US Skier Numbers Drop by 5% Last Season

26th May 2024

Last modified on May 30th, 2024

This a 5% decline from winter 2022-23’s number (65.4 million) but it still ranks as the fifth best winter on record since NSAA began reporting the 1978-79 season.

A handful of resorts are still open, but the final numbers are expected to be roughly the same.

There are 487 ski areas in the US.

A visit is recorded each time a person scans a season pass, lift ticket, or other lift product at a ski area.

• Rocky Mountain – 26.7 million skier visits.
• Northeast – 12.4 million skier visits.
• Pacific Southwest – 8.0 million skier visits.
• Midwest – 4.8 million skier visits.
• Pacific Northwest- 4.2 million skier visits.
• Southeast – 4.2 million skier visits.

Skiing in the USA. Image © PlanetSKI

“Some ski area operators described the season as a roller coaster, and I applaud those same operators for being flexible, reopening to take advantage of a late season storm or making snow in late March to squeeze in one more week,” said NSAA president and CEO, Kelly Pawlak

“Skiers are a hardy bunch and responded enthusiastically. The strong skier visits speak volumes to their passion for sliding on snow.”

There was generally poor levels of snow at the beginning of the 2023/24 season in the USA.

Average snowfall at ski areas nationally totaled 158 inches, a departure from the previous season’s 225 inches (a record snowfall year for several ski areas).

The 10-year average holds at approximately 173 inches.

The average length of season was 106 days, a decrease of only seven days from the previous season, a testament to the importance of snowmaking in a below-average snow year

• Capital investment for 2023-24 season totaled $754.3 million.
• Lift infrastructure continues to be a focal point for the U.S. industry, with 99 new and upgraded lifts being installed at ski areas this past season.
• The average ski area reinvested $29.20 per skier visit back into the resort.
• The $4 increase over last season’s average signals that ski areas remain laser-focused on improving the guest experience despite reduced visitation.
• Next season’s (2024-25) capital investment is projected to reach nearly $500 million, including plans for 71 new and upgraded lifts.
• Season passes remain the primary access product used by skiers and riders for the fifth consecutive season, the NSAA said.

“Season pass holders made up 50% of visits nationally, with standard day or multi-day lift tickets claiming 31% of visits. The balance is claimed by frequency products (showing a 3 ppt increase this season), off-duty employees, complimentary products, etc.”

See here for further details on NSAA.