Ski tourism is holding strong.
Globally, the 2023/24 winter delivered more than 366 million skier visits, signaling a third straight “healthy” season for the industry after the pandemic.
In the United States, 2024/25 finished with 61.5 million skier visits, the second-highest total on record, extending a run of four seasons above 60 million.
Across the Alps, demand stayed resilient too.
France’s mountain resorts reported a 71% accommodation occupancy rate for the 2024/25 winter, with 85% occupancy over Christmas week—stable to slightly higher than last season.
Meanwhile, ski areas continue to invest. U.S. resorts put $754.3 million into lifts and infrastructure in 2023/24 and another $624.4 million in 2024/25—about $21 per skier visit last season.
Key Stats: Ski Season Trends
- Globally, there were 370 million skier-days, showing the ski tourism sector has largely bounced back post-pandemic.
- The U.S. pulled in ~60.5 million skier visits in the 2023-24 season — still the leader by a considerable margin.
- France and Austria follow close behind with ~54-50 million skier days each — part of a small group of countries dominating global ski traffic.
- The global mountain and ski resorts market is booming: valued ~USD 18B in 2024, projected to nearly USD 50B by 2033.
- Ski vacations themselves are a growing niche: worth ~USD 6.3B in 2025, expected to more than double in the coming decade.
- A small share of resorts capture most of the action — ~12% of resorts see ~73% of all skier visits globally.
- In the Rocky Mountain / U.S. ski markets, the 2024-25 season saw 61.5M skier visits, marking one of the busiest seasons on record.
- France occupancy (2024/25): 71% (and 85% at Christmas).
- How people access the hill (U.S., 2024/25): Season passes = 49% of all visits; day tickets = 32%.
- Global footprint: 68 countries now offer equipped outdoor ski areas; ~2,000 resorts identified worldwide.
Is ski tourism still growing?
Yes—steady rather than explosive. The latest International Report on Snow & Mountain Tourism shows three consecutive post-pandemic seasons at or above “normal,” with >366M visits in 2023/24.
The author notes that, while climate pressures exist, global visitation has remained resilient over the last two decades.
In the U.S., 2024/25 ticked up +1.7% year over year to 61.5M visits, suggesting the new baseline may be 60M+ seasons in most years.
Quick table: Recent headline figures
| Region/Metric | Season | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Global skier visits | 2023/24 | 366M+ |
| U.S. skier visits | 2024/25 | 61.5M |
| U.S. record season | 2022/23 | 65.4M |
| France occupancy | 2024/25 | 71% (85% Christmas) |
Sources: Vanat 2025 report (press release); NSAA preliminary figures via major outlets; ANMSM/Atout France.
Which markets led the 2023/24 global season?
The global picture was mixed by country, mostly due to weather.
The 2025 report highlights record or best-ever seasons in Italy and Chile, renewed growth in China, and relative underperformance in France and Austria versus their pre-COVID averages; Japan and Germany had historically low visitation.
Why it matters: ski travel is mobile—when snow and sun align, skiers shift destinations. The overall global total held up because gains in some regions offset losses in others.
How are people paying to ski now?
Passes are the norm in the U.S. In 2024/25, season pass holders accounted for ~49% of all skier visits nationwide; day tickets made up 32%. The balance came from frequency products, comps, and staff riding off-duty.
This also helps explain steady visitation: pre-purchased access reduces price volatility for travelers and gives resorts predictable demand. (Pass sales and pricing vary by brand and season.)
Are ski areas still investing?
Yes—at high levels. U.S. capital spending hit $754.3M in 2023/24 (including ~99 lift projects) and $624.4M in 2024/25 (about $21 per skier visit), with $560.7M planned for 2025/26.
In France, operators invested €568M in 2024, reinvesting nearly 34% of pre-tax revenue—9 points above the 10-year average.
How healthy was resort demand in the Alps this winter?
France’s resort network reported 71% lodging occupancy over the 2024/25 season, with 85% at Christmas—a solid showing that mirrors the “stable to strong” pattern across multiple ranges.
What about sustainability?
France’s ski-area union DSF has a roadmap with 16 eco-commitments and a target of carbon neutrality by 2037 (including energy, water, biodiversity, and waste).
Globally, resorts are expanding snow management and climate-planning tools—examples called out in the 2025 report include programs like CLIMSNOW in France.
FAQ: Ski Season Tourism
How many countries have ski resorts?
At least 68 countries operate equipped outdoor ski areas; roughly 2,000 resorts are identified worldwide.
Was 2024/25 a good year in the U.S.?
Yes. 61.5M skier visits made it the second-busiest season on record.
Are season passes still growing?
Passes remain the primary access product: ~49% of U.S. visits in 2024/25 came from passholders.
Did Europe hold up?
France’s 71% occupancy suggests a steady season, with strong holiday weeks. Country-to-country results varied with weather.
Sources
- International Report on Snow & Mountain Tourism (2025 press release) — 2025 International Report on Snow & Mountain Tourism (Global 2023/24)
- The Colorado Sun — U.S. ski resorts report 61.5 million visits in 2024–25 (second-highest on record)
- The Salt Lake Tribune — 2024–25 ski season was second busiest ever for U.S. resorts
- SKI Magazine — NSAA releases 2023–24 season skier visit numbers (60.4M; capex highlights)
- SNOW Industry News — Season pass share (49%) and day-ticket share (32%) in 2024–25
- I Love Ski / ANMSM–Atout France — 2024/2025 season: accommodation occupancy 71% (85% at Christmas)
- Snow Industry News — French ski resorts invested €568M in 2024 (34% of pre-tax revenue)
- La Rosière / Domaines Skiables de France — DSF’s 16 eco-commitments; carbon neutrality target 2037
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