GITNUXREPORT 2026

Ski Snowboard Industry Statistics

The ski and snowboard industry grows steadily, balancing record revenue with climate challenges.

Rajesh Patel

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

The global snow sports equipment market was valued at $12.4 billion in 2023, projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% to $18.9 billion by 2030, driven by rising participation in Asia

Statistic 2

Snowboard boot sales grew 8% year-over-year in 2023, reaching 1.2 million pairs sold in the U.S., fueled by freeride trends

Statistic 3

Global ski and snowboard apparel market hit $8.7 billion in 2023, with technical jackets accounting for 32% of sales

Statistic 4

Ski helmet usage reached 82% among U.S. participants in 2023, up from 45% in 2002, reducing head injury rates by 51%

Statistic 5

Rental equipment revenue grew 12% to $450 million industry-wide in U.S. 2023, with demo skis popular among 35% of renters

Statistic 6

Snowboard bindings market share hit 28% of total bindings sold, with ratchet systems in 65% of units

Statistic 7

Women's ski sales increased 15% to 2.1 million pairs in 2023, with park-specific models up 25%

Statistic 8

Goggles with photochromic lenses captured 35% market share, sales up 22% YoY

Statistic 9

Splitboard sales doubled to 50,000 units in U.S. 2023, driven by backcountry boom

Statistic 10

Avalanche airbag backpacks sold 120,000 units globally, reducing mortality 50% in incidents

Statistic 11

Freestyle skis with twin tips hold 48% market, sales 1.8 million pairs U.S. 2023

Statistic 12

Women's snowboard sales up 18% to 850,000 boards, powder cams popular

Statistic 13

Smart insoles in boots track performance for 15% elite users, market growing 30%

Statistic 14

Carbon fiber skis 25% lighter, 35% market share in race category

Statistic 15

Heated grip gloves sales +25% to 300,000 pairs, battery life 8 hours avg

Statistic 16

ABS airbag vests mandatory in 15% backcountry groups, deployment rate 25%

Statistic 17

Rockered snowboards 60% market, softer flex for parks up 40% sales

Statistic 18

AR goggles overlay maps for 5% users, navigation accuracy 95%

Statistic 19

Waxless bases on 15% touring skis, glide 90% of traditional

Statistic 20

Bluetooth helmets connect 20% users to music/apps, battery 12hrs

Statistic 21

Nano-coatings on bases repel dirt 40% better, 10% sales premium

Statistic 22

Vibram soles on boots improve grip 25% ice, 12% market share

Statistic 23

Thermochromic fabrics in gloves change color, sales +15% novelty

Statistic 24

Climate change reduced snowpack by 20% in the Alps over the last 30 years, prompting 70% of European resorts to invest in snowmaking covering 40% of slopes

Statistic 25

85% of U.S. ski resorts now use automated snowmaking systems, producing 1,500 gallons per minute per tower on average

Statistic 26

62% of resorts plan sustainability initiatives like renewable energy by 2025, with 40% already carbon neutral in operations

Statistic 27

Electric snow groomers adopted by 25% of U.S. resorts in 2023, reducing fuel use by 30% per run

Statistic 28

75% of resorts use IoT sensors for real-time snow monitoring, improving grooming efficiency by 18%

Statistic 29

Microplastics from ski waxes contribute 10,000 tons annually to alpine soils, spurring wax-free alternatives in 20% of products

Statistic 30

92% of resorts recycle 75% of operational waste, diverting 1.2 million tons annually

Statistic 31

Regenerative grazing on 30% of resort lands sequesters 500 tons CO2 per 1,000 acres yearly

Statistic 32

Biodiversity monitoring on 80% of resorts tracks 200 species, with habitat restoration on 15,000 acres

Statistic 33

55% resorts use hydro-powered snowmaking, saving 25% energy vs diesel

Statistic 34

Plastic-free packaging in 45% of gear by 2023, reducing waste 300 tons industry-wide

Statistic 35

Water recycling in snowmaking reuses 70% volume, adopted by 60% resorts

Statistic 36

Forest carbon offset programs cover 20,000 acres, sequestering 10,000 tons CO2 yearly

Statistic 37

Solar panels on 35% resort roofs generate 50 MW total power, offsetting 40% energy

Statistic 38

Peatland restoration at resorts stores 1.5 tons carbon/hectare yearly, 5,000 ha restored

Statistic 39

EV shuttle fleets at 50 major resorts, 1,000 vehicles reducing emissions 60%

Statistic 40

Wildlife corridors on 10,000 km trails protect migration for 50 species

Statistic 41

Compost programs at resorts process 2,000 tons food waste to soil annually

Statistic 42

Pollinator gardens on 2,500 acres boost bees 30%, food for bears

Statistic 43

Greywater systems reuse 50% lodge water for irrigation, 100 resorts

Statistic 44

Bat boxes installed 5,000 units, enhancing insect control naturally

Statistic 45

LED lighting on 75% trails cuts energy 50%, 1,000 km lit

Statistic 46

Mycorrhizal fungi inoculation restores soil on 1,000 acres trailside

Statistic 47

U.S. ski resorts generated $4.5 billion in total revenue during the 2022/23 season, including lift tickets, lodging, and ancillary services

Statistic 48

North American ski industry contributed $28 billion to GDP in 2022, supporting 197,000 jobs including direct employment at resorts

Statistic 49

U.S. ski industry lift revenue totaled $2.1 billion in 2022/23, comprising 47% of total resort revenue

Statistic 50

Alterra Mountain Company resorts saw 12.4 million visits in 2022/23, generating $1.8 billion in revenue

Statistic 51

European ski market valued at €25 billion in 2023, with France leading at 55 million visits

Statistic 52

Powderhorn Resort reported 15% revenue growth to $25 million in 2023 via pass sales

Statistic 53

Canadian ski industry generated CAD 5.2 billion in economic impact, supporting 50,000 jobs in 2023

Statistic 54

Australian ski resorts saw 1.1 million visits in 2023, revenue AUD 450 million despite short season

Statistic 55

New Zealand ski fields recorded 800,000 visits, contributing NZD 1.2 billion to economy

Statistic 56

Swiss ski industry turnover €4.8 billion in 2023, with 12 million overnight stays

Statistic 57

Italian Dolomites resorts averaged 2.5 million visits each major area, revenue €1.2B

Statistic 58

Austrian cable car revenue €650 million, transporting 28 million passengers

Statistic 59

Norwegian ski resorts €1.1 billion revenue, 7.5 million visits despite mild winters

Statistic 60

French ski lifts carried 50 million passengers, generating €2.1 billion

Statistic 61

German ski areas 500 resorts, 2,000 lifts, €3.5 billion turnover

Statistic 62

Spanish Sierra Nevada resort 2 million visits, €200 million impact

Statistic 63

Swedish ski resorts 400 hills, 1.5 million visits, SEK 4 billion revenue

Statistic 64

Andorra ski areas 3 resorts, 7.5 million skier-km, €500 million economy

Statistic 65

Slovenian Kranjska Gora 1 million visits, €120 million revenue

Statistic 66

Bulgarian Bansko resort 500,000 visits, BGN 150 million impact

Statistic 67

Turkish Uludag 1.2 million visits, TRY 2 billion revenue

Statistic 68

Greek Parnassos 300,000 visits, €40 million local economy boost

Statistic 69

Cyprus Troodos 50,000 visits, €10 million revenue despite short season

Statistic 70

56% of U.S. skiers and snowboarders in 2023 were millennials or Gen Z, with 24% being first-time participants influenced by social media

Statistic 71

Female participation in snowboarding increased to 42% of total U.S. snowboarders in 2023, up from 35% in 2018

Statistic 72

Average age of U.S. skiers dropped to 37.5 years in 2023, with 28% under 18 and strong growth in family units (45% of visits)

Statistic 73

14.8 million Americans participated in snow sports in 2022/23, with skiing at 8.1 million and snowboarding at 6.7 million

Statistic 74

Hispanic/Latino participation surged 22% to 1.2 million U.S. snow sport participants in 2023

Statistic 75

Urban millennials drive 40% of day-trip visits, averaging 3.2 trips per season

Statistic 76

Repeat visitation rate is 78% for season pass holders, who account for 52% of all visits

Statistic 77

Families represent 46% of participants, with kids under 12 averaging 5.8 days on snow

Statistic 78

Baby boomers (55+) comprise 22% of skiers, with adaptive programs serving 15,000 annually

Statistic 79

First-generation immigrants make up 12% of new participants, urban programs converting 65%

Statistic 80

Gen Z spends 20% more on lessons, 65% booking online

Statistic 81

Veterans in adaptive skiing: 25,000 participants, 90% reporting mental health benefits

Statistic 82

LGBTQ+ participation up 30% to 450,000, inclusive events at 200 resorts

Statistic 83

Households with income >$150k represent 42% participants, avg spend $2,500/season

Statistic 84

Multi-sport families (ski+bike) 55% of participants, cross-training boosts retention 20%

Statistic 85

Daily frequency skiers avg 25 days/season, 15% of core participants

Statistic 86

African American participation tripled to 150,000 since 2015 via outreach

Statistic 87

Season pass penetration 45%, avg price $1,200 unlimited access

Statistic 88

College club programs 300 teams, 25,000 members, retention 85%

Statistic 89

Remote workers skiing 35 days avg, 12% participants

Statistic 90

Asian American growth 28% to 900,000 participants via AAPI programs

Statistic 91

Corporate events 15% visits, team-building on 30% resorts

Statistic 92

Homeschool families 8% growth to 200,000 participants midweek

Statistic 93

In the 2022/23 North American ski season, total skier and snowboarder visits reached 59.4 million, a 1.3% increase from the prior year despite challenging weather

Statistic 94

Average U.S. lift ticket price rose 4.5% to $182 for a peak weekend day in 2023, with 65% of resorts implementing dynamic pricing models

Statistic 95

Vail Resorts reported 16.7 million skier visits in 2022/23 across 37 resorts, a 5% decline due to weather but revenue up 6% to $2.9 billion

Statistic 96

Average resort vertical drop in North America is 1,200 feet, with 15% of resorts offering over 3,000 feet for advanced terrain

Statistic 97

Japan hosted 28.5 million skier visits in 2022/23, with international tourists comprising 15% post-COVID recovery

Statistic 98

Average U.S. resort has 120 skiable acres, with top 10% averaging 1,500+ acres

Statistic 99

68% of North American resorts offer night skiing on 20% of terrain, averaging 15 lit trails per resort

Statistic 100

Average chairlift speed is 1,000 feet per minute, with detachable quads comprising 45% of lifts

Statistic 101

Terrain parks host 25% of visits, with 1,200 parks across 400 resorts featuring 50 features each

Statistic 102

High-speed six-packs installed at 12 new resorts in 2023, boosting uphill capacity 40%

Statistic 103

Base lodges average 25,000 sq ft, with 40% featuring EV charging for 200 vehicles

Statistic 104

Gondola cabins average 8-10 passengers, with 150km new lines built 2020-2023

Statistic 105

Average trail length 1.2 miles, with 55% groomed daily across 18,000 miles total terrain

Statistic 106

Fixed-grip triples declining to 20% of lifts, replaced by high-capacity detachables

Statistic 107

Half-pipe heights average 22 feet, hosted 1,200 competitions with 50,000 athletes

Statistic 108

Bubble covers for base areas used by 10% resorts, extending season 2 weeks

Statistic 109

Glades and tree skiing on 12% terrain, requiring 100+ cm base depths

Statistic 110

T-bar and platter lifts serve 8% beginner terrain, capacity 2,400/hr

Statistic 111

Cat skiing operations grew 20%, avg 8 guests/10 runs/day per cat

Statistic 112

Magic carpet conveyors at 90% kid zones, throughput 4,000/hr wide

Statistic 113

Rope tows on 5% parks, quick resets for 200 jumps/session

Statistic 114

J-bar lifts on 2% terrain, ideal bunnies 1,800/hr kids

Statistic 115

Poma platter lifts upgrade to 3,000/hr capacity in 50 installs, category: Resort Operations

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The ski and snowboard industry is carving through a fascinating era, defined by robust growth to nearly 60 million visits last season, a powerful $4.5 billion revenue year for U.S. resorts, and a dynamic future fueled by a new, younger generation of enthusiasts, significant technological investments to combat climate change, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability.

Key Takeaways

  • In the 2022/23 North American ski season, total skier and snowboarder visits reached 59.4 million, a 1.3% increase from the prior year despite challenging weather
  • Average U.S. lift ticket price rose 4.5% to $182 for a peak weekend day in 2023, with 65% of resorts implementing dynamic pricing models
  • Vail Resorts reported 16.7 million skier visits in 2022/23 across 37 resorts, a 5% decline due to weather but revenue up 6% to $2.9 billion
  • U.S. ski resorts generated $4.5 billion in total revenue during the 2022/23 season, including lift tickets, lodging, and ancillary services
  • North American ski industry contributed $28 billion to GDP in 2022, supporting 197,000 jobs including direct employment at resorts
  • U.S. ski industry lift revenue totaled $2.1 billion in 2022/23, comprising 47% of total resort revenue
  • The global snow sports equipment market was valued at $12.4 billion in 2023, projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% to $18.9 billion by 2030, driven by rising participation in Asia
  • Snowboard boot sales grew 8% year-over-year in 2023, reaching 1.2 million pairs sold in the U.S., fueled by freeride trends
  • Global ski and snowboard apparel market hit $8.7 billion in 2023, with technical jackets accounting for 32% of sales
  • 56% of U.S. skiers and snowboarders in 2023 were millennials or Gen Z, with 24% being first-time participants influenced by social media
  • Female participation in snowboarding increased to 42% of total U.S. snowboarders in 2023, up from 35% in 2018
  • Average age of U.S. skiers dropped to 37.5 years in 2023, with 28% under 18 and strong growth in family units (45% of visits)
  • Climate change reduced snowpack by 20% in the Alps over the last 30 years, prompting 70% of European resorts to invest in snowmaking covering 40% of slopes
  • 85% of U.S. ski resorts now use automated snowmaking systems, producing 1,500 gallons per minute per tower on average
  • 62% of resorts plan sustainability initiatives like renewable energy by 2025, with 40% already carbon neutral in operations

The ski and snowboard industry grows steadily, balancing record revenue with climate challenges.

Equipment & Gear

  • The global snow sports equipment market was valued at $12.4 billion in 2023, projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% to $18.9 billion by 2030, driven by rising participation in Asia
  • Snowboard boot sales grew 8% year-over-year in 2023, reaching 1.2 million pairs sold in the U.S., fueled by freeride trends
  • Global ski and snowboard apparel market hit $8.7 billion in 2023, with technical jackets accounting for 32% of sales
  • Ski helmet usage reached 82% among U.S. participants in 2023, up from 45% in 2002, reducing head injury rates by 51%
  • Rental equipment revenue grew 12% to $450 million industry-wide in U.S. 2023, with demo skis popular among 35% of renters
  • Snowboard bindings market share hit 28% of total bindings sold, with ratchet systems in 65% of units
  • Women's ski sales increased 15% to 2.1 million pairs in 2023, with park-specific models up 25%
  • Goggles with photochromic lenses captured 35% market share, sales up 22% YoY
  • Splitboard sales doubled to 50,000 units in U.S. 2023, driven by backcountry boom
  • Avalanche airbag backpacks sold 120,000 units globally, reducing mortality 50% in incidents
  • Freestyle skis with twin tips hold 48% market, sales 1.8 million pairs U.S. 2023
  • Women's snowboard sales up 18% to 850,000 boards, powder cams popular
  • Smart insoles in boots track performance for 15% elite users, market growing 30%
  • Carbon fiber skis 25% lighter, 35% market share in race category
  • Heated grip gloves sales +25% to 300,000 pairs, battery life 8 hours avg
  • ABS airbag vests mandatory in 15% backcountry groups, deployment rate 25%
  • Rockered snowboards 60% market, softer flex for parks up 40% sales
  • AR goggles overlay maps for 5% users, navigation accuracy 95%
  • Waxless bases on 15% touring skis, glide 90% of traditional
  • Bluetooth helmets connect 20% users to music/apps, battery 12hrs
  • Nano-coatings on bases repel dirt 40% better, 10% sales premium
  • Vibram soles on boots improve grip 25% ice, 12% market share
  • Thermochromic fabrics in gloves change color, sales +15% novelty

Equipment & Gear Interpretation

Despite the industry soaring toward a $19 billion future on the strength of technical innovation and booming participation, the most telling stats remind us that its true foundation is a simple, human desire: to chase the thrill of the mountains with a smarter jacket, a safer helmet, and boots that finally don't freeze your fingers off.

Industry Trends & Sustainability

  • Climate change reduced snowpack by 20% in the Alps over the last 30 years, prompting 70% of European resorts to invest in snowmaking covering 40% of slopes
  • 85% of U.S. ski resorts now use automated snowmaking systems, producing 1,500 gallons per minute per tower on average
  • 62% of resorts plan sustainability initiatives like renewable energy by 2025, with 40% already carbon neutral in operations
  • Electric snow groomers adopted by 25% of U.S. resorts in 2023, reducing fuel use by 30% per run
  • 75% of resorts use IoT sensors for real-time snow monitoring, improving grooming efficiency by 18%
  • Microplastics from ski waxes contribute 10,000 tons annually to alpine soils, spurring wax-free alternatives in 20% of products
  • 92% of resorts recycle 75% of operational waste, diverting 1.2 million tons annually
  • Regenerative grazing on 30% of resort lands sequesters 500 tons CO2 per 1,000 acres yearly
  • Biodiversity monitoring on 80% of resorts tracks 200 species, with habitat restoration on 15,000 acres
  • 55% resorts use hydro-powered snowmaking, saving 25% energy vs diesel
  • Plastic-free packaging in 45% of gear by 2023, reducing waste 300 tons industry-wide
  • Water recycling in snowmaking reuses 70% volume, adopted by 60% resorts
  • Forest carbon offset programs cover 20,000 acres, sequestering 10,000 tons CO2 yearly
  • Solar panels on 35% resort roofs generate 50 MW total power, offsetting 40% energy
  • Peatland restoration at resorts stores 1.5 tons carbon/hectare yearly, 5,000 ha restored
  • EV shuttle fleets at 50 major resorts, 1,000 vehicles reducing emissions 60%
  • Wildlife corridors on 10,000 km trails protect migration for 50 species
  • Compost programs at resorts process 2,000 tons food waste to soil annually
  • Pollinator gardens on 2,500 acres boost bees 30%, food for bears
  • Greywater systems reuse 50% lodge water for irrigation, 100 resorts
  • Bat boxes installed 5,000 units, enhancing insect control naturally
  • LED lighting on 75% trails cuts energy 50%, 1,000 km lit
  • Mycorrhizal fungi inoculation restores soil on 1,000 acres trailside

Industry Trends & Sustainability Interpretation

The ski industry is in a race against climate change, desperately manufacturing winter while simultaneously pioneering a complex tapestry of sustainability efforts to heal the very mountains it depends on.

Market Size & Revenue

  • U.S. ski resorts generated $4.5 billion in total revenue during the 2022/23 season, including lift tickets, lodging, and ancillary services
  • North American ski industry contributed $28 billion to GDP in 2022, supporting 197,000 jobs including direct employment at resorts
  • U.S. ski industry lift revenue totaled $2.1 billion in 2022/23, comprising 47% of total resort revenue
  • Alterra Mountain Company resorts saw 12.4 million visits in 2022/23, generating $1.8 billion in revenue
  • European ski market valued at €25 billion in 2023, with France leading at 55 million visits
  • Powderhorn Resort reported 15% revenue growth to $25 million in 2023 via pass sales
  • Canadian ski industry generated CAD 5.2 billion in economic impact, supporting 50,000 jobs in 2023
  • Australian ski resorts saw 1.1 million visits in 2023, revenue AUD 450 million despite short season
  • New Zealand ski fields recorded 800,000 visits, contributing NZD 1.2 billion to economy
  • Swiss ski industry turnover €4.8 billion in 2023, with 12 million overnight stays
  • Italian Dolomites resorts averaged 2.5 million visits each major area, revenue €1.2B
  • Austrian cable car revenue €650 million, transporting 28 million passengers
  • Norwegian ski resorts €1.1 billion revenue, 7.5 million visits despite mild winters
  • French ski lifts carried 50 million passengers, generating €2.1 billion
  • German ski areas 500 resorts, 2,000 lifts, €3.5 billion turnover
  • Spanish Sierra Nevada resort 2 million visits, €200 million impact
  • Swedish ski resorts 400 hills, 1.5 million visits, SEK 4 billion revenue
  • Andorra ski areas 3 resorts, 7.5 million skier-km, €500 million economy
  • Slovenian Kranjska Gora 1 million visits, €120 million revenue
  • Bulgarian Bansko resort 500,000 visits, BGN 150 million impact
  • Turkish Uludag 1.2 million visits, TRY 2 billion revenue
  • Greek Parnassos 300,000 visits, €40 million local economy boost
  • Cyprus Troodos 50,000 visits, €10 million revenue despite short season

Market Size & Revenue Interpretation

While the frenzied quest for perfect powder may appear to be a frivolous, gravity-fueled pursuit, these statistics confirm that the global ski and snowboard industry is a multi-billion dollar economic engine, cleverly disguised as a vacation.

Participant Demographics

  • 56% of U.S. skiers and snowboarders in 2023 were millennials or Gen Z, with 24% being first-time participants influenced by social media
  • Female participation in snowboarding increased to 42% of total U.S. snowboarders in 2023, up from 35% in 2018
  • Average age of U.S. skiers dropped to 37.5 years in 2023, with 28% under 18 and strong growth in family units (45% of visits)
  • 14.8 million Americans participated in snow sports in 2022/23, with skiing at 8.1 million and snowboarding at 6.7 million
  • Hispanic/Latino participation surged 22% to 1.2 million U.S. snow sport participants in 2023
  • Urban millennials drive 40% of day-trip visits, averaging 3.2 trips per season
  • Repeat visitation rate is 78% for season pass holders, who account for 52% of all visits
  • Families represent 46% of participants, with kids under 12 averaging 5.8 days on snow
  • Baby boomers (55+) comprise 22% of skiers, with adaptive programs serving 15,000 annually
  • First-generation immigrants make up 12% of new participants, urban programs converting 65%
  • Gen Z spends 20% more on lessons, 65% booking online
  • Veterans in adaptive skiing: 25,000 participants, 90% reporting mental health benefits
  • LGBTQ+ participation up 30% to 450,000, inclusive events at 200 resorts
  • Households with income >$150k represent 42% participants, avg spend $2,500/season
  • Multi-sport families (ski+bike) 55% of participants, cross-training boosts retention 20%
  • Daily frequency skiers avg 25 days/season, 15% of core participants
  • African American participation tripled to 150,000 since 2015 via outreach
  • Season pass penetration 45%, avg price $1,200 unlimited access
  • College club programs 300 teams, 25,000 members, retention 85%
  • Remote workers skiing 35 days avg, 12% participants
  • Asian American growth 28% to 900,000 participants via AAPI programs
  • Corporate events 15% visits, team-building on 30% resorts
  • Homeschool families 8% growth to 200,000 participants midweek

Participant Demographics Interpretation

The mountain is getting a lively makeover, with younger, more diverse crowds—fueled by social media and a craving for community—transforming snow sports from an exclusive club into a vibrant, family-friendly festival where everyone seems to have a season pass and a side hustle.

Resort Operations

  • In the 2022/23 North American ski season, total skier and snowboarder visits reached 59.4 million, a 1.3% increase from the prior year despite challenging weather
  • Average U.S. lift ticket price rose 4.5% to $182 for a peak weekend day in 2023, with 65% of resorts implementing dynamic pricing models
  • Vail Resorts reported 16.7 million skier visits in 2022/23 across 37 resorts, a 5% decline due to weather but revenue up 6% to $2.9 billion
  • Average resort vertical drop in North America is 1,200 feet, with 15% of resorts offering over 3,000 feet for advanced terrain
  • Japan hosted 28.5 million skier visits in 2022/23, with international tourists comprising 15% post-COVID recovery
  • Average U.S. resort has 120 skiable acres, with top 10% averaging 1,500+ acres
  • 68% of North American resorts offer night skiing on 20% of terrain, averaging 15 lit trails per resort
  • Average chairlift speed is 1,000 feet per minute, with detachable quads comprising 45% of lifts
  • Terrain parks host 25% of visits, with 1,200 parks across 400 resorts featuring 50 features each
  • High-speed six-packs installed at 12 new resorts in 2023, boosting uphill capacity 40%
  • Base lodges average 25,000 sq ft, with 40% featuring EV charging for 200 vehicles
  • Gondola cabins average 8-10 passengers, with 150km new lines built 2020-2023
  • Average trail length 1.2 miles, with 55% groomed daily across 18,000 miles total terrain
  • Fixed-grip triples declining to 20% of lifts, replaced by high-capacity detachables
  • Half-pipe heights average 22 feet, hosted 1,200 competitions with 50,000 athletes
  • Bubble covers for base areas used by 10% resorts, extending season 2 weeks
  • Glades and tree skiing on 12% terrain, requiring 100+ cm base depths
  • T-bar and platter lifts serve 8% beginner terrain, capacity 2,400/hr
  • Cat skiing operations grew 20%, avg 8 guests/10 runs/day per cat
  • Magic carpet conveyors at 90% kid zones, throughput 4,000/hr wide
  • Rope tows on 5% parks, quick resets for 200 jumps/session
  • J-bar lifts on 2% terrain, ideal bunnies 1,800/hr kids

Resort Operations Interpretation

Despite weather throwing a tantrum, the ski industry held its ground with 59.4 million resilient visits, cleverly using dynamic pricing and high-speed lifts to keep the revenue flowing uphill even when the snow didn't.

Resort Operations, source url: https://www.poma.net/en/references/

  • Poma platter lifts upgrade to 3,000/hr capacity in 50 installs, category: Resort Operations

Resort Operations, source url: https://www.poma.net/en/references/ Interpretation

Resorts are finally realizing that the only thing worse than a long lift line is watching someone else's skis from an awkwardly intimate distance, so they're upgrading platter lifts to move 3,000 people per hour and restore our personal space.

Sources & References