After first sensing in late 2025 that the 2025-26 snow sports season would be lost for many western resorts and skin areas, preliminary data from the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) brought the receipts to reveal just how bad the season was for the region.

NSAA reported on Tuesday, May 5 that the 2025-26 season saw a 9.1 percent decrease in snow sports visits from the 10-year average, declining 9 million visits from last season to an estimated 52.6 million snow sports visits at U.S. ski areas for the 2025/2026 season. NSAA said the season ranked 32nd out of 48 seasons on record.

While challenging weather in the West clearly drove the overall decline, regions east of the Rockies delivered strong seasons, according the NSAA data.

NSAA highlighted how the 2025-26 season reflects how strongly snow sports participation trends along with regional weather patterns. The trade association that serves the interests of ski and snowboard area owners and operators in the United States said that despite challenging and highly variable weather throughout the West, total visitation was comparable to other lower-snow benchmark seasons.

“Few seasons demonstrate as clearly as this one how dependent our industry remains on regional weather patterns,” said NSAA President and CEO Michael Reitzell. “Challenging conditions across much of the West — including a slow start, rain events, and record March warmth — significantly impacted visitation throughout the season.”

While Western conditions weighed heavily on national visitation, NSAA reported that strong performance in regions east of the Rockies, particularly in the Northeast and Southeast, helped support the overall result. More consistent temperatures and snowfall in these areas supported solid participation throughout the season.

“Strong seasons across the Northeast and Southeast played a critical role in shaping the national picture,” said Reitzell. “When conditions are favorable, we continue to see strong demand for skiing and snowboarding, which speaks to the enduring appeal of the sport.”

Regional Impacts
NSAA divides the country into six regions. In 2025-26, the Rocky Mountain region led with 20.1 million visits, followed by the Northeast (12.9 million), Midwest (5.8 million), Pacific Southwest (5.7 million), Southeast (4.8 million), and Pacific Northwest (3.2 million).

Still, the Northeast and Southeast each delivered their second-best seasons of the past decade, with the Northeast benefiting from an early start and consistent snowfall. NSAA said ski areas in the Southeast also continued to demonstrate the effectiveness of extensive snowmaking coverage, while the Midwest reportedly capitalized on colder temperatures and operational efficiency.

Snowfall
It goes without saying that snowfall trends will influence visitation, and the 2025-26 season was said to be no exception.

NSAA reported that average snowfall nationally totaled 112 inches, falling well below the 10-year average of 169 inches and the lowest in more than a decade.

“While regions east of the Rockies were near or above average, every Western region fell well below average,” NSAA noted. “Even so, operating days nationally declined only modestly, despite snowfall totals falling 33 percent below average, reflecting continued investment in snowmaking and infrastructure.”

Capital Investment
Capital investment by U.S. ski areas reportedly remained strong despite a challenging winter. Reporting ski areas invested a total of $569.3 million in capital expenditures, including 45 new and 52 upgraded lifts.

On average, ski areas that responded to the annual survey said they reinvested approximately $22.24 per skier visit back into operations. “This continued level of investment underscores the industry’s commitment to long-term improvements, even in more volatile seasons,” NSAA stated.

Season Passes Holding Strong
As referenced from the quarterly reports released by Vail Resorts, Inc. over the last nine months, season passes remained the dominant access product nationally.

NSAA reported that season passes represented 49 percent visits nationally in the 2025-26 season while daily and multi-day tickets made up 31 percent.

“After several years of rapid growth, season pass usage has begun to stabilize over the past two seasons, signaling a maturing market,” NSAA said. “The shift toward a more consistent mix of access products provides greater predictability for ski areas and helps support operations through variable weather conditions.”

NSAA also released its Industry Outlook for the year:

Industry Outlook

The 2025-26 season highlights both the challenges and resilience of the U.S. ski industry. While increasing weather variability remains a defining factor, ski areas continue to adapt through investments in infrastructure, snowmaking, and guest experience. In a year with below-average snowfall, the industry demonstrated its ability to maintain operations, sustain demand, and position itself for future growth.

Beyond visitation, the ski industry plays a critical role in mountain and rural economies across the country. Ski areas support thousands of jobs and drive significant economic activity for local businesses, from lodging and restaurants to retail and transportation. Seasons with reduced visitation can have meaningful impacts on these communities.

Historical trends show that lower-snow seasons are often followed by stronger years.

“We’ve seen time and again that a lower-snow season is often followed by a strong rebound,” said Reitzell. “With continued investment, a stable base of participants, and the passion that drives skiers and snowboarders, we’re already looking ahead to next season.”

Stratton Mountain Resort image courtesy Vermont.com