When you think of winter sports, skiing is likely one of the first outdoor activities that comes to mind. As this article reports, over 100 million people ski annually, and the industry is worth over $4 billion in the United States alone. In this article, we’ll cover the ins and outs of ski culture and demographics, and keep an eye out for a future article on trends in the industry!

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Ski Culture

For many, skiing is more than just a winter activity– it’s a lifestyle. For people who live in the mountains, skiing may be a way to balance a busy work life and hit the snowy slopes nearby. Some skiers may choose to live in areas that are nearby mountain ranges, invest in expensive gear, and even plan their schedule around optimal skiing conditions and times from the November to March months.

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For others, skiing may be a way to escape from the city or suburbs, with some opting for ski resorts and vacations over backyard mountain ranges. Many ski resorts offer or include gear rental, lessons, and accommodations for a complete skiing experience and may also provide for snowboarding and tubing. These trips may take months to prepare, and many families may choose to return to their same favorite resort every year.

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On the slopes, ski culture also depends on the individual skier. Some people may prefer the social aspect of getting together with friends, vacationing somewhere off-the-grid, and even drinking during apres-ski (French for the social activities after skiing). Others may view the time as a way to tap into their competitive spirit, with some skiers looking to beat personal records, race one another, and tackle Double Black Diamond slopes – the most challenging courses (measured by steepness) in the U.S.. 

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Skier Demographics

In the United States, most skiers flock to the Western state of Colorado, where there are resorts in Breckenridge, Boulder, Beavercreek, and more. That doesn’t mean that it’s the only location, though! Over 400 resorts are located throughout the country in states like Utah, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York, among many others.

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Skiing is often associated with more affluent demographics due to the time and resources needed for some people to participate. Because of this, there have been efforts to make the industry more inclusive and accessible. This op-ed article encourages the industry to be more open-minded and accessible, considering that over 70% of the demographic is white, and the majority make incomes of over $100,000 a year. While skiing can be expensive, some people believe that changes like reducing reservation fees and the exclusiveness of the sport can bring in a diverse new audience. 

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Is Skiing or Snowboarding More Popular?

The answer to this question depends on a few things. Economically speaking, skiing is a larger market in the United States, given that more resorts and brands are tailored to the sport. Snowboarding has a much shorter history than skiing (which has existed for thousands of years) but has been on the rise since its invention in the 20th century. Many resorts accommodate both types of activity and offer gear, rentals, and lessons for snowboarding and skiing, often on the same slopes.

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Individually speaking, preferences in skiing and snowboarding can be completely different, depending on interests. Skiing and ski culture tend to be more traditional and easier to learn, and as mentioned, there are more opportunities to participate recreationally. On the other hand, snowboarding is for more adventurous or thrill-seeking spirits who can pick up a board and start shredding; but don’t worry, newcomers can learn quickly!

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Wrapping Up

As we’ve reviewed, the skiing market and demographic are massive and bring in billions of dollars annually. With hundreds of ski resorts across the country, mountain ranges, and millions of skiers, it’s easy to see how popular the sport is. Check out our blog next week for an update on the latest trends in the ski industry this season. 

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