U.S. Ski Industry reports 2024–25 as second-busiest season on record

Preliminary figures from the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) show the 2024–25 ski season drew 61.5 million skier visits nationwide, making it the second-busiest winter on record. The total marks a 1.7% increase over last season, trailing only the pandemic-era boom of 2022–23.

Historical Skier Visitation data from NSAA

The rise in visits was driven by strong snowfall across most regions, a resurgence at small and mid-sized resorts, and record performance in the Pacific Northwest, which saw a 10.9% year-over-year jump to 4.7 million skier visits. The Midwest rebounded sharply, up 21.8%, after a warm 2023–24 season led to a steep drop.

“Several years ago, we set an ambitious goal of reaching a three-year rolling average of 60 million skier visits. We’ve now surpassed that benchmark for four consecutive seasons,” said NSAA President and CEO Michael Reitzell.

The Rocky Mountain region including Utah and Park City resorts continued to lead the nation, accounting for 42.9% of total visits and recording its third-best season in 47 years of data collection.

U.S. ski areas reinvested approximately $21.11 per visit this season, totaling more than $624 million in capital improvements—mostly toward new and upgraded lift infrastructure. Looking ahead, ski areas project $560.7 million in spending for 2025–26, including 47 new lifts.

Season passes remained the dominant access method, accounting for 49% of all visits. Standard day tickets represented 32%.

Final figures will be released later this year once the last operating resorts close for the season.