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Steamboat Springs — Big snows and a green summer brought the bucks to Steam--boat Springs last year.

In 2005, city sales tax revenues totaled $16,339,588 -- about $1.3 million, or 8.37 percent, more than what was raised in 2004.

Good weather -- snow in winter and a mild, sunny summer --ikely played a role in the revenue increase, said Riley Polumbus, spokeswoman for the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association.

"Great weather seals the deal," she said. This winter's snow helped, but so did a green summer.

"This summer was stronger than the past...it goes to show we need summer tourism," she said.

Part of the year's success was based on December's revenues of $2.3 million, which were up 11.54 percent from December 2004.

December traditionally is a strong month, Polumbus said. The holidays contribute to that, she said.

"Everyone gets prepared and knows that is a big time of year," she said.

Business owners credit Dec--ember's success to the abundant snowfall.

Sporting goods sales tax revenues totaled $234,909, 15 percent more than in December 2004.

"It was a killer December," said Andrew Bernitt, rental manager at Ski Haus. "I think we had some record numbers."

A combination of a high number of rentals and retail sales led to a great month of business, Bernitt said.

"I think everyone was excited due to the snow conditions," he said.

This winter's snow was part of the success for Arctic Liquors, owner Donald Wasko said. Liquor stores experienced a 17 percent increase in sales tax revenue from 2004.

Wasko said it was more than good weather that led to a successful year.

"It think it was a combination of good snow, lots of visitors and a healthy economy," he said.

Polumbus said she hopes the success continues this year.

"I think we're just continuing to do well. Hopefully, this trend, this swing, continues," she said. "It's what keeps us together as a business community."

--o reach Dana Strongin, call 871-4229

or e-mail dstrongin@steamboatpilot.com