In the USA the enthusiasm for skiing is unstoppable. The winter season 2022/2023 marks the second season with record numbers. For the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), this is a sign that the American ski industry is still on a good path.

Reasons for 65 millions guests include good snow conditions in the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Southwest. Additionally, an increased desire for outdoor sports due to the COVID-19 pandemic is seen by NSAA as a factor positively affecting the seasons statistics.

Skier visits are defined as the number of days a skier (or boarder) has visited a resort. Compared to the previous season, there has been a 6.6 percent increase. Historically, changes in skier visit numbers could be correlated with snowfall; more snow generally meant more skiers. However, the average snowfall this season was 3,683 meters nationally, lower than the 10-year average of 4,2164 inches, signaling once again the strong desire for people to get outside.

The number of open ski resorts has also risen from 473 in the last season to 481. Moreover, destinations are investing heavily in their offerings: American ski resorts have spent a total of 812.4 million dollors.

The majority of this capital was directed towards the construction of new cable car systems. 63 new systems and 83 upgraded systems are set to launch in the upcoming winter season.

In terms of demand, the North American region has surpassed the Austrian cable car market. The cable car manufacturer DOPPELMAYR reports that 30 cable car systems were implemented in the USA, accounting for 28 percent of their revenue in the fiscal year 2022/23.

Regional differences

NSAA divides the country into six regions, with two regions having record skier visits. The Rocky Mountain region reported a record high number of skier visits for the second consecutive season, totaling 27.9 million.

The Pacific Northwest region also finished with its best year on record, totaling 4.5 million. Other regions with increases in season-over-season skier visits were the Northeast and Pacific Southwest (3rd best year on record). Only two regions – the Southeast and Midwest – reported small decreases in skier visits compared to 2021/22.

Season passes holding strong

For the third season in a row, season passes surpassed day tickets in share of skier visits. Season pass holders made up 51.9 percent of visits nationally, with day tickets claiming 37.3 percent of visits (the balance is claimed by off-duty employees, complimentary products, etc.).

Ski areas of all sizes, from small to large, in all regions of the country saw an increase in number of season passes sold.

First place in world ranking

In the season 2021/2022 America leads the world ranking with nearly 60 million of visitors. France with over 50 millions visitors gets the second place. Austria with over 40 million is on the third place.

From this, we can see that the american ski industry is healthy and on the same level as the european ski resorts. In the last twenty years the participation stayed steady between 2,8 percent and 3,4 percent.

Demographic facts

The median age for skiers is 35 and is increasing stated by the NSAA. In the 1960s, the average age of skiers in America was 24, as reported in the 2022 industry report by Laurent Vanat.

„While we see skier visit and participant numbers increase, we’re also seeing a continuing aging trend where youth participation is not keeping pace with historical numbers. That’s not a problem in itself, but we do know that the earlier you start skiing or snowboarding, the more likely you are to stick with it“, said Adrienne Isaac, NSAA Communication Director.