Watch Winter Sports beyond the means of many Americans. Online

Winter sports are now beyond the means of many Americans. Reservations are down this year at many big resorts in the Rockies, like Apen or Vail. Smaller resorts along the East Coast, however, seem to be enjoying growing success. There may be less snow and fewer trails, but lift tickets are more affordable and you don’t have to take the plane. This is Maryland, a few hours away from Washington, DC. With the economic crisis, many who used to fly off to Europe or the Rockies to go skiing can no longer afford to do so. John Flynn, “You have the airplane fare and it s far more expensive. So this is affordable.” Liza Smith, “This is a good place to learn how to ski and like I said, you can come for a day and just go back home.” Of course with the proximity and low price, there are a few other differences the summit of the mountain is barely 3000 feet above sea-level and there are only 5 ski lifts. STEVE JORDAN, “Here it is commencing. It is snowing now, it s good. Last week it was very warm because it s so low, 3000 ft so you’re not quite sure.” Last season, 60 million Americans went skiing and generated about 6 billion dollars in profits for the sector. But big resorts are suffering this year. In Vail, Colorado, reservations are down 15%. By comparison, visits to this little mountain in Maryland are up by 5%. LORI EPP, “More people, in tough economic times, still need to get out and recreate. It maybe relieves some of their frustrations or hardship they are incurring at this time, so there is still plenty of people vacationing and getting out during the winter. So rather than stop skiing, Americans are cutting back by spending less time away, and skiing closer to home.