Sacramento, CA – The California Travel & Tourism Commission (CTTC) on Monday announced that over a half million more visitors visited the state’s ski and snowboard resorts during the 2009-10 winter. CTTC credited both a long snow season and the California Department of Transportation’s (Caltran) proactive plan to keep the roads to major resort areas open for business.n“Winter storms and deep snow are critical for a great snow season,” said Caroline Beteta, CTTC president and CEO. “However, the weather can also create problems for visitor access – which is why Caltrans’ snow removal efforts were so important. Tourism directly contributes to California’s state and local economy, and it’s important to keep the industry healthy.”

Early in the season, Beteta and representatives from California’s ski industry met with Caltrans’ senior management team to review their plans to keep the roads clear and support local businesses. Caltrans’ plan included hiring hundreds of seasonal workers to supplement the regular crew to ensure that motorists will be able to make it to their destinations safely this winter.

“This year, we saw greater snow levels than usual. Our ultimate goal throughout the season was to keep the roadways as clear as possible for visitor and resident safety,” said Caltrans Chief Deputy Director Cindy McKim.

“Great snow conditions on the mountain can mean difficult conditions on the roads,” said Rusty Gregory, chairman and CEO of Mammoth Mountain Resorts and CTTC vice chair. “Caltrans’ efforts this year have been absolutely critical to allowing visitors the chance to experience California snow.” So far this season, Mammoth has received over 540 inches of snow.

According to the California Ski Industry Association (CSIA), California’s ski resorts generate $700 million in direct visitor spending, with a total economic impact of nearly $3 billion. CSIA Executive Director Bob Roberts said this year has been great for business.

“In one word, the 2009-10 season was fabulous – fabulous snow, fabulous turnout,” said Roberts. “Thus far this season, which for some resorts will continue through July 4, California’s ski resorts have brought in 7.5 million visitors, up from 6.7 million in 2008.”