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Royal footprint

The Associated Press

LONDON – Prince Charles canceled a traditional skiing holiday in a bid to reduce his carbon footprint, his office said Saturday. The decision came a day after campaigners and a government minister criticized his decision to fly to New York to collect an award for work on environmental issues.Prince Charles’ Clarence House office said the prince had decided last year to cancel a regular skiing holiday to Switzerland as part of an effort to reduce the number of flights he takes.Details of the prince’s carbon footprint – the measure of greenhouse gases created by his activities – are scheduled to be published along with his annual office accounts later this year. The document will set out targets for the reduction of carbon emissions by his office and household.Guest numbers upSTEAMBOAT SPRINGS – Not only are its skier numbers up, Steamboat Springs says lodging is up nearly 5 percent.Last week, Colorado Ski County USA, released figures showing skier days were up at Steamboat and other destination resorts 6.7 from last year’s record. It did not give figures for each resort.More than 11,000 guests were in town this weekend, say Steamboat officials.”Probably there are a lot of people that know this is kind of an off weekend for skier visits, but the conditions are still good,” said chamber spokeswoman Riley Polumbus.The chamber’s lodging forecast has shown increases nearly every weekend so far this season compared to last season. “These are big jumps,” Polumbus said. “There is a huge midweek jump next week, which is great.”The occupancy forecast for next Wednesday is up 20 percent from last year.How critical March reservations will shape up remains a question. Colorado resorts depend on strong March numbers.”Pace-wise March is running a little bit ahead,” Milne said. “With a couple good storms – which we are due for – March could be off the graphs.”