Many of Europe’s leading ski areas are breathing a sigh of relief as the season ends and early results are assessed. Six months ago few expected a strong season, given deteriorating economies, fuel prices high although lowering, and currency exchange rates fluctuating wildly.

British firm Skiwear4less emailed its customers on the morning Miss Richardson died in hospital in March informing them of her death. Next to a picture of the 45-year-old actress, who died in Canada from a head injury during a ski trip, was pictures and prices of helmets.

The economy may have fallen off a cliff last year, but the ski industry’s drop was a lot gentler. Preliminary reports show there were 57.1 million visits to ski slopes in the U.S. during the winter, a 5.5 percent decline from the record 60.5 million visits the year before.