Number of Ski Resort Visits in United States
The number of ski resort visits in the United States has fluctuated significantly from the 1978/79 season to the present. Over the years, the ski industry has seen periods of growth, stability, and occasional declines. This analysis looks at the trends and key factors influencing ski resort visits across several decades.
Overview of Ski Resort Visit Numbers
From 1978 to 2024, the number of ski resort visits has shown varying trends. In the early years, the visits were in the 40,000 to 50,000 range, with a notable peak in the 1981/82 season at 50,718. The late 1980s and early 1990s saw fluctuations, with a few peaks and valleys but with a general tendency toward growth in the following decades.
Key Peaks and Declines in Ski Resort Visits
The highest recorded number of ski resort visits occurred in the 2022/23 season, with 65,387 visits. This is a significant increase compared to earlier seasons. Other notable peaks were seen in 2000/01 (57,337 visits) and 2007/08 (60,502 visits). Meanwhile, the lowest recorded visits came in 1990/91, with only 46,722 visits. The 2011/12 season also saw a dip to 50,966 visits.
Recent Trends: Recovery and Growth
In recent years, the number of ski resort visits has steadily increased, with consistent growth observed from the 2016/17 season (54,761 visits) to 2021/22 (60,695 visits). This indicates a positive recovery for the ski industry, particularly as the 2020/21 season saw an increase in visits to 59,004 despite global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Factors Influencing Ski Resort Visits
Several factors have influenced the fluctuation in ski resort visits, including weather conditions, economic factors, and external events like the pandemic. The 2000s and 2010s saw fluctuations in the industry, but the overall trend in recent years suggests a solid recovery and increasing interest in ski vacations. Ski resort attendance is also closely tied to regional snow conditions, pricing, and the popularity of winter sports.
Conclusion
As of the 2023/24 season, the ski industry is seeing robust attendance numbers, reflecting both an increase in interest and favorable conditions. With 60,483 visits, the industry continues to recover and grow, demonstrating resilience in the face of external challenges. The trend of growth in recent years suggests that the ski industry in the U.S. is on a positive trajectory, with many enthusiasts eager to hit the slopes each season.
