California ski resorts had more than 6.7 million skier visits for the 2020-21 season, an estimated 22 percent jump from the previous season.
According to Ski California, a new report produced by RRC Associates for the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), the increased visitation occurred last season despite the coronavirus pandemic.
California and Nevada ski areas had an estimated 6,753,303 skier visits to downhill ski areas in 2020-21.
In a state-by-state ranking, this result positioned California as the second most visited state for skiing and riding in terms of visitation, trailing only Colorado.
“The increase in visitation that Ski California resorts saw points to what we had anticipated – people who wanted to feel a sense of normalcy and actively sought out ways to safely spend time outdoors,” said Michael Reitzell, Ski California president.
One thing not noted in the comparison study is the 2019-2020 season was halted in March (2020) when the pandemic first hit. Ski resorts in the Lake Tahoe region and nationwide closed for the season by mid-March, reducing the typical ski season by 4-6 weeks.
The coronavirus has definitely changed how ski resorts operate nationwide. It’s impacted practically every facet of the sport, from the way lifts were loaded and cars were parked, to how tickets and packages were priced and food was sold. Everything was set against the backdrop of a global pandemic.
But for the most part, people were just happy ski resorts were open and they were able to ski and ride, even if they had to wear masks pretty much everywhere. In the Tahoe region, no ski resort had to shut down last season due to pandemic issues.
“I’m so stoked that everyone was able to make it happen,” said Adrienne Saia Isaac, Director of Marketing and Communications for the National Ski Areas Association. “Visitation was strong across the country, with several ski areas reporting record numbers of skier visits.”
However, Isaac cautions that she expects to hear drops in revenue due to restrictions on ancillary activities like dining, large-scale events, and lodging. Of course, this will vary regionally and by state, since some states had more restrictive public health regulations than others.”
Destination resorts with higher shares of out-of-state and international visitation will likely report declines in visits as well.
Other notable results from the 2020-21 season reported by resorts in the Pacific Southwest (California, Nevada, Arizona) outlined in the report included:
- Average of 134 days open (above 10-year average of 126; 4th best in last 10 years)
- 91% of resorts opened early or on time versus 48% of national average
- Only 5% of ski resorts closed early, 55% on time, 41% closed late
- 58% of visits from season passholders (highest ever), 34% from day tickets (lowest ever)
Tahoe ski resorts saw a mid-week skiing increase in visitation overall due to more flexible work schedules and home schooling, whereas destination resorts were hit harder than drive-to resorts.
“Many people chose to use their time at home to get out and try skiing for the first time, which is certainly great to see,” Reitzell said.
Ahead of the 2020-21 season, Tahoe ski resorts and other ones throughout the state implemented new policies and procedures aimed at maintaining public health and safety that adhered to federal, state and local guidance.
To keep their sport alive, ski resorts invested millions of dollars in COVID-19 safety, including new technologies and sanitization procedures designed to aid with physical distancing and public health, and to reduce contact points throughout the resort.
This included things like RFID ticketing and scanning, online food and beverage ordering, and online advance purchase of everything from lift tickets to lessons and equipment rentals. The planning kept resorts open all season without interruption.
“The thoughtful, detailed planning and preparation that went into last season paid off in so many ways,” Reitzell said. “Resorts were able to offer a full season of outdoor recreation, and skiers and riders had access to something they love to do.”
