For the second time in three years, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort could host a record number of skiers this winter.

"We are definitely on track for being either our best or our second best season ever," spokeswoman Anna Olson said.

In 2005-2006, the resort recorded 452,000 skier days, the best performance ever. Last year, the total was 402,000, or second best ever.

Olson said a critical piece to the resort's success has been increases in air service to Jackson.

"The air is our lifeline in winter," she said. "To grow season days, we have to grow air. And we have been able to do that with just slow, steady growth."

Continuing resort development also has been a factor: "Jackson just appeals to more people now," she said.

Olson said visitors represent a mix of demographics, with spikes among men ages 18 to 25 years old and "empty nesters" in their 40s.

Aided by the weak dollar overseas, improved air service and excellent snow quality, the resort also has seen a big increase in international travelers this year, she said.

"We are having, I'm glad to say, an incredible season," Olson said.

On the west side of the Tetons, Grand Targhee also is having an excellent year.

"It started like gangbusters and basically hasn't looked back," said Susie Barnett-Bushong, vice president of marketing.

White Pine is a small ski area tucked in the Wind River Mountains northeast of Pinedale. It was started in 1939 on trails cut by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Spokeswoman Mary Thompson said visitors numbers until Christmas were about even with last year, but are now ahead of that pace.

Thompson said White Pine appeals to people who are seeking the charm of smaller resorts without the glitz of large ski areas.

Business Editor Tom Mast can be reached at tom.mast@trib.com, or call 307-266-0574.