Skier Resort Visits Hit 61.5 Million Last Season
The U.S. ski industry logged 61.5 million skier visits during the 2024–25 winter season, according to data released by the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA). That’s a 1.7% increase over the previous season and marks the second-highest total since the NSAA began tracking skier visits back in 1978.
On the surface, the numbers paint a picture of a booming industry. But while skier traffic remains strong and steady, a deeper look into the data—particularly from Snowsports Industries America (SIA)—reveals a more nuanced story about the state of skiing and riding in America.
A Closer Look
SIA focused on a group they dubbed “Snowsports Enthusiasts." These are not the casual once-a-year resort-enjoyer, but people who are deeply engaged in the culture. See: People who plan PTO around storms, TGR readers, etc. So, this data is less of a snapshot of the entire ski industry, but instead offers insight into what core riders experience and expect from resorts.
According to the data, 47% of enthusiasts rated their 2024–25 season as “very good,” with another 35% rating it “good.” That’s a major leap from the 2023–24 season, when only 32% called it “very good.” Just 3% described the past winter as “bad” or “very bad,” down from 7% the year before.
So what changed? Unsurprisingly: snow.
Nearly half (45%) of those who said this season was better than the last pointed to improved snow quality and quantity. On the flip side, lack of free time was the most common reason enthusiasts rated the season worse, highlighting the perennial challenge of balancing life’s demands with the pursuit of turns.
Looking to Next Season
Despite typical challenges like money, time, and weather, our appetite for winter is holding strong. 84% of enthusiasts said they plan to ski at a resort next season. Here’s how snowsports enthusiasts say they’ll spend their winter next year:
- Skiing at a resort – 84%
- Winter running or hiking – 27%
- Snowshoeing – 26%
- Cross-country skiing – 25%
- Uphill resort travel – 22%
- Backcountry skiing (AT) – 20%
- Snowboarding at a resort – 15%
- Sledding – 14%
- Telemark skiing – 9%
- Snowmobiling – 8%
- Backcountry telemark – 7%
- Fat biking – 7%
- Splitboarding – 5%
- Ice climbing – 2%
Only 3% said they’re sitting next season out.
Who’s Traveling—and With Whom?
A full 81% of enthusiasts are planning or considering a snowsports vacation next season, with 50% saying “yes” and another 31% saying “maybe.”
Of course, it's not hard to imagine who is going on these vacations. High-income households and skiers from the Northeast .
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- 60% of those earning $150K+ are planning a snowsports vacation
- 43% of households under $100K are doing the same
- 53% of Northeasterners are planning a trip, compared to 43% in the West
And while solo missions have their place, most winter travelers prefer a crew.
- 60% plan to travel with a spouse or partner
- 57% with friends
- Only 21% plan to go solo
Again, these numbers are drawn only among enthusiasts.
Big Numbers, Bigger Takeaways
The 2024–25 season proves that the demand for skiing and snowboarding is in great shape. Visitation numbers offer quantitative insight, but surveying experience reveals the true health of the sport. This season’s high satisfaction scores and next season’s ambitious plans make it clear that passion for snowsports is alive and well.
As we look toward 2025–26, the big question isn’t whether people will show up, but whether Mother Nature will deliver. But if this season (and common sense) taught us anything, it’s that when the snow is firing, the stoke is high.
