Skier Visits Plummeted This Season, According to New NSAA Report

For skiers in states like California, Utah, and Colorado, winter never really got started. While there were powder days, they were few and far between, and following the widespread March heat wave, many resorts shut down earlier than usual.

According to the NSAA, average national snowfall totaled 112 inches, far below the 10-year average of 169 inches and the lowest in more than a decade.

As the NSAA data shows, that meant fewer trips to the mountain, reinforcing the link between snow quality and skier interest. Across 48 seasons, the 2025-26 season ranked 32nd for skier visits, a drop of about 9 million visits from last season.  

The tough outcome for ski resorts out West drove down that ranking. Other regions in the U.S. buoyed it, though. The Northeast and the Southeast, the NSAA pointed out, each had “their second-best seasons of the past decade” visitation-wise, with the Northeast enjoying “an early start and consistent snowfall.”

“Strong seasons across the Northeast and Southeast played a critical role in shaping the national picture,” said Reitzell. “When conditions are favorable, we continue to see strong demand for skiing and snowboarding, which speaks to the enduring appeal of the sport.”

The release included other positive notes. While Western ski resorts saw early closures, the length of the ski season nationally only declined “modestly” because of investments in snowmaking, according to the NSAA. And, the release added, lower snow winters tend, historically, to be followed by “stronger years.”

“With continued investment, a stable base of participants, and the passion that drives skiers and snowboarders, we’re already looking ahead to next season,” Reitzell said.

The NSAA plans to update its data, as a few ski resorts, including Killington, Vermont, and Palisades Tahoe, California, remain open.