The Montana ski industry, which incorporates several major US resorts including Big Sky, Bridger Bowl and Moonlight Basin, benefited from ski tourism to the tune of £50 million last winter, figures suggest.

Montana Ski Success
According to the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, research by the University of Montana carried out at seven of the state's major ski areas shows that the average out-of-state holidaymaker to this region spends around £126 per day.

However, the majority of skiiers visiting these resorts are from their home state - in fact 65 per cent of skiiers surveyed were Montanans, travelling less than 75 miles to reach their holiday destination.

Surprising Stats
However, the research suggests that visitors from the UK and elsewhere are far more likely to splash the cash when visiting Montanan resorts, with out-of-state visitors spending £840 during a 7 day ski trip, with Big Sky attracting the biggest spenders.

Dax Schieffer, from Big Sky, commented on the findings:

"It's been part of Big Sky's strategy for 10 years to position its product as a top 10 ski resort in America, and we've had articles and accolades that have put us in that top tier."

[source: www.bozemandailychronicle.com ]