Ski resorts in the US have reported a steady increase in revenues over the last five years despite the recession.
Resorts' revenues rose by 2.3% compared with 2008, while a 2010 forecast predicted a rise of 6% to $2.72bn, according to research firm IBISWorld.
Two ski companies, Intrawest and Vail Resorts, now share 51% of industry revenue, according to nytimes.com.
Although the industry has consolidated in recent years, many small ski resorts have been pushed out of business by larger ones.
The ski industry mostly depends on weather and poor snowfall can affect the bottom line.
