SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The economic downturn might be easing on Utah's downhill skiing.
The president of the industry group Ski Utah expects the number of skier visits in the state to increase by 3 percent this season to about 4.1 million.
Nathan Rafferty said Tuesday that recent signs of economic growth in the national economy should lead to more destination travelers vacationing in the state than last year.
Many ski resorts are also offering new deals on lodging and lift tickets.
Last year was the first since the 2001-02 season that the state's ski industry didn't grow, which mirrored a national trend.
Rafferty said visits to Ski Utah's Web site are up 9 percent compared to the same period last year.
One ski resort has opened and a second opens Wednesday.
