Skier Visits in USA Down by 9 Million Last Season

by admin in RSS Social News. Posted May 6, 2026

The figures come from the National Ski Areas Association, NSAA, in its preliminary report.

Snowfall trends have long influenced how many people go skiing and snowboarding, and the 2025-26 season was no exception.

Average snowfall across the USA was 112 inches (2.84m) last winter, falling well below the 10-year average of 169 inches (4.29m).

It was the lowest in more than a decade.

Colorado, which has the big name resorts of Vail, Breckenridge & Aspen, had its worst winter on record.

The Colorado Climate Center has said this winter was “the worst year for the Colorado snowpack in recorded history”.

While regions east of the Rockies were near or above average, every Western region fell well below average.

Even so, operating days nationally declined only modestly, despite snowfall totals falling 33% below average.

This reflects continued investment in snowmaking and infrastructure.

“Few seasons demonstrate as clearly as this one how dependent our industry remains on regional weather patterns,” said NSAA President and CEO, Michael Reitzell.

“Challenging conditions across much of the West—including a slow start, rain events, and record March warmth—significantly impacted visitation throughout the season.”

We reported on the poor snow in the western USA on PlanetSKI across the winter:

Good snow in regions east of the Rockies, particularly in the Northeast and Southeast, helped the overall result.

“Strong seasons across the Northeast and Southeast played a critical role in shaping the national picture,” added Reitzell.

“When conditions are favorable, we continue to see strong demand for skiing and snowboarding, which speaks to the enduring appeal of the sport.”

Skiing in the USA. Image © PlanetSKI

NSAA divides the country into six regions for the visitor numbers:

Rocky Mountain region – 20.1m visits
Northeast – 12.9m visits
Midwest – 5.8mvisits
Pacific Southwest – 5.7mvisits
Southeast – 4.8m visits
Pacific Northwest – 3.2m visits

The Northeast and Southeast each delivered their second-best seasons of the past decade, with the Northeast benefiting from an early start and consistent snowfall.

Capital Investment

Capital investment by US ski areas remained strong despite a challenging winter.

Reporting ski areas invested a total of $569.3 million in capital expenditures, including 45 new and 52 upgraded lifts.

On average, responding ski areas reinvested approximately $22.24 per skier visit back into operations.

This continued level of investment underscores the industry’s commitment to long-term improvements, even in more volatile seasons.

Season Passes Holding Strong

Season passes remained the dominant access product at 49% of visits nationally, while daily and multi-day tickets made up 31%.

After several years of rapid growth, season pass usage has begun to stabilise over the past two seasons, signaling a maturing market.

The shift toward a more consistent mix of access products provides greater predictability for ski areas and helps support operations through variable weather conditions.

Industry Outlook

The 2025-26 season highlights both the challenges and resilience of the US ski industry.

While increasing weather variability remains a defining factor, ski areas continue to adapt through investments in infrastructure, snowmaking, and guest experience.

In a year with below-average snowfall, the industry demonstrated its ability to maintain operations, sustain demand, and position itself for future growth.

Beyond visitation, the ski industry plays a critical role in mountain and rural economies across the country.

Ski areas support thousands of jobs and drive significant economic activity for local businesses, from lodging and restaurants to retail and transportation.

Seasons with reduced visitation can have meaningful impacts on these communities.

Historical trends show that lower-snow seasons are often followed by stronger years.

“We’ve seen time and again that a lower-snow season is often followed by a strong rebound,” said Reitzell.

“With continued investment, a stable base of participants, and the passion that drives skiers and snowboarders, we’re already looking ahead to next season.”

Ironically there has been some good late season snow in parts of the Rockies with some resorts extending their seasons:

More snow falls in Rockies as season is extended

About the National Ski Areas Association

The National Ski Areas Association is a non-profit trade association serving the interests of ski/snowboard area owners and operators in the United States.

NSAA’s mission is to support its members in their pursuit to operate thriving and sustainable businesses while delivering exceptional experiences.

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