The U.S. ski industry faced challenging weather conditions during the 2023-24 season, with the warmest winter on record in the contiguous U.S. and decreased snowpack in the Western U.S. affecting not only the ski industry but also the water supply for millions of residents. Despite these conditions, the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) reported that the U.S. ski industry just enjoyed its fifth-busiest season ever, with a total of 60.4 million skier visits from 487 ski areas in operation in the U.S.
The 60.4 million skier visits is a preliminary number, with some ski areas still open, but the final number is not expected to change significantly. To move up to the fourth-busiest season of all time, the 2023-24 season would have to top the 60.5 million visits recorded in 2007-08. The busiest season of all time remains 2022-23, with 65.4 million skier visits, thanks to record snowfall in many areas of the country.
Despite unseasonably warm temperatures leading to a delayed start to the ski season and lower than average snowfall, the 2023-24 season saw a historic visitation numbers with 60.4 million skier visits. The average length of the season was 106 days, only seven fewer than the previous season. NSAA credits this season’s success to the importance of ski areas’ snowmaking programs and the flexibility of ski area operators in taking advantage of late-season storms or making snow in late March.
Season pass holders made up 50% of skier visits nationally, followed by standard day or multi-day lift tickets at 31%. This season also saw seven ski areas reopen and the establishment of one new ski area, Hoedown Hill in Colorado. Despite the challenging weather conditions, the ski industry was able to overcome obstacles and still attract a significant number of skiers, indicating the resilience of the industry and the dedication of ski area operators.
