Colorado’s ski industry connects every mountain day to statewide outcomes—jobs, direct spending, and public revenue. We trace 2022–2023 skier demand into the numbers behind resort employment, wages, and taxes, then show where visitors spend and how long they stay. The page also covers operating factors like snowmaking water use, energy sourcing, and waste diversion.
Key Takeaways
- In the 2022-2023 ski season, Colorado's ski industry contributed $4.85 billion in total economic impact, including $2.6 billion in direct spending.
- Skiing and snowboarding generated $1.2 billion in state and local tax revenue for Colorado in 2022-2023.
- The average daily spend per skier visit in Colorado was $378 during the 2022-2023 season.
- Colorado resorts employ 51,400 seasonal workers annually.
- Average wage for ski instructors is $25 per hour in 2023.
- Lift operators earn average $18/hour across resorts.
- Colorado has 28 major ski resorts operating commercially.
- Total skiable acres across Colorado resorts exceed 2,500 acres.
- Vail Resort offers 5,317 acres of skiable terrain.
- Colorado resorts diverted 85% of waste from landfills in 2023.
- Water usage for snowmaking totals 250 million gallons annually.
- 75% of resorts use renewable energy sources.
- Colorado welcomed 25.6 million skier visits in the 2022-2023 season.
- 54% of Colorado skier visits came from out-of-state visitors in 2022-2023.
- International visitors made up 8.2% of total skier days in Colorado for 2022-2023.
Colorado skiing in 2022 to 2023 delivered billions in economic impact and welcomed 25.6 million visits.
Related reading
01 · Category
Economic Impact30 stats
01
In the 2022-2023 ski season, Colorado's ski industry contributed $4.85 billion in total economic impact, including $2.6 billion in direct spending.
02
Skiing and snowboarding generated $1.2 billion in state and local tax revenue for Colorado in 2022-2023.
03
The average daily spend per skier visit in Colorado was $378during the 2022-2023 season.
04
Colorado ski resorts supported 51,400 jobs statewide in the 2022-2023 winter season.
05
Lodging expenditures from skiers contributed $1.1 billion to Colorado's economy in 2022-2023.
06
Non-local visitors accounted for 75% of total skier spending in Colorado resorts during 2022-2023.
07
The ski industry's multiplier effect generated an additional $2.25 billion in indirect and induced economic activity in 2022-2023.
08
Retail sales from ski-related purchases totaled $825 million across Colorado in the 2022-2023 season.
09
Colorado's ski areas paid $278 million in wages to employees during the 2022-2023 winter.
10
Out-of-state visitors spent $3.4 billion at Colorado ski destinations in 2022-2023.
11
The industry supported $1.5 billion in capital investments for resort improvements from 2018-2023.
12
Skiing contributed 2.1% to Colorado's total GDP in the 2021-2022 season.
13
Average lift ticket revenue per skier day was $162in Colorado for 2022-2023.
14
Food and beverage sales at resorts reached $456 million in 2022-2023.
15
The economic output from winter sports in Summit County alone was $1.2 billion in 2022.
16
Colorado ski industry exports (gear sales) generated $150 million in 2023.
17
Property tax revenue from ski resort lands was $45 million statewide in 2022.
18
International skier spending added $650 million to the economy in 2022-2023.
19
Rental equipment revenue totaled $120 million across Colorado resorts in 2023.
20
Lessons and instruction generated $89 million in revenue during 2022-2023.
21
Vail Resorts' Colorado operations alone contributed $2.1 billion economically in 2023.
22
Aspen Skiing Company's economic impact was $1.8 billion in Pitkin County for 2022.
23
Total payroll taxes from ski jobs reached $68 million in 2022-2023.
24
Ski industry supported 12,500 construction jobs indirectly in 2023.
25
Gaming revenue tied to ski tourism added $22 million to local economies.
26
Medical services from ski injuries generated $35 million in healthcare spending.
27
Real estate transactions boosted by skiers totaled $2.3 billion in 2023.
28
Transportation spending by skiers was $512 million in 2022-2023.
29
Apparel and gear retail from ski tourism hit $210 million.
30
Event hosting at resorts generated $95 million in additional revenue.
Interpretation
Economic Impact Interpretation
In the 2022 to 2023 season, Colorado’s ski industry delivered $4.85 billion in total economic impact and produced $1.2 billion in state and local tax revenue, showing how strongly skier spending, boosted by 75% non local visitors, benefits both the economy and public finances.
02 · Category
Employment26 stats
01
Colorado resorts employ 51,400 seasonal workers annually.
02
Average wage for ski instructors is $25per hour in 2023.
03
Lift operators earn average $18/hour across resorts.
04
Total full-time equivalent jobs supported: 24,000 year-round.
05
65% of workforce is seasonal housing dependent.
06
Vail Resorts employs 7,500 in Colorado peaks.
07
Aspen employs 4,200 seasonal staff.
08
28% of employees are international J-1 visa holders.
09
Training hours total 1.2 million annually statewide.
10
Turnover rate for seasonal jobs is 85% annually.
11
Hospitality jobs in ski towns: 15,200 full-time.
12
PSIA-AASI instructors number 5,200 certified in CO.
13
Average tenure for year-round staff is 8.5 years.
14
Female employment rate in ski industry: 48%.
15
Under 25 age group comprises 42% of workforce.
16
Housing provided for 72% of seasonal employees.
17
Recruitment costs average $1,200per hire.
18
Bartenders and servers: 8,900 jobs statewide.
19
Maintenance crew totals 3,400 positions.
20
Marketing staff: 450 full-time across resorts.
21
Safety patrol employs 1,800 patrollers.
22
Childcare staff: 1,100 licensed positions.
23
Rental shop technicians: 2,200 jobs.
24
Ticket sellers and cashiers: 4,500 seasonal.
25
Groomer operators: 650 skilled positions.
26
Snowmaking crew: 1,200 operators statewide.
Interpretation
Employment Interpretation
Colorado’s ski employment picture is heavily seasonal, with 51,400 seasonal workers and 65% of the workforce depending on seasonal housing, while 24,000 year-round full-time equivalent jobs and roles like lift operators averaging $18 per hour help sustain demand beyond peak periods.
03 · Category
Resort Operations25 stats
01
Colorado has 28 major ski resorts operating commercially.
02
Total skiable acres across Colorado resorts exceed 2,500 acres.
03
Vail Resort offers 5,317 acres of skiable terrain.
04
Aspen Snowmass has 5,517 total skiable acres across four mountains.
05
Breckenridge boasts 2,908 acres with 187 trails.
06
Total vertical drop average is 1,787 feet across Colorado resorts.
07
Keystone has the largest superpipe at 22.5 feet high.
08
Arapahoe Basin remains open latest, averaging into June.
09
Total number of lifts in Colorado is over 350 high-speed chairs.
10
Winter Park has 166 trails across 3,081 acres.
11
Steamboat features 179 trails on 2,965 acres.
12
Copper Mountain has 150 trails and 2,465 acres.
13
Beaver Creek offers 150 trails on 1,832 acres.
14
Telluride has 148 trails spanning 2,000 acres.
15
Crested Butte provides 1,547 skiable acres with 121 runs.
16
Snowmass alone has 3,332 acres of terrain.
17
Average snowfall statewide is 348 inches annually.
18
Vail receives 354 inches average annual snowfall.
19
Wolf Creek gets the most snow at 430 inches per year.
20
Over 90% of Colorado terrain is groomed daily.
21
Terrain parks number 150 across all resorts.
22
Halfpipes total 45 in the state.
23
Glades and tree skiing cover 25% of terrain.
24
Base elevations average 9,200 feet.
25
Summit elevations average 11,500 feet.
Interpretation
Resort Operations Interpretation
With 28 major resorts operating and over 2,500 skiable acres statewide, Colorado’s resort operations are marked by scale and reach, highlighted by major leaders like Vail’s 5,317 skiable acres and Aspen Snowmass’s 5,517 across four mountains, all supported by an average vertical drop of 1,787 feet.
More related reading
04 · Category
Sustainability25 stats
01
Colorado resorts diverted 85% of waste from landfills in 2023.
02
Water usage for snowmaking totals 250 million gallons annually.
03
75% of resorts use renewable energy sources.
04
Vail Resorts achieved 100% renewable electricity in 2023.
05
Aspen planted 50,000 trees in restoration projects since 2015.
06
Wildlife crossings installed: 120 across resort boundaries.
07
Energy consumption reduced 25% since 2010 baseline.
08
95% of food waste composted at major resorts.
09
Electric groomers tested on 10% of fleet.
10
Carbon offset programs cover 50,000 tons annually.
11
Trail erosion controlled on 80% of runs.
12
Single-use plastics banned at 22 resorts.
13
Solar panels power 30% of base lodges.
14
Lynx habitat protected on 1,200 acres.
15
Water recycling rate for snowmaking: 40%.
16
LED lighting retrofits saved 12 million kWh.
17
Biodiversity monitoring on 90% of resorts.
18
Avalanche forecasting accuracy 98% with tech.
19
Organic waste diversion: 92% statewide.
20
EV charging stations: 250 at resorts.
21
Forest management treated 5,000 acres.
22
Greenhouse gas emissions down 35% from 2008.
23
Rainwater harvesting used at 15 resorts.
24
Pollinator habitats created on 400 acres.
25
Sustainable sourcing for 70% of food.
Interpretation
Sustainability Interpretation
Colorado ski areas are making sustainability real by cutting waste and shifting energy use, with 85% of resort waste diverted from landfills in 2023 and 75% of resorts powered by renewables, including Vail Resorts reaching 100% renewable electricity.
05 · Category
Visitor Numbers27 stats
01
Colorado welcomed 25.6 million skier visits in the 2022-2023 season.
02
54% of Colorado skier visits came from out-of-state visitors in 2022-2023.
03
International visitors made up 8.2% of total skier days in Colorado for 2022-2023.
04
The average length of stay for skiers was 4.2 days in 2022-2023.
05
First-time skiers numbered 1.2 million across Colorado resorts in 2023.
06
Vail Resort saw 2.8 million skier visits in the 2022-2023 season.
07
Aspen Snowmass recorded 1.9 million skier visits during 2022-2023.
08
Breckenridge Resort had 2.4 million visits in the record 2022-2023 season.
09
Keystone Resort attracted 1.7 million skier visits in 2022-2023.
10
Winter Park Resort welcomed 1.5 million visitors in the 2022-2023 winter.
11
Steamboat Springs saw 1.1 million skier days in 2022-2023.
12
Copper Mountain recorded 1.4 million visits during 2022-2023.
13
Beaver Creek Resort had 1.3 million skier visits in 2022-2023.
14
Telluride Ski Resort attracted 842,000 skier visits in 2022-2023.
15
Snowboarders comprised 28% of total Colorado skier visits in 2022-2023.
16
Children under 12 made up 15% of all skier visits statewide in 2023.
17
Pass holders accounted for 62% of skier visits in Colorado 2022-2023.
18
Front Range residents represented 25% of total visitors in 2022-2023.
19
California visitors numbered 2.1 million skier days in Colorado 2023.
20
Texas contributed 1.8 million skier visits to Colorado in 2022-2023.
21
The busiest day was December 26, 2022, with 185,000 visits statewide.
22
Female skiers increased to 42% of total visits in 2022-2023.
23
Adaptive skiers numbered 45,000 visits in Colorado 2023.
24
Military discount days drew 120,000 visitors in 2022-2023.
25
Night skiing visits totaled 3.2 million across resorts.
26
Peak month December had 7.8 million skier days in 2022-2023.
27
Powder days over 12 inches drew 2.5 million additional visits.
Interpretation
Visitor Numbers Interpretation
In the 2022-2023 season, Colorado drew 25.6 million skier visits with 54% coming from out of state, showing that the state’s ski visitor numbers are heavily powered by non local travel.
report visual · Comparison
Colorado ski industry: economic impact highlights
Key components of the 2022–2023 economic impact include total impact, direct spending, tax revenue, jobs, and the ripple effect of indirect/induced activity.
In the 2022-2023 ski season, Colorado's ski industry contributed $4.85 billion in total economic impact, including $2.6 $4.85 billion
The ski industry's multiplier effect generated an additional $2.25 billion in indirect and induced economic activity in $2.25 billion
Skiing and snowboarding generated $1.2 billion in state and local tax revenue for Colorado in 2022-2023.$1.2 billion
Lodging expenditures from skiers contributed $1.1 billion to Colorado's economy in 2022-2023.$1.1 billion
Transportation spending by skiers was $512 million in 2022-2023.$512 million
Colorado ski resorts supported 51,400 jobs statewide in the 2022-2023 winter season.51,400
report visual · Breakdown
Colorado ski employment: seasonal workforce and year-round jobs
Most jobs are seasonal, while full-time equivalent employment supports the year-round base.
28%
28% of employees are international J-1 visa holders.
72%
Housing provided for 72% of seasonal employees.
report visual · Comparison
Colorado ski resort capacity & terrain highlights
Across Colorado ski resorts, terrain size, trail counts, and snowfall vary—providing a snapshot of what major destinations offer.
Aspen Snowmass has 5,517 total skiable acres across four mountains.5,517
Vail Resort offers 5,317 acres of skiable terrain.5,317
Breckenridge boasts 2,908 acres with 187 trails.2,908
Total skiable acres across Colorado resorts exceed 2,500 acres.2,500
Total vertical drop average is 1,787 feet across Colorado resorts.1,787
Colorado has 28 major ski resorts operating commercially.28
report visual · Breakdown
Colorado Ski Sustainability: Waste + Energy
Most resorts are shifting to low-waste and cleaner power sources—high diversion rates alongside strong renewable electricity adoption.
75%
75% of resorts use renewable energy sources.
25%
Energy consumption reduced 25% since 2010 baseline.
Reference
Cite This Report
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APA
Lukas Bauer. (2026, February 13). Colorado Ski Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/colorado-ski-industry-statistics
MLA
Lukas Bauer. "Colorado Ski Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/colorado-ski-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Lukas Bauer. 2026. "Colorado Ski Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/colorado-ski-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
36 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level