forbes.com
US Ski Industry Sees Record-High Visits in 2024-25 Season
The 2024-25 US ski season saw 61.5 million skier visits, a 1.7% increase over the previous season and the second highest on record, exceeding the NSAA's three-year rolling average goal; this growth is attributed to increased investment in infrastructure, and diverse regional performance despite varied snowfall.
- What is the overall significance of the record-high skier visits in the 2024-25 US ski season, and what are its immediate implications for the industry?
- The 2024-25 US ski season saw 61.5 million skier visits, a 1.7% increase over the previous season and the second highest on record. This surpasses the three-year rolling average goal of 60 million visits set by the NSAA, demonstrating continued industry growth despite challenges like unpredictable snowfall and corporate consolidation. The increase is spread across various regions, with the Pacific Northwest achieving a record and the Midwest recovering strongly from the previous year's warm weather.
- How did the regional variations in skier visits and snowfall impact the overall success of the 2024-25 ski season, and what factors contributed to these variations?
- Increased skier visits, totaling 61.5 million in the US and over 366 million globally, demonstrate the ski industry's resilience. This success follows a period of recovery from the pandemic and offsets challenges such as climate change impacts on snowfall. The growth is particularly notable in smaller resorts and regions like the Pacific Northwest and Midwest, highlighting the industry's adaptability and diverse appeal.
- What are the long-term prospects for the ski industry considering the challenges of climate change and evolving consumer preferences, and how can the industry ensure its continued success?
- The strong 2024-25 season suggests a potential new baseline for the industry's growth. Continued investment in lift infrastructure ($624.4 million in 2024-25), coupled with the rising popularity of season passes (49% of visits), points towards a more sustainable and resilient model. However, the impact of climate change on snowfall patterns remains a significant long-term concern requiring ongoing adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's headline and introduction immediately highlight the positive aspect of record-high skier visits, setting a positive tone that is maintained throughout the piece. The inclusion of positive statistics (e.g., increased lift installations, capital investments) early on reinforces this optimistic framing. While negative aspects like slightly decreased snowfall in some regions are mentioned, they are presented as less significant than the overall positive trends. The use of phrases like "good news" and "steady, healthy growth" further reinforces the positive framing.
Language Bias
The article uses predominantly positive and optimistic language, such as "record-setting," "solid snowfall," and "steady, healthy growth." While these are accurate descriptors, the consistent use of such language creates a potentially overly rosy picture, downplaying potential negative aspects. The use of "good news" to start the article contributes to this positive framing. More neutral alternatives could include more balanced descriptions.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on positive aspects of the ski season, such as record-high visitation numbers and increased capital investment. However, it omits discussion of potential negative impacts of corporate consolidation within the industry, the challenges posed by unpredictable snowfall, and the financial struggles faced by some smaller resorts. While acknowledging unpredictable weather, the overall tone downplays the severity of climate change's potential long-term effects on the industry. The article also omits discussion of environmental impacts of increased visitation, such as increased carbon emissions from travel to resorts and increased strain on natural resources.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a largely positive outlook on the ski industry's future, implicitly suggesting a simple narrative of continued growth. It does not fully explore the complex interplay of factors (e.g., climate change, economic conditions, and corporate consolidation) that could influence the industry's trajectory. The framing of 'good news' at the beginning may lead readers to overlook potential challenges.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a significant increase in skier visits in the US ski industry, leading to increased revenue and job opportunities within the sector. The rise in capital investment in lift infrastructure further supports economic growth and job creation. This positive trend benefits local economies reliant on tourism and winter sports.