The Price of Powder: What $2.5 Billion in Winter Sports Spending Means for Utah

Utah is synonymous with deep powder and world-class resorts, but the state's snowsports culture is about more than just unforgettable turns. A recent study by the University of Utah's Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute confirms that the ski and snowboard industry remains a colossal economic engine for the state. In fact, skiers and snowboarders injected a massive $2.51 billion in spending into the Utah economy during the 2024–2025 season.

This figure demonstrates the industry’s continued resilience and its ability to attract visitors globally, significantly contributing to local communities. This is a big win, and it underscores the economic importance of our collective passion for the mountains.

So, where exactly did all that cash go? The 2024-2025 season saw 6.5 million total skier days across Utah's 15 resorts. This level of activity directly supported approximately 31,800 jobs statewide. Furthermore, this spending generated $342.6 million in state and local tax revenue.

When you break it down, the average skier or snowboarder spent about $306 per day. The biggest chunks of that daily spending were allocated to key areas:

Accommodation sales in Salt Lake, Summit, and Weber counties alone hit a combined $668 million. Clearly, the financial footprint of a trip to the Wasatch is substantial.

The report highlights a diverse mix of visitors hitting the slopes. Interestingly, over 40% of all skier visits came from Utah residents themselves. We know the locals appreciate "the Greatest Snow on Earth!"

Beyond the Beehive State, the largest group of out-of-state visitors hailed from California, accounting for 9% of all visits. Florida and New York were tied next at 4% each, followed by Texas at 3%. Therefore, while destination travelers from across the U.S. flock to Utah, the local community remains the foundation of the industry.

This massive spending total simply validates what we've always known: Utah is a mecca for action sports. Ultimately, the mountains we chase and the adventures we live for are not just sources of adrenaline and unforgettable clips. They are also powerful drivers for the local economy. The excitement for the snow season truly impacts the entire state, creating jobs and opportunity. As we look ahead to winter, it’s clear that the passion of skiers and snowboarders is invaluable to Utah’s way of life.