Utah's ski industry remains a vital economic engine for the state, generating $2.51 billion in visitor spending during the 2024/25 season, according to a report from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. The recent economic surge follows a historic 2022-23 winter in which Alta Ski Area recorded a record-breaking 903 inches of snowfall, the most ever at a Utah resort.
Economic Impact of Recent Seasons
The 2024/25 season saw Utah record 6.5 million skier days, underscoring the state's enduring appeal for winter sports enthusiasts. According to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, the industry supported 31,800 direct jobs and generated $342.6 million in state and local tax revenue during that period. Jennifer Leaver, a senior tourism analyst at the Gardner Institute, noted that the season demonstrated the industry's resilience and its ability to attract international visitors.
Visitor Spending and Demographics
The economic strength of the industry was bolstered by significant spending in Salt Lake, Summit, and Weber counties, where accommodation sales totaled $668 million. Research from the Gardner Institute found that the average skier or snowboarder spent approximately $306 per day, with 72% of visitors staying in paid accommodations. The average length of stay in Utah was 6.4 nights, and the average age of visitors was 48 years.
Demographic data from the Gardner Institute shows that 43% of visitors came from within Utah, 32% were from the rest of the United States, 9% were from California, and 3% arrived from international locations. Daily spending averages included $62 for lodging, $61 for food and restaurants, and $59 for lift passes.
Historical Record-Breaking Season
These recent economic figures follow an unprecedented 2022-23 season that broke multiple records across the state. Ski Utah reported that at least 12 of the state's 15 resorts broke all-time snowfall records that winter. The 2022-23 season saw a projected 7.1 million skier visits, a 22% increase over the previous record of 5.8 million visits in 2021-22.
During that record-breaking year, Utah's ski industry contributed $2.54 billion in visitor spending, an 8% increase from the previous season. According to Ski Utah, the state saw 44 powder days, defined as more than 12 inches of snow in a 24-hour period, nearly double the yearly average of 19. During that season, the industry also contributed $256.8 million in state and local tax revenue.
Alta's Record Snowfall
Alta Ski Area provided the most dramatic statistics of the 2022-23 season, recording 903 inches of snowfall. This total shattered the previous record of 748 inches set in 1981-82. The resort averaged 5.1 inches of snow per day throughout the season, with a single-month peak in March 2023 that saw 229 inches of snow—244% of the monthly average.
In addition to the total snowfall, the 2022-23 season saw Alta record its deepest-ever settled snow depth of 248 inches on April 5, 2023. The season lasted 156 days, beginning with the first snowfall on October 22 and ending on April 23. During this period, the resort experienced six days with at least 20 inches of new snow, which is more than the previous three seasons combined.
Operational Challenges and Safety
The extreme weather conditions during the 2022-23 season brought significant operational challenges alongside the record snowfall. Alta Ski Area reported that 98 avalanches hit Highway 210, with 62 of those avalanches being large enough to bury a vehicle or destroy a wood-frame house. The majority of these—73 incidents—occurred between March 1 and April 24.
The heavy snow also impacted mountain access and safety. Alta reported 31 overnight closures of Highway 210, as well as 10 all-day and nine mid-day closures. The resort also experienced five days where it was unable to open, and several 'country club' days where the resort was operational but Highway 210 remained closed to the public. To manage the heavy snow, the Alta Ski Patrol conducted 50 early morning avalanche mitigation efforts.
The Role of Ski Utah
Ski Utah, a 501(c)6 non-profit marketing and membership association, serves as the voice of the state's 15 ski and snowboard resorts. The organization works to promote Utah as a premier ski destination through various marketing, community, and government relations initiatives. The group's mission is to inspire the world to ski Utah and to foster a love of winter sports through programs like the Ski Utah Passport and the Discover Winter program.
As the industry prepares for future growth, leaders like Ski Utah President and CEO Nathan Rafferty have emphasized the importance of the winter economy. Rafferty noted that strong visitation numbers provide lasting benefits for residents and support the state's ability to host future events, such as the 2034 Olympic Winter Games.
Summer Mountain Activities
As the summer season continues, Utah's mountain resorts are shifting focus toward high-alpine summer adventures. Current forecasts for the region indicate continued warm temperatures, with some areas expecting triple-digit heat. Despite the summer heat, organizations like Ski Utah continue to promote year-round mountain activities including mountain biking, hiking, and summer markets to sustain the local outdoor economy.
