November 22, 2008 Ski resorts hope for local vacationers Play video

(Mia Moran, NECN) - With several inches of new snow atop Mount Mansfield, skiers and riders said they could not have asked for a better start to the season.

A flurry of snow and a whipping wind greeted skiers and snowboarders, happy to be back on the mountain in Stowe.

With 400 million dollars invested into a new base lodge and hotel -- Stowe Mountain Resort is hoping the crowds keep coming back.

Sales and marketing director Mike Colburn said the economic downturn is not all bad for business. The resort expects to see more Canadian tourists and others who decide to vacation locally.

"Our core customer comes within 8 hours of here and that's driving distance," Colburn said. "And it's going to be more efficient, more cost-effective to take a drive to Stowe. You're not going to have any airline delays."

But Colburn said there is some concern. The resort is an asset of parent company AIG, which was recently given a multi-million dollar bailout. The resort could be sold to repay the bailout debt. Still, Colburn said he is optimistic that will not happen.

And with season pass sales ahead of last years, it seems snow enthusiasts are, too.

Mia Moran of affiliate WPTZ reports.