Thanks to a combination of heavy snowfall and publicity, Big Sky Resort in Montana reported that it attracted more than 323,000 skier visits during the past season, breaking the record set in the 2001-01 season. The resort received more than 500 inches of snow during the season, and officials credited those favorable conditions with helping to attract the record numbers. In addition, the resort received a great deal of publicity following the announcement of a joint ticket providing access to both Big Sky and neighboring Moonlight Basin-5,300 acres on one ticket. A two-page feature in the New York Times followed the announcement. (FF)