Utah’s ski industry contributes over $2.5 billion to the state’s economy last season

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The 2024/25 ski season contributed $2.51 billion to Utah’s economy, according to the University of Utah’s Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute.

The institute reported that last season the industry generated $342.6 million in state and local tax revenue.

“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.”

Nathan Rafferty, President and CEO of Ski Utah, shared that Utah’s ski industry is “one of the state’s most powerful economic engines and a cornerstone of our economy.”

The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute report shared key findings:

• Utah saw 6.5 million skier days in the 2024/25 season, reflecting the state’s strong appeal to skiers and snowboarders.
• Accommodation sales in Salt Lake, Summit, and Weber counties reached a combined $668 million, indicating robust tourism activity.
• The average age of skiers/snowboarders was 48 years, with an average length of stay in Utah of 6.4 nights. 
• Spending averaged $306 per skier per day, with 72% staying in paid accommodations.

The full fact sheet can be found online.