Sierra Ski Resorts Hopeful They Can Bounce Back From Dismal 2014-15 Season

RENO, Nev. (AP) - An abundance of early snow and cold temperatures that allowed extra snow-making have helped Tahoe resorts get off to a strong start this season.

But the Reno Gazette-Journal reports (http://on.rgj.com/1O3MK7t ) that it's too early to tell if a snowier winter will help winter resorts in Nevada and California bounce back. Last year, the Tahoe-area resorts attracted the lowest number of skier visits since the winter of 2001-02.

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe marketing manager Mike Pierce says an early cold snap and higher-than-normal early snowfalls help extend the skiing season, but the bigger effect comes from the confidence levels of skiers and snowboarders.

Pierce says that confidence stimulated by positive media and buzz about snow can inspire them to buy season passes.