Released on: October 20, 2008, 3:43 pm

Press Release Author: Grace Sammut - Managing Director

Industry: Environment

Press Release Summary: Predictions of above-average snowfalls in Ontario for the
2008/2009-winter season have Ontario resorts anticipating a busy winter ahead.
Resorts of Ontario, the province's leading association of resorts and tourism
industry operators, expects that this year, many vacationers and winter sports
enthusiasts will take advantage of outstanding snow conditions and book an Ontario
resort winter vacation.

Press Release Body: Orillia, Ontario -- While the rest of Canada will most likely
see precipitation averages that are close to normal, it has been forecasted that
Ontario, once again, could receive above-normal amounts of snow this winter,
especially in areas around the Great Lakes. An unusually snowy February for Quebec
and the Maritimes is also predicted. The Farmers Almanac, which released their
forecast last August, is calling for colder then normal temperatures across much of
the country, with all areas receiving above average snowfall, particularly in the
Great Lakes and Northeast regions. For Southern Ontario specifically, they advise a
cold and snowy winter when compared to normal years. The Almanac claims an 80 to 85
percent accuracy rate.

Forecasts of good winter weather with plenty of snowfall are always welcome news for
Ontario's four-season resorts. A winter of inconsistent temperatures and small snow
accumulations can have a devastating effect on winter tourism. Just two years back,
in the winter of 2006/2007, mild temperatures and insufficient snowfall played havoc
with Ontario's winter tourism industry. In areas where attracting visitors is
weather dependant, many businesses, such as Blue Mountain in Collingwood, actually
had to shut down and lay-off employees due to the lack of snow. In sharp contrast,
during the winter of 2007/2008, Ontario resort areas received higher than normal
snowfalls with colder temperatures which kept accumulated snow on the ground,
resulting in a much longer than average winter season and more business for area
resorts and tourist operators.

Much of Ontario's winter tourism industry is weather dependant. When tourists plan
their Ontario resort winter vacation, they have an expectation of pristine vistas of
fresh fallen snow, smooth frozen lakes, and crisp clear days. They expect to be able
to ice fish, snowshoe, ski, or snowmobile. Unfortunately, these activities are all
dependant on adequate snow levels and cold temperatures. Without snow, resort
bookings drop. That is why this year's forecast for a cold, snowy winter season is
great news for Ontario winter resorts.

Grace Sammut, Managing Director of Resorts of Ontario
(http://www.resortsofontario.com), Ontario's largest association of resort owners
and operators, is excited about this year's forecast and is confident this winter
season will be "better than ever" for Ontario resorts, even surpassing the winter of
2008, one of the snowiest in a number of years. "All signs point to a busy winter
season ahead for our member resorts. Our theme this year is 'Romancing the Snow'. A
winter getaway at an Ontario inn or resort is very special, especially for romantic
couples seeking some quiet time together in beautiful surroundings. The Resorts of
Ontario offer visitors a wide variety of comfortable accommodation options and great
winter getaway packages, including spa weekends and fine wine and dining options.
For those who love winter sports, there are many exciting winter activities that are
available," states Sammut. "Naturally, an Ontario resort winter holiday is ideal for
anyone who enjoys the beautiful winter wonderland vistas offered at our Ontario
resorts, but even without much snow, an Ontario resort winter vacation can't be
beat," adds Samutt.

In these times of declining stock markets, vacationing in Ontario can be a cost
savings to Southern Ontario residents looking for a holiday and also a break from
the economic stresses broadcast daily. Everyone needs a break on occasion to unwind
and enjoy nature. This winter, many will choose to vacation at an Ontario resort.

About Resorts of Ontario:
Resorts of Ontario
(http://www.resortsofontario.com) is an Ontario tourism association representing
over 100 Ontario resort properties including lakeside resorts, housekeeping
cottages, country inns, lodges, and fishing resorts. Promoting Ontario tourism,
member resorts offer romantic couples escapes, winter holiday packages, family
vacations, as well as conference & meeting facilities in the province of Ontario.




Web Site: http://www.resortsofontario.com

Contact Details: Contact Information:
Grace Sammut - Managing Director
Resorts of Ontario
29 Albert Street
Orillia ON L3V 5J9
1 (800) 363-7227 ext 207
(705) 325-9115 ext 207
grace@resortsofontario.com
http://www.resortsofontario.com