During the 2022-23 season, Vermont once again positioned itself as one of the biggest skiing markets in the United States.
Vermont Business Magazine reports that Vermont ski resorts saw 4.1 million skier visits, an increase of 10% compared to the 2021-22 season, and 3.6% above the ten-year average. The announcement from Ski Vermont keeps the Green Mountain State as the most visited state in the East, and fourth most in the country.
Molly Mahar, who is the President of Ski Vermont, described how Vermont ski resorts were so successful this season:
“Such strong results, particularly in the face of several challenging weather scenarios, is a testament to the industry’s solid planning; aggressive capex investments in snowmaking, efficiency and sustainability; and hard work by ski area and resort operators and their teams to deliver the best Vermont experience for their guests every day. [Our powerful snowmaking statewide] really shines in a season like this one.”
While warm temperatures led to a slow start to the season, Vermont ski resorts still tallied up 117 operating days, which is four above the ten-year average. The inconsistent weather continued until early March when a massive amount of snow hit Vermont through the first couple of weeks. This March surge helped Vermont ski resorts average 167 inches of snow for the 2022-23 season. While this was above the 2021-22 season, it was still 20 inches below the ten-year average. The late-season holdouts included Jay Peak (May 7th), Sugarbush (May 7th), and Killington (June 1st).
Vermont ski resorts saw extensive capital improvements before the 2022-23 season. Killington opened up its new K-1 Lodge, Mt. Snow opened up two new high-speed chairlifts, and Stowe added a new six-pack chairlift.
The 2023-24 season will also see some major capital improvements. Magic Mountain aims to finally open the Black Line Quad, and the Middlebury Snowbowl is adding night skiing and replacing the Sheehan chairlift with a new Skytrac chairlift.
Image Credits: Ian Wood, Ski Vermont
