SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Utah’s ski industry generated more than $2 billion for the state’s economy during the 2024–25 ski season.
A detailed breakdown of what the ski industry meant for Utah’s economy was released by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah.
According to their fact sheet, the industry contributed $2.51 billion in skier/snowboarder spending and $342.6 million in state and local tax revenue.
The ski industry supported 31,800 direct jobs, according to the findings from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute.
“Utah’s ski industry remains a vital component of the state’s economy,” said Jennifer Leaver, senior tourism analyst at the Gardner Institute. “The 2024–25 ski season demonstrates the industry’s resilience and its ability to attract visitors from around the world, contributing significantly to local communities and the state as a whole.”
The average skier spent $306 each day while on the mountains, according to the fact sheet. Average per day was $59 for a lift pass, $62 on lodging and $61 on food.
Salt Lake, Summit and Weber counties reached a combined $668 million in accommodation sales.
“Utah’s ski industry remains one of the state’s most powerful economic engines and a cornerstone of our economy,” said Nathan Rafferty, president and CEO of Ski Utah. “The 2024–25 season once again showed how important skiing and snowboarding are to Utah’s economy, communities and way of life. Strong visitation numbers this year mean more jobs, stronger local businesses and lasting benefits for residents across the state as we look ahead to the 2034 Olympic Winter Games.”
On average, skiers and snowboarders visiting Utah were 48 years old and spent about six nights per visit.
The research showed that 43% of people skiing and snowboarding in Utah were from the state, 9% from California, 32% from the rest of the U.S. and 3% internationally.
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