SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s ski season saw fewer visitors in 2025/26, but those who did hit the slopes spent more than ever, according to a new report from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute.
According to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s newly published analysis “The State of Utah’s Travel and Tourism Industry,” skier days across Utah’s 15 resorts totaled 4.8 million during the 2025/26 season, a 26.5% drop from the prior year’s 6.5 million, driven largely by one of the state’s weakest snow years on record. Snowpack hit record or near-record lows by early February, forcing several resorts to lean heavily on snowmaking and delay openings.
Total skier spending fell in step, dropping 17.8% to $2.1 billion, down from roughly $2.5 billion the season before.
But there’s a silver lining for the industry: spending per skier visit climbed to $392, up from $350 the previous season marking a 12% increase and an all-time high. In other words, fewer people came, but each one spent noticeably more once they got there.
The average length of stay also dipped slightly, from 6.3 nights to 6.0 nights, suggesting shorter but pricier trips overall. Utah residents made up the bulk of ski visits, while out-of-state skiers came primarily from California, New York, and Florida. International visitors made up just 2% of skiers this season, a historic low.
