TL;DR
The 2024-25 ski season in the United States saw 61.5 million skier visits, marking the second-highest visitation on record. This represents a 1.7% increase from the previous season, showcasing the continued strength of the ski industry.
U.S. Ski Resorts See Strong Growth in 2024-25 Season
The 2024-25 ski season in the United States has proven to be a successful one for ski resorts across the country. According to preliminary data from the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), U.S. ski resorts recorded 61.5 million skier visits, marking the second-highest visitation on record. This represents a 1.7% increase from the previous season, demonstrating the continued strength and appeal of skiing and snowboarding in America.
While this figure falls short of the record-setting 2022-23 season by 3.9 million visits, it's important to note that the post-COVID surge was considered unusual across the travel and recreation industries. The current season's numbers indicate a return to more stable growth patterns within the ski industry.
Several factors contributed to the strong performance of U.S. ski resorts in the 2024-25 season. Small and medium-sized ski areas saw increased visits, while the Pacific Northwest experienced a record-setting year. The Midwest region bounced back from a dip in the previous season, and there was continued growth in season passes and frequency-based products.
The number of operating ski resorts also increased from 484 to 492, further supporting the industry's growth. The Rocky Mountain region remained dominant, accounting for 42.9% of all national visits and ranking third out of 47 seasons on record.Despite a slight decrease in average snowfall compared to the previous year, ski resorts managed to attract more visitors. This suggests that factors beyond snow conditions, such as improved facilities and diverse offerings, play a significant role in attracting skiers and riders.
