U.S. ski areas enjoyed record visitation this season.
According to the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), ski areas have logged 61 million visits during 2021-2022, besting the previous record of 60.5 million visits in 2010-2011. Visits were also up 3.5% from last season's total of 59 million.
"Skiing and snowboarding have rebounded in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, providing economic relief and thousands of jobs to communities across 37 ski states," the NSAA said. "Strong season pass sales and a continued desire for outdoor recreation are two of the primary contributing factors to the season's record-breaking results."
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The NSAA said that unlike previous strong years, snowfall wasn't a driving factor. The average snowfall at U.S. ski areas this year was 21 inches less than the 10-year average.
The organization noted that a few ski areas are still in operation this spring, but that the overall visitation count won't change significantly.
For the third year in a row, more ski area visitors used a season pass than used a day pass. While season pass holders accounted for 51.9% of U.S. ski area visits this season, day pass holders accounted for just 37.3% percent.
The NSAA has been keeping records of annual visitors since 1978-79.