Utah ski spending hits $2.5 billion, but slips $209 million from last season

The study estimates that 6.5 million skier and snowboarder visits statewide supported more than 31,800 jobs and contributed roughly $342.6 million in state and local tax revenue.

The total marks a $209 million decline from the previous season and continues a gradual drop from the record-breaking 2022–23 winter, when inflation-adjusted spending topped $2.7 billion.

Researchers found that the average skier or snowboarder spent $306 per day on the mountain, with 72% staying in paid lodging and the typical visitor staying 6.4 nights. The average age of visitors was 48 years old.

A closer look at spending patterns shows lodging accounting for the largest share at $62 per day, followed by food and dining, $61 and lift tickets, $59. Despite the overall dip in spending, accommodation sales in Salt Lake, Summit, and Weber counties rose by $7 million, totaling $668 million for the season.

Most visitors still came from within Utah — 43% in total — while 32% traveled from other U.S. states. The top out-of-state contributors were California (9%), Florida (4%), New York (4%), Texas (3%), and Colorado (2%). Only 3% of visitors came from abroad.

Utah has 15 ski resorts, and the report underscores the sector’s importance as one of the state’s most reliable winter economic engines, even as overall visitor spending shows signs of leveling off after several record years.