For the second consecutive ski season, U.S. resorts generated record visitation according to preliminary figures reported Tuesday by the National Ski Areas Association at its annual convention in Savannah, Ga.
NSAA, which is headquartered in Lakewood, put the cumulative number at 64.7 million, a 6.6% increase over last year. The six-state Rocky Mountain region also broke its record for the second consecutive year with 27.9 million.
The figures are preliminary because some ski areas, including four in Colorado, remain in operation. Final totals will be announced later. Colorado Ski Country USA will release figures for the state at its annual meeting on June 8.
“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,” according to the NSAA news release.
Season passes exceeded day lift tickets for the fourth consecutive season, NSAA said, adding that season pass holders made up half of skier visits nationally. Single day lift tickets accounted for 33%.
NSAA noted that above-average snowfall tends to drive higher visitation numbers.
“This season was no different, with record snow totals at western ski areas contributing to increased visitation frequency despite weather-related travel challenges,” NSAA said. “Average snowfall at ski areas nationally totaled 224 inches, a 30% increase over the 10-year average of 173 inches. As a result, the average length of season was 116 days, an increase of six days over the previous season.”
