2008: Over 60 Million Skier Visits Nationally

Good day from Crested Butte,

The 2008 National Ski Area Association’s (NSAA) National Demographic Study revealed serious gains in participation among skiers and snowboarders  aged 45 and over. During the last decade, the number of skiers and snowboarders aged 45 to 54 has increased from 14.0 percent to almost 20 percent; the proportion of skiers and snowboarders aged 55 to 64 has doubled from 4.6 percent to 9.2 percent; and the proportion of skiers and snowboarders aged 65 and over has also increased substantially, from 2.4 percent to 3.8 percent.

According to this NSAA study, "the loyalty and staying power of older participants has been a plus for ski resorts and has been a key driver of the success enjoyed by the industry in recent seasons. Last season the ski industry tallied a record 60.50 million skier visits nationally. The study also identifies a continuation of a “three-generation phenomenon” as the Baby Boomers (aged 44 to 62 in 2008) continue to participate in these winter sports, at the same time that persons young enough to be their children and grandchildren also take up skiing and riding, thus causing an overall broadening of the participant age profile."

Also, this year’s study indicates a continued increase in helmet usage. Overall,  43 percent of survey respondents were wearing a helmet when interviewed during the 2007/08, up steadily from 25 percent in 2002/03. Additionally, 30 percent of respondents owned a season pass this season. A total of 114,010 surveys were completed during the 2007/08 season at 83 participating ski resorts. The annual demographic study is available for purchase at nsaa.org.

These are interesting numbers considering the current economic upheaval and uncertainty.

Thanks for visiting,

Channing Boucher
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