Utah’s ski industry continues to be a major economic driver for the state, with significant contributions in the 2024/25 ski season. According to a new fact sheet from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, the industry generated $2.51 billion in skier/snowboarder spending and $342.6 million in state and local tax revenue.
“Utah’s ski industry remains a vital component of the state’s economy,” said Jennifer Leaver, senior tourism analyst at the Gardner Institute. “The 2024/25 ski season demonstrates the industry’s resilience and its ability to attract visitors from around the world, contributing significantly to local communities and the state as a whole.”
“Utah’s ski industry remains one of the state’s most powerful economic engines and a cornerstone of our economy,” said Nathan Rafferty, President and CEO of Ski Utah. “The 2024–25 season once again showed how important skiing and snowboarding are to Utah’s economy, communities, and way of life. Strong visitation numbers this year mean more jobs, stronger local businesses, and lasting benefits for residents across the state as we look ahead to the 2034 Olympic Winter Games.”
Key findings from the research include the following:
Skier Days – Utah saw 6.5 million skier days in the 2024/25 season, reflecting the state’s strong appeal to skiers and snowboarders.
Economic Impact – The ski industry generated $2.51 billion in skier/snowboarder spending and $342.6 million in state and local tax revenue during the 2024/25 season, supporting 31,800 direct jobs and underscoring its importance as a source of employment for Utahns.
Accommodation Sales – Accommodation sales in Salt Lake, Summit, and Weber counties reached a combined $668 million, indicating robust tourism activity.
Skier Demographics – The average age of skiers/snowboarders was 48 years, with an average length of stay in Utah of 6.4 nights. The research also highlights the origin of Utah’s skiers/snowboarders, with 43% coming from Utah, 9% from California, 32% from the rest of the U.S., and 3% internationally.
Spending – Spending averaged $306 per skier per day, with 72% staying in paid accommodations. Average per day spending included $59 on lift passes, $62 on lodging, and $61 on restaurants/food.