Latest news with #NationalSkiAreasAssociation
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
U.S. Ski Resorts Had Second-Best Season On Record In 2024–25
As the ski industry faces issues ranging from corporate consolidation to increasingly unpredictable snowfall, there is some good news to end the 2024–25 season. According to preliminary data from the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), U.S. ski areas saw the second-highest visitation on record this past season, with a total of 61.5 million skier visits. That marks a a 1.7% increase over the previous season. And the number of skier visits for the 2024–25 season will continue to climb as several resorts have extended their seasons. The highest visitation totals on record, 65.4 million in the 2022–23 season, were the result of a post-Covid surge, but this number is considered an outlier across the travel and recreation industries. The visitation total is one data point in an overall positive trend for the industry. Globally, ski resorts saw more than 366 million skier visits last season. The average for worldwide skier visits is higher after Covid-19 than in the years before 2020, per the International Report on Snow & Mountain Tourism. In 2023–24, Italy and Chile marked their best-ever ski seasons. Domestically, the NSAA set a goal several years ago of reaching a three-year rolling average of 60 million skier visits at U.S. resorts. The industry has surpassed that figure for four consecutive seasons. The number of ski areas operating in the U.S. also rose from 484 last season to 492 this season. The NSAA groups U.S. ski resorts into six regions: the Pacific Northwest, Pacific Southwest, Rocky Mountain, Midwest, Northeast and Southeast. In particular, small- and medium-sized ski areas saw increased visits, and the Pacific Northwest enjoyed a a record-setting year, with 4.7 million skier visits, a 10.9% increase over the previous year. After a decline in visits in 2023–24 due to unseasonably warm weather, the Midwest enjoyed a 21.8% increase in skier visits in 2024–25. Visits in the Rocky Mountain region, which accounted for 42.9% of all national visits in 2024-25, were the third-most out of 47 recorded seasons. While snowfall averages were down slightly (6.9% year-over-year) in the Rocky Mountain, Pacific Southwest and Pacific Northwest regions, the Southeast and Midwest regions saw above-average snow totals. The Northeast met its average. 'While weather will always be unpredictable, this year was less volatile overall, and nearly every region saw solid snowfall,' said NSAA president and CEO Michael Reitzell. Capital investment by U.S. ski areas (based on reported investment from 135 responding areas) totaled $624.4 million, the majority of which went to lift infrastructure. Nationwide, 97 new and upgraded lifts were installed. Surveyed ski areas reported plans for 47 new lifts and 70 lift upgrades in 2025–26. Season pass holders made up nearly half (49%) of all visits nationally this season, with 32% of visits coming from day lift tickets. The remaining visits are composed of factors such as frequency products, off-duty employees and complimentary products. 'The 2024–25 season may come to represent a new baseline for the industry. Even if 'normal' continues to evolve, this season gives us a strong point of reference for what steady, healthy growth looks like,' Reitzell added.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Rocky Mountain region sees 3rd best ski season; US industry reports 2nd best season
DENVER (KDVR) — This year's ski season was good — really good, according to the National Ski Areas Association, which said about 61.5 million skiers visited U.S. areas this winter. That means the 2024-25 ski season had the second-most visits on record to U.S. ski areas. The 2022-23 season remains the most attended in recorded history, with just under 65.4 million skier visits recorded in the U.S. The association noted that this number is 'widely considered an anomaly across the travel and recreation industries,' spurred by a post-COVID-19 surge. FOX31 Weather: View the latest Denver forecasts, maps and radar The NSAA counts skier visits as each time a lift ticket or pass is used at a ski area, and the currently released numbers are preliminary, as several ski areas extended their seasons after the release was published on May 12. That includes Arapahoe Basin, which has set its closing day for June 8. However, the association found that this previous ski season had 1.7% more visits than the previous season. 'Several years ago, we set an ambitious goal of reaching a three-year rolling average of 60 million skier visits. We've now surpassed that benchmark for four consecutive seasons,' said NSAA President and CEO Michael Reitzell in the group's announcement of the visit numbers. 'While weather will always be unpredictable, this year was less volatile overall, and nearly every region saw solid snowfall.' The group noted that more ski areas were operating this year, up to 492 from 484. 'The 2024-25 season may come to represent a new baseline for the industry. Even if 'normal' continues to evolve, this season gives us a strong point of reference for what steady, healthy growth looks like,' Reitzell added in the announcement.' NSAA said that the Rocky Mountain region, which includes New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana, accounted for nearly 43% of all ski visits nationwide during the 2024-25 ski season, and ranked third out of the 47 seasons on record. However, the Pacific Northwest recorded its best season on record: 4.7 million visits, which represents a 10.9% increase over the 2023-24 season. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
Why Winter 24/25 Was the Second Busiest Ever Recorded
The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) has released their U.S. Ski Industry reporting data from the 2024/25 season. In general, the 2024/25 ski season saw more skier visits, despite below average snowfall, in many places across the country. Healthy capital investments in ski area infrastructure were also made with an increase in the dollar amount per skier reinvested in said infrastructure. The 2024/25 ski season is ranked as the second best on record, as it pertains to ski area visitation, with a whopping 61.5 million visitors. This number is a 1.7% increase over the previous season's records. Only the 2022/23 season tops 2024/25 in skier visitation numbers with 3.9 million more visits that year. 49% of these skier visits were made by season pass holders in comparison to the 32% made by lift ticket holders. According to the NSAA report, this visitation number is crucial when it comes to determining the health of the ski industry. Skier visits are counted as every time an individual uses a lift ticket or ski pass at a ski area. This year's numbers suggest that while it doesn't quite measure up to the post-COVID boom that impacted the 2022/23 season, demand for outdoor recreation is still strong and the U.S. ski industry is relatively to keep up with the best stories and photos in skiing? Subscribe to the new Powder To The People newsletter for weekly updates. The growth in skier visits over the 2024/25 season can be attributed to several key factors that differ from region to region, but together indicate a new baseline of healthy industry growth. The Pacific Northwest, which includes Oregon and Washington as the NSAA defines it, recorded its best season on record in terms of skier visits during Winter 2024/25. The entire region, which includes fifteen ski resorts in Oregon and twenty resorts in Washington, recorded 4.7 million skier visits, which made for a 10.7% increase over the previous season. Although snow totals were below the 10-year average in the Pacific Northwest region, several PNW resorts had a strong start to the season and above average yearly totals, but across the board totals were slightly lower than average. Ski areas in the Pacific Northwest that surpassed their average annual snowfall included Mt. Bachelor (448' YTD, 410' average), Mt. Hood Meadows (461' YTD, 430' average), and Mt. Ashland (318' YTD, 223'). Timberline Lodge, Steven's Pass, and Mt. Baker were all relatively within their averages, albeit a bit under. Willamette Pass, Hoodoo, Summit at Snoqualmie/Alpental, and Crystal Mountain were all well below their averages. Similarly to the Pacific Northwest, despite relatively below average precipitation, the Rocky Mountain region experienced a healthy percentage of skier visits. The region, which includes Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico's 120 ski areas, accounted for 42.9% of all national skier visits, and had its third busiest season out of the 47 on record. Jackson Hole (445' YTD, 465' average), Vail (324' YTD, 354' average), and Alta (537' YTD, 545' average) all had total seasonal snowfalls within their average ranges. Aspen Mountain (240' YTD, 300' average) and Tamarack (250' YTD, 300' average) were within 100' of their seasonal average, while Taos (91' YTD, 200' average) and Park City (237' YTD/ 355' average) were well below. Big Sky ended the season with 48' more than its average 400' and at 115% of their normal snowpack. The Midwest Region's 124 ski resorts saw a large increase in skier visits, especially in comparison to the previous year's 26.7% decline in skier visits. Generally above average precipitation likely helped to account for the 21.8% increase in skier visits during the 2024/25 season. Despite a relatively below average snow season, many ski areas continue to put large quantities of funding towards capital investments for resorts. During the 2024/25 season, the 135 ski areas that reported capital investments spent a total of $624.4 million. The highest percentage of these investments was put towards lift infrastructure and the 97 new or upgraded lifts installed during or ahead of the season. The same ski areas reported that projects for the 2025/26 season are underway and currently have funding totaled at $560.7 million. These plans include another 47 new lifts and 70 lifts to see upgrades. Over the last five seasons, the average ski area has invested $20.37 per skier visit back into operations. During the 2024/25 season, this number rose to $21.11 per skier visit, or roughly 28% of every lift ticker or pass sale.
Buzz Feed
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
I Didn't Know Skiing Was For Us Until I Went To Soft-Like Ski
If you had told my younger self that I would be partying in the Swiss Alps with over 950 Black people, I wouldn't believe you. Firstly, I don't enjoy the cold. I could think of nothing less appealing than partying in cold weather. Secondly, winter sports have never appealed to me. Lastly, I would not be able to conceptualise the idea of 950 Black people attending a ski festival, especially considering that Black skiers make up only 1.5% of the population in ski resorts, according to the National Ski Areas Association. Soft Life Ski is the brainchild of Emmanuel Ojo, Kendrick Fordjour, Edmund Antwi, and Mikun Olupona. What started as a small ski trip between friends in 2022 has evolved into a trip that has caused FOMO for those who missed out on tickets. It was only a few lucky individuals who managed to get tickets, as they sold out in just seven minutes. Signifying the desire for the Black community to take over the Alps. So what actually happens during Soft Life Ski? Let's do a recap. Monday My trip started a day later than the rest of the attendees. I arrived at London City Airport, bright and early. After a short one-hour flight, I arrived at Zurich Airport, where I was greeted with an SLS sign. This is when the excitement started to sink in. My journey to my hotel involved two trains and a bus. When I arrived, I was taken aback by the clear blue sky, the scenery of the mountains, and the lakes. It looked like a picture on a postcard. After taking in the location, I went to drop my luggage in my room and went to get my ski equipment. A long day of travelling requires a hearty meal, and luckily, I made the right decision, heading to Grandis Restaurant. After having one of the best steaks I've had in my life, it was time for R&B N Ski Gams. SLS had an impressive line-up of DJs with popular names like RBC, Selecta Suave, DJ Naira, with Charlie Mase as the host. My first night went off as a hit. I reconnected with university friends, met new people and soaked in what the next few days would be like. Tuesday Waking up was a struggle; fortunately, I had a few electrolytes on hand to give me some extra energy. Breakfast was also a treat. My buffet included French toast, granola, and pancakes, providing me with enough fuel to tackle the Alps. Prior to coming to Zurich, I took one lesson at Hemel Hempstead Snow Centre so I could ease myself into the sport. However, I was still very much a beginner. As a perfectionist, starting new hobbies is a reminder that I am not automatically good at something, and it takes hours of practice to master a skill. However, I found it much easier to learn how to ski in Zurich than I did in the UK. It also felt affirming to be around other beginners who looked like me. I'd describe the process of learning how to ski as an adult as a humiliation ritual. You will fall several times and feel embarrassed every time you do. But, it's also so much fun and it felt rewarding to learn a new skill as an adult. As my skiing lesson finished, I went back to my hotel to get ready for Apres Ski At The Top. After Rnb N Jamz, I knew SLS could pull off a good party, but Apres Ski At The Top took partying to a whole new level. To say that experience was one of the best parties I've been to in my life, i an understatement. To hear Afrobeatz, dancehall, RNB, and even Fuji music on a mountain in Zurich with Black people is a feeling that can never be replaced. It was Black joy at its finest. Not only are surrounded by the picturesque views overseeing the beauty of the mountains, you're surrounded by your friends, old and new. It was surreal. After hours of partying, it was time to head back down, have dinner, and then get ready for the next party. Wednesday It felt a bit easier waking up on Wednesday; my body had adjusted to the lack of sleep and intense levels of alcohol in my body. I somehow managed to wake up for my ski lesson (once again, thank you electrolytes). This was was the first day that I felt like a real skier. It felt good to feel myself progress. I even found myself helping other people learn how to ski as well. My ski lesson was followed by lunch and a well-needed shower before getting ready for another day of Apres Ski. Just like the night before, the party went off like a hit. Thursday Thursday was my unfortunately last day. After having my last breakfast, I returned my ski equipment, said my goodbyes, and headed back to Zurich to go back home. Courtesy of Soft Life Ski Overall thoughts: As a self-professed party-girl, being at Soft Life Ski is a memory that will stay with me forever. While this is a ski-festival, it's felt like more than a party. It allowed Black people to have access to an experience that before, may have felt like it couldn't be ours. In the past, I had described skiing as a 'White' hobby – it didn't feel like a space I would be accepted to enter. Let's be clear, many Black people do ski, and I know Black people who know how to ski. We shouldn't and don't have to wait for spaces like Soft Life Ski to exist to go skiing, but SLS bridges the gap for Black people like me who didn't see themselves on the slopes. One of my favourite attributes to this holiday was the feeling of safety, from the hotel staff to the SLS wellness team and crew members. I felt safe and assured that if I had an issue, I could get it sorted by someone. However, there were some complaints from attendees about the organisation of the trip, particularly on the first day. Some attendees experienced late coach arrivals from the airport to Laax and issues with the gondolas returning from the first party. But, this seems like a minor blip and to be expected when taking care 950 people in a ski resort. So, to the people who are wondering if you should get tickets to SLS next year? Believe the hype, I'll be there. You can find out more about their events here.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Inbounds Avalanche Caught on California Ski Resort's Webcam
At approximately 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, a rockslide triggered an inbounds avalanche at Mammoth Mountain, California, beneath Starr Chute on the northeast portion of the resort's terrain, according to a statement shared by Mammoth Mountain on Wednesday, March 26, Mountain patrollers visited the scene of the slide immediately and conducted a search using transceivers, Recco, avalanche rescue dogs, and probes, the resort said, adding that this search confirmed eyewitness reports that no skiers or snowboarders were in the area at the time of the efforts concluded at 3:47 p.m., the resort avalanche was caught on footage by Mammoth Mountain's Main Lodge web camera. Tap or click below to watch footage of the slide. The avalanche follows another slide that occurred at Mammoth Mountain on February 14 that led to the death of ski patroller Claire Murphy. The Valentine's Day avalanche occurred during avalanche mitigation work after roughly six feet of snow had fallen at Mammoth Mountain in 36 hours. Another ski patroller involved in the incident was to a fact sheet published by the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), ski areas have implemented 'continuous and aggressive training and education efforts' in pursuit of reducing the occurrence of inbounds avalanche of October 2024, only seven of the 224 recorded avalanche fatalities over the past ten ski seasons were categorized as occurring 'inbounds,' according to the NSAA. Most avalanche fatalities occur outside the controlled boundaries of ski the NSAA wrote, 'avalanches remain an inherent risk of skiing.'
