Ms. Hughes, the ski industry official, said the resort operators had been careful not to promise too much.

Even under ideal conditions, the resort operators say they have a relatively brief time in which to turn a profit.

In the United States, fear of lawsuits spurs resort operators to control the environment.

In Vermont, most ski resort operators own the mountain land, but getting approval from the state for additional development is a long, detailed process.

But, the real question is this: Is it too soon for skiers and resort operators to panic?

With the 2005 season looking ominous, resort operators and trade groups lobbied Congress to raise the cap.

"However, the four months beginning with December, when resort operators here traditionally bring in more than half of their revenue, will be critical," he continued.

Still, resort operators can't afford to ignore the public's desire to ski more and sit less.

In France, the snow this season has been good, resort operators agree, but the weather has created other problems.

To get more skiers on the slopes, the resort operators are going after more than just women.