Latest Trends in Skiing

As the weather turns colder, Americans hit the slopes of ski facilities throughout the U.S.  Last year, the NSAA National Demographic Study revealed a number of recent trends.  Including: the continued aging of the visitor base and increased participation in family and empty nester households.

Industry Numbers Take a Fall

• The average age of skiers and snowboarders has risen steadily from 33.2 in 1997/98 to 36.6 in 2006/07. This primarily has been due to gains in the proportion of visitors aged 45 and over, and declines in the proportion of visitors in most other age groups. Nationally, 48 percent of skiers and snowboarders are part of a family with children at home, either parents with kids, representing 32 percent, or kids aged 17 and under, representing 16 percent. The second largest segment is singles without children, representing 28 percent of snowsports participants. The remainder is equally split between couples without children, 12 percent, and empty nesters, also 12 percent. The proportion of singles has trended down since 1999/00.

• 2006/07 Season: 54.9 million visits

• 2005/06 Season: 58.9 million visits

• 2004/05 Season: 57.1 million visits

• 2003/04 Season: 57.6 million visits

• 2002/03 Season: 54.4 million visits

• 2001/02 Season: 57.3 million visits

• 2000/01 Season: 52.2 million visits

How the Rocky Mountain Region Fits In

• With 20.85 million visits, the Rocky Mountain region set its third consecutive all-time record, exceeding the previous record set last season by 0.6 percent. The Rockies were up 8.6 percent from their 10-season average of 19.20 million visits.

• The largest share of visitors came from the Mountain Census Division (42.2 percent). An additional 21.5 percent came from the South, followed by the Midwest (12.9 percent), Northeast (10.2 percent), foreign countries/U.S. overseas (7.2 percent), and the Pacific Division (6.1 percent).

• The Rockies have a high proportion of empty nesters, 19 percent versus 12 percent nationally, and couples without kids, 16 percent versus 12 percent nationally.

• There are 485 operating ski resorts in the U.S. and 93 in the Rocky Mountain Region

Rockies Visitor Profile

• 77.6% are skiers

• 22.4% are snowboarders

• 62% are male

• 38% are female

• 5% tried skiing or 7% snowboarding for the first time during the 2006/07 season

• 41% wear a helmet (up 2% from previous season)

• 62.3% went overnight instead of for a day trip

Making the Grade in the Rockies (change from 05/06)

• 20.85 million: Projected Skier Visits (+0.6%)

• 260 inches: Average annual snowfall (-23%)

• 138: Average days open (0%)

• 32,457: Average lessons given (+3.8%)

• $76.00: Average Adult Weekend Lift Ticket Price ($70.82)

• 13,398: Average Season Passes Sold Per Resort (+9%)

• 24,768: Average Snowtube Visits Per Resort (-1.3%)

• 945: Average Snowmaking Hours (+19.1%)

• 39.1: Average age of guests (38.4)

Results compiled from the 2006/07 NSAA National Demographic Study and the 2006/07 Kottke End of Season Survey which tracks demographic characteristics of skiers and snowboarders.  Results are based on brief surveys of skiers and snowboarders conducted by resort personnel.  For a full study, contact the NSAA at www.nsaa.org or 303-987-1111.  For more information on local results, contact Powderhorn at www.Powderhorn.com or  970-268-5700

Powderhorn Resort,            48338 Powderhorn Rd, Mesa, CO 81643        970-268-5700