Field reference
U.S. ski industry statistics
A clear, citable snapshot of the 2024–25 U.S. ski season, from skier visits and snowfall to lift investment and access trends.
Last updated September 29, 2026. Statistics reflect the National Ski Areas Association’s preliminary 2024–25 season release, published May 12, 2025.
61.5M
skier visits
U.S. ski areas recorded 61.5 million skier visits in 2024–25, the second-highest total on record.
Source: NSAA, May 12, 2025+1.7%
year-over-year visits
The preliminary national visit total was 1.7% higher than the prior season.
Source: NSAA, May 12, 2025492
operating ski areas
The number of operating U.S. ski areas rose from 484 in the prior season to 492.
Source: NSAA, May 12, 20254.7M
Pacific Northwest visits
The Pacific Northwest set a record with 4.7 million skier visits, up 10.9% from the season before.
Source: NSAA, May 12, 202542.9%
of national visits
The Rocky Mountain region accounted for 42.9% of all U.S. skier visits in 2024–25.
Source: NSAA, May 12, 2025150 in.
average snowfall
Average snowfall at ski areas nationally was 150 inches, 6.9% below the prior year and below the 10-year average of 175 inches.
Source: NSAA, May 12, 2025$624.4M
capital investment
U.S. ski areas reported $624.4 million in capital investment during the season, based on 135 responding areas.
Source: NSAA, May 12, 202597
new or upgraded lifts
Ski areas nationwide installed 97 new and upgraded lifts in 2024–25.
Source: NSAA, May 12, 202549%
of visits on season passes
Season-pass holders made up 49% of national visits, while standard day tickets made up 32%.
Source: NSAA, May 12, 2025How to read these numbers
Visits show demand. Conditions show why the right lens still matters.
A skier visit counts each use of a lift ticket or pass, not individual people. That distinction matters when comparing season-pass behavior with day-ticket sales. It also helps explain why a mountain day can shift so quickly, from bright open terrain to cloud, shadow, and snowfall.
For riders, the practical takeaway is simple: conditions vary by region, elevation, and hour. A goggle setup with compatible lens options gives you more room to respond when the mountain changes its mind.
Explore magnetic ski gogglesKeep learning
Turn changing conditions into a better lens plan.
Methodology and sources
Built to be checked, quoted, and linked.
Every statistic above comes from the National Ski Areas Association’s May 12, 2025 release, “U.S. Ski Industry Reports Data from 2024–25 Season.” NSAA describes the visit total as preliminary because a small number of areas were still operating when it was released. Ascent has kept the original wording and measurement context where it affects interpretation.
- National Ski Areas Association, 2024–25 season release, May 12, 2025
- National Ski Areas Association industry statistics hub
Cite this page
Ascent Eyewear. “U.S. Ski Industry Statistics: 2024–25 Season.” Updated September 29, 2026. https://ascenteyewear.com/pages/ski-industry-statistics