(via snowsports.org)
According to the SnowSports Industries America Participation Report alpine skiers participation decreased by 1.3 million between the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons.
“Overall, snow sports participation fell from 21M to 19.8M. An additional 8.8M people said they considered themselves skiers or snowboarders, but have not participated in the last two seasons, most often due to time constraints,” according to SIA.
A late start to the ski season coupled with high temperatures and low snowfall across must of North America is most likely the reason for the slump in skiers and snowboarder visits.