More than two-dozen US ski areas are still open for the 22-23 season, but the country's National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) reports that from season-end numbers already posted, there was record visitation at the country's ski areas for the 2022-23 season.
NSAA report a total of 64.7 million skier visits were recorded, a 6.6% increase over the 21-22 season and the highest in the 45 winters the group has been tracking skier visits since the 1978-79 season. A skier visit is recorded every time an individual uses a lift ticket or pass at a ski area.
"Skier visits are a key performance indicator for the ski industry. Two consecutive seasons of record visitation signals that the U.S. ski industry is healthy, and that the demand for outdoor recreation is strong. Factors contributing to this record season include: a robust snow year in the Rockies and Pacific Southwest regions; growing options of season passes and frequency products; and an increased desire to get outside, especially among lapsed skiers who have returned to the slopes since the pandemic," an NSAA spokesperson said.
Two of the six US ski regions recorded record skier visits, with the Rocky Mountain region reporting a record high number of skier visits for the second consecutive season, totalling 27.9 million. The Pacific Northwest region also finished with its best year on record, totalling 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.
The NSAA also posted a number of other positive numbers.
Firstly, the number of operating US ski areas is up from 473 last season to 481 this season, another positive indicator.
Second, capital investment by ski areas was at record levels, totalling $812.4 million in the 2022-23 season. The majority of capital expenditures was invested into lift infrastructure, with 63 new and 86 upgraded lifts installed at ski areas across the country. This made the average investment $26 per skier, a significant increase over the previous three-season average of $15 per skier.
Third, average snowfall at ski areas nationally totalled 224", a 30% increase over the 10-year average of 173". As a result, the average length of season was 116 days, an increase of six days over the previous season.
For the fourth season in a row, the NSAA reports that season passes including the Epic and Okon passes surpassed day tickets in share of skier visits. Season pass holders made up 50% of visits nationally, with standard day lift tickets claiming 33% of visits.
The US ski industry is also recorded as gradually recovering from last season's staffing challenges, with only 60% of ski areas reporting being understaffed, down from 81% last season. The average number of positions left unfilled also decreased from last year's high of 72 to an average of 39 positions this season. Average ski area wages increased 18% from the 2021-22 season, well outpacing the US national average of 4.6%.
Approximately half of all ski areas said they are planning to increase their workforce housing capacity, the NSAA reports.