Rafferty to head Ski Utah

Nathan Rafferty, a veteran member of the Ski Utah staff, has been named president of the organization.

The announcement was being made this morning by the executive board of the Ski Utah/Utah Ski & Snowboard Association.

"After the past two record seasons, we have a lot of momentum built up behind the ski industry here in Utah," said Rafferty following the announcement. "We saw all kinds of records set last year, and I think that speaks well, not only of skiing but also the future of skiing and tourism here in Utah.

"I'm excited that I will be able to play a part in this growth. We are currently on the very edge of a new frontier in terms of winter sports, with both skiing and snowboarding."

Ski Utah is the marketing arm of the ski and snowboard industry in Utah, representing not only Utah's 13 ski areas and seven cross country centers but also the support industries, such as hotels, restaurants, transportation agencies, ski and sporting goods stores.

As noted, last year was a record for the 13 resorts. This was the second year in a row total skier numbers hit a record.

Figures released show a final count of 3,895,578 skier days for 2004-2005, which is a 12 percent rise over 2003-2004's count of 3,386,141.

Over the past two seasons, Utah's total skier days have risen a total of 17 percent.

It didn't hurt Utah's cause at all that other parts of the country remained dry while Utah was receiving record snowfall. Several Utah resorts received more than 600 inches of snowfall last season. The seasonal average for resorts like Alta and Snowbird is 500 inches.

"With last season's fantastic snow year and record number of skier days as well as increased interest in promotional efforts from the state's newly formed Utah Office of Tourism, our ski and snowboard industry is enjoying unprecedented momentum," added Rafferty.

"Our business plan and budget have now been approved, and I think with the experience staff we have behind us, we can move forward at an even faster pace."

Ski Utah went on a nationwide search for a new president two months ago.

The executive committee received applications from all over the country, "from some very strong candidates. I think we were all surprised by the amount of interest this opening generated," said one board member.

"Nathan brings a tremendous amount of energy and creativity to Ski Utah," said F. Scott Pierpont, executive board president, in making the appointment.

"Throughout his nine years with Ski Utah, Nathan has proven to be a tireless advocate for the sport and our industry."

Rafferty grew up in the Salt Lake area, attended Highland High School, started skiing at a young age at ParkWest and went off to the University of Arizona, where he majored in communications. While in Arizona he continued to work in the ski market by organizing ski trips for students.

He returned to Utah and got a job as an office manager at Ski Utah in the summer of 1994. His latest position was that of director of communications.

The eight-person office of Ski Utah is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Utah Ski Association, an organization founded in 1975 and comprised of business members dedicated to the advancement and growth of Utah's snowsports industry.

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E-mail: grass@desnews.com

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