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Cottonwood Heights Journal

Ski & Snowboard News / Skier visits powerful force in Utah's economy

Oct 29, 2018 10:01AM ● By Harriet Wallis

Ski Utah President Nathan Rafferty gives the good ecomomic news / photo: Harriet Wallis


Will it be a stellar ski season? No one knows, but skiers and riders keep coming and they spend money that helps drive the Utah economy.

Last year in Utah, the total skier and boarder visits were down nearly 10 percent. But they spent $1.332 billion -- nearly as much as the all-time spending record. That's good for the state as it provides tax relief for the citizens.

Looking at the record books, last year's snowfall was down in most regions across the U.S. Here in Utah, snowfall was just 60 percent of average. And the Wasatch valley temperatures were three to five degrees above normal during the ski season, according to Brian McInerney, hydrologist with the National Weather Service.

And overall nationally, skier days decreased to 53.3 million, a 2.8 percent drop from the previous season.

“Utah’s ski industry continues to be a strong player in driving the state’s tourism and economy,” said Ski Utah President Nathan Rafferty. “Multiple factors need to come together to make a successful ski season and, with limited natural snowfall, Utah’s resorts stepped up by investing in snowmaking infrastructure and delivering unparalleled experiences for skiers and riders on and off the slopes.” 

Total Utah statewide skier days for the past 10 years are as follows:

Season

 Skier Days*

   All-Time Rank (Last 10 yrs.)

2017 - 18

   4,145,321

             6

2016 - 17

   4,584,658

             1

2015 - 16

   4,457,575

             2

2014 - 15

   3,946,762

           10

2013 - 14

   4,148,573

            5

2012 - 13

   4,018,812

            8

2011 - 12

   3,825,090

           11

2010 - 11

   4,247,510

           4

2009 - 10

   4,070,822

           7

2008 - 09

   3,972,984

          9