wewere a little bit worried," said Reid."Butwe've had cases where guys were laid off and they were given outa package, so we have a few customers who are taking the time to ski all year."

"It's the entry-level person that's sort of a little quiet now, but that might kick in after Christmas a bit," he said.

Mosteller said RCR may opensome of its hills earlier than scheduled because of the amount of snow that's fallen.He said the earliest date the company has opened Nakiska is Halloween.

"Well you never know, sometimes these decisions happen with one storm and the next day you could be, we wouldlet people know on our website we're going, becauseit can be that quick."