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Research
Takeaways on the Season In terms of challenges, the weather/snow (both at the
This season showed mixed results, with a decline in total visits, mountain and in key markets) and the economy continue
snowfall, total lessons, and Level 1 lessons, but increases in to be the two most frequently cited factors. Other challenges
season passes sold, days open, and capital expenditures. The identified include climate change, a limited workforce/low
Kottke report is essential to document and track these figures unemployment, rising costs, and demographics.
and other long-term trends over time. The Kottke study is a critical report that documents
Ski areas were asked to identify the factors that will have important patterns and figures in the ski resort industry.
the biggest impact on their business in the next five years. The full report contains more detail on the subjects in this
Opportunities include increased season pass sales, snowmaking article and additional topics. NSAA and RRC Associates
upgrades, real estate development, summer visitation/revenue, would like to thank all the ski areas that contributed their
reciprocal ticket products, growing population in key markets, information to the study. For a copy of the final report,
and a strong economy. visit nsaa.org.
Figure 5: Ski Industry Capital Expenditures
2016–17 2017–18 2018–19 (projected)
New/upgraded lifts $56,065,716 $57,817,416 $102,004,150
Other on-mtn. infrastructure $132,669,909 $206,020,013 $190,541,233
Real estate $74,907,998 $67,817,601 $86,605,000
Summer/fall specific $10,358,357 $22,431,786 $12,890,675
Total Capital Expenditures $274,001,981 $354,086,817 $392,041,058
Figure 6: How Do You Track Season Pass Usage? 2017–18, by Region & Size
ESTIMATE SCAN ALL IN LINE RFID ISSUE TICKET OTHER
OVERALL 27% 34% 26% 8% 10%
NORTHEAST 39% 27% 25% 5% 11%
SOUTHEAST 43% 22% 9% 9% 26%
MIDWEST 47% 3% 19% 31% 9%
ROCKY MOUNTAINS 6% 55% 33% 2% 4%
PACIFIC SOUTHWEST 9% 55% 32% 0% 14%
PACIFIC NORTHWEST 30% 30% 40% 0% 0%
0–2,999 47% 10% 10% 27% 7%
3,000–5,999 42% 29% 9% 11% 20%
6,000–11,999 24% 41% 29% 2% 12%
12,000 AND OVER 9% 43% 45% 2% 3%
0% 50% 100% 0% 50% 100% 0% 50% 100% 0% 50% 100% 0% 50% 100%
PERCENT OF RESORTS
12 | NSAA JOURNAL | FALL 2018
