KELLOGG, ID – Skier visits at Idaho ski resorts have exceeded 2 million annually since the 2020-21 season, with a record 2.5 million during the 2022-23 season, according to an economic impact report commissioned by Ski Idaho. Visits also reached 2.4 million in 2024-25, the second highest on record.
The report, conducted by Boulder, Colorado-based RRC, found Idaho captured a growing share of skier and snowboarder visits in the western U.S., reaching 6.2 percent in 2024-25. Nationally, Idaho accounted for a record 3.9 percent of visits that season. Idaho ranked 10th among U.S. states for skier visits in both 2023-24 and 2024-25.
Based on 2023-24 data, Idaho ranked sixth in skier days per capita, meaning residents take more than four times the average number of ski visits per person. About 140,000 to 200,000 Idaho residents, or 7 to 10 percent of the state’s population, downhill ski or snowboard each season.
The ski industry also drives significant economic activity. In winter 2023-24, skiers and snowboarders spent $402 million in Idaho, split roughly evenly between ski areas and other businesses. The industry contributed $569 million to Idaho’s gross domestic product and supported 7,653 year-round equivalent jobs, a 34 percent increase since 2020-21. Labor income grew 79 percent over the same period to $304 million.
Revenue for lift tickets and season passes rose 26 percent from 2020-21 to 2023-24, while food, beverage, and lodging revenue jumped 51 and 65 percent, respectively. Summer operations revenue also increased 60 percent between 2020 and 2023. Capital expenditures in 2023-24 reached $186.8 million, up 175 percent from 2020-21, with significant investments in lifts and other mountain facilities.
Visitor demographics show slightly more than half of ski area visits come from Idaho residents, with 42.6 percent from out of state. The majority of visitors are male (61 percent), and households with children contribute the largest share of visits. Affluent households are well represented, with 35 percent reporting annual incomes between $100,000 and $199,999.
Season passholders account for 58 percent of visits, while daily and multi-day passes make up 35 percent. Alpine skiing is the most common activity, used in 71 percent of visits, followed by snowboarding at 25 percent. Most visits (61 percent) are day trips.
Visitors report high satisfaction with their experience at Idaho ski areas, giving ratings of 9.1 out of 10 for employee service and lessons, 8.9 for rentals and overall visit satisfaction, and 8.5 for skiing quality and grooming.
