Skiing Facilities NAICS 713920

Apr 22, 2026 - Ski Industry Sees Record Global Growth

• Global skier visits reached a record 399 million in the 2024–25 season, up 7.8% year over year and surpassing the prior peak of 392 million, signaling strong recovery and demand for skiing, including in the US, which exceeded pre-Covid averages, according to a report in Ski Area Management Magazine. Large and major resorts captured the majority of visits (75% combined), reinforcing scale advantages, per data from the International Report on Snow & Mountain Tourism. However, rising ticket prices and a maturing season-pass model, particularly in the US, may begin to pressure revenue growth. Notably, visitation remained strong despite below-average snowfall, highlighting the importance of snowmaking and operational investment. For the US skiing industry, demand remains resilient, but operators may need to balance pricing strategies, invest in snow reliability, and adapt pass models to sustain growth and profitability.
• US consumer confidence improved slightly in March (index 91.8, +0.8 points), but underlying trends point to a more cautious consumer, which is relevant for the skiing industry. Expectations declined (index 70.9), inflation concerns rose, and more consumers anticipate higher interest rates (42.4%), signaling pressure on discretionary spending. Spending plans are shifting away from high-cost activities, with vacation intentions declining and foreign travel plans dropping sharply. For ski operators, this suggests potential softness in destination and higher-cost ski travel, particularly among price-sensitive consumers. While domestic travel remains relatively resilient, operators may need to emphasize value-driven packages, regional marketing, and shorter trips to sustain demand amid tightening consumer budgets.

• The US ski industry returned to pre-Covid lift construction levels in 2025 as tariffs and inflation weighed on capital spending, according to a survey reported by Ski Area Management. North American resorts installed 37 new aerial lifts, with installed vertical transport feet per hour (VTFH) down 16% year over year, led by declines in the West and Canada. More than half of installations were fixed-grip lifts, while detachables fell to 18 from 25, bubbles to 1 from 4, and loading conveyors to 4 from 10, signaling a shift toward lower-cost, utilitarian investments. Tariffs added volatility and cost pressure: Canadian goods were hit with tariffs of up to 35%, EU products 20% (later reduced to 15%), Switzerland as high as 39%, and Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs doubled to 50%, affecting haul ropes and components. Manufacturers cited steel price increases of 30–40% on some parts since 2020. With companies expecting 2026 installations to decline further, resorts face continued cost pressure and delayed project timelines.
• The US skiing facilities industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.24% between 2025 and 2029, according to an updated forecast from Inforum and the Interindustry Economic Research Fund, Inc. The expected growth rate is slower than the overall economy's projected growth. The arts, entertainment, and recreation industries are largely driven by spending by US households and tourists, foreign students, and other visitors. Consumer sentiment is expected to improve in the forecast period, which bodes well for the sector. Further increases in tariffs and decreases in immigrant labor supplies may push price levels higher and postpone improvement of inflation. The slow rise of employment and higher consumption prices may limit expansion of real disposable income to about 1.8% in 2025 and 1.6% in 2026.