Skiing fans who turned out Wednesday night for a meeting about the future of the Arctic Valley ski area voted overwhelmingly to keep the area open and operating as it has in the past.

"Members sent a clear message that the passion for Arctic Valley is still strong," said Jennifer Gordon, a volunteer and former board member of the Anchorage Ski Club.

The alpine ski area, just a few miles northeast of Anchorage, is hurting financially. An average of 80 skiers a day visited the area on winter weekends and holidays last winter; Gordon said about 200 a day are needed to make ends meet.

She said 101 people voted to keep the area open this winter, while just six voted for a temporary closure.

"There was lots of good discussion and ideas and support," Gordon said.

But the vote is just an advisory one, she said. A new board is being formed, with a final decision on the future of the ski area due in a few weeks.