The Mountain and Ski Resorts market is projected to expand from USD 17.5 billion in 2025 to USD 49.2 billion by 2035, advancing at a CAGR of 10.9% over the forecast period.
This growth is being driven by rising global interest in outdoor sports and winter tourism. Demand for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports is increasing, with mountain regions becoming prime destinations for both leisure and adventure. Resort infrastructure, such as ski lifts, accommodations, and accessibility improvements, is being enhanced, making these destinations even more attractive. Additionally, increasing disposable incomes and a growing interest in luxury and wellness tourism are further driving market expansion.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Mountain & Ski Resort Industry Size (2025E) | USD 17.5 Billion |
| Projected Mountain & Ski Resort Industry Size (2035F) | USD 49.2 Billion |
| Value CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 10.9% |
The ski resort sector is evolving with a stronger focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Ski resorts are prioritizing energy-efficient systems, waste reduction initiatives, and green building designs. The introduction of luxury services, such as spas, fine dining, and wellness facilities, is diversifying offerings to cater to affluent travelers.
Resorts are also becoming more inclusive, incorporating wellness and relaxation options alongside traditional skiing experiences. As the market expands, destinations in emerging economies are benefiting from expanding infrastructure and rising middle-class populations, boosting global ski tourism.
Key industry developments are shaping the market's growth. In April 2024, Vail Resorts expanded its European presence by acquiring multiple ski resorts in Austria and Switzerland, integrating them into the Epic Pass program, providing seamless access for skiers worldwide. In January 2024, Aspen Snowmass launched a high-tech ski lift system featuring AI-powered crowd management and real-time weather tracking, optimizing visitor experiences and reducing wait times.
Whistler Blackcomb, in September 2023, announced a USD 150 million investment in sustainability initiatives, including carbon-neutral lift operations and eco-friendly resort lodges. In July 2023, Zermatt Bergbahnen introduced a cross-border ski pass linking Swiss and Italian resorts, boosting international tourism. Lastly, Courchevel, in March 2023, upgraded its premium facilities, adding luxury accommodations and expanding fine dining, catering to high-net-worth travelers seeking exclusive winter retreats.
The mountain and ski resorts market continues to thrive, driven by increasing interest in winter sports and mountain tourism. Skiing remains a dominant activity, with a significant share driven by its popularity and versatility. Additionally, domestic tourism is expected to lead as travelers seek local experiences in mountain destinations, supporting further market growth.
Skiing is expected to hold a 40% market share in 2025, making it the most popular service at mountain and ski resorts. The global appeal of skiing continues to rise, attracting both seasoned enthusiasts and beginners. Ski resorts are investing in upgrading skiing facilities, enhancing snowmaking technology, and diversifying services to cater to a wider range of tourists. Companies such as Vail Resorts, Alterra Mountain Company, and Whistler Blackcomb are leading the charge by expanding skiable areas, offering ski lessons, and introducing new slopes to meet the increasing demand.
These resorts are also investing in enhancing customer experiences through improved infrastructure, amenities, and accommodations to accommodate varying skill levels and preferences. Technological advancements in ski equipment have made the sport more accessible, particularly for newcomers.
Innovations in skis, boots, and snowboards have improved the ease of use, helping to attract beginners while providing optimal performance for seasoned skiers. Additionally, skiing is increasingly becoming a year-round activity in many resorts, with off-season offerings such as summer skiing and snowboarding in select locations
Domestic tourists are expected to account for 55% of the market share in 2025, as local travelers increasingly choose mountain and ski resorts for leisure and adventure. This shift is largely driven by the growing trend of staycations and the increasing interest in regional tourism.
The ongoing global travel disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have further contributed to the rise in domestic tourism, as more travelers seek safe, close-to-home vacations. Resorts like Park City Mountain Resort in Utah and Aspen Snowmass in Colorado are actively targeting local visitors by promoting family-friendly activities and shorter travel packages. These efforts cater to the growing desire for hassle-free vacations with minimal travel.
The appeal of local getaways is further supported by the availability of regional amenities, easy access to resort locations, and shorter travel times. Crystal Mountain Resort in Washington and Breckenridge Ski Resort in Colorado offer flexible booking options for regional visitors, making it easy for those living nearby to plan a quick escape.
Companies are fine-tuning their marketing strategies to cater to local preferences, ensuring domestic tourism remains the largest source of visitors to mountain and ski resorts. By offering unique experiences, such as tailored ski lessons or specialized culinary events, these companies are meeting the needs of domestic tourists seeking personalized and affordable vacation experiences.
The mountain and ski resorts industry is witnessing steady growth as the demand for adventure tourism, sustainable travel, and immersive winter sports experiences grows. The sector was severely impacted in 2020 due to global travel restrictions and the closure of ski resorts but has rebounded since then, reaching USD 15.7 billion in 2024. Industry leaders are now investing heavily in sustainability initiatives, technology integration, and year-round tourism to maximize revenue.
Resilience and Recovery in the Ski Resort Industry
Key ski resorts have shown solid resilience despite challenges that occurred initially at the advent of the pandemic. Aspen Snowmass in Colorado has been utilizing dynamic pricing in the lift ticket and accommodation system to attract a more substantial influx of visitors with maximum revenue maximization. Meanwhile, Zermatt, Switzerland, has augmented its artificial snow-making systems that would provide consistency in skiing weather conditions even as climates vary.
Vail Resorts saw 15% more revenue in 2024 than before the pandemic, with the primary drivers being strong demand for high-end winter travel and an improved Epic Pass subscription model. It suggests that travelers are willing to invest in premium, experience-driven vacations, especially within luxury ski resorts.
Sustainability and Eco-Tourism Initiatives
Ski resorts are now integrating eco-friendly practices in order to attract environmentally conscious travelers. Alterra Mountain Company has launched its Carbon Neutral 2030 initiative, investing in solar energy, electric snowmobiles, and waste reduction programs across its properties. Whistler Blackcomb in Canada has also implemented an AI-powered energy management system to optimize electricity consumption across lifts, hotels, and snow machines.
In Europe, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has launched electric shuttle services and enhanced railway connectivity, which have made it easier for visitors to reach the resort while reducing carbon emissions. Meanwhile, resorts in Norway and Sweden are focusing on sustainable infrastructure, including geothermal heating systems and zero-emission hotel accommodations.
Expansion of Off-Season Activities
Industry leaders are diversifying their offerings to counter the seasonal nature of ski resorts. Hakuba Valley's resorts in Japan offer summer-mountain biking, hot spring retreats, and cultural excursions, bringing visitors beyond winter time. Banff and Lake Louise in Canada are diversifying their hiking and wildlife tourism programs, driving off-season revenues.
The industry is expected to reach USD 49.2 billion by 2035, driven by technology integration, sustainable tourism, and premium experiences. The market will be led by resorts that invest in AI-driven guest experiences, smart ski lifts, and luxury winter lodges. With evolving traveler preferences, the mountain and ski resort industry is set to redefine adventure tourism, offering high-value, year-round experiences for global tourists.
| Countries | Domestic vs. International Tourists (%) |
|---|---|
| United States | Domestic: 65% / International: 35% |
| France | Domestic: 40% / International: 60% |
| Switzerland | Domestic: 35% / International: 65% |
| Canada | Domestic: 55% / International: 45% |
| Japan | Domestic: 60% / International: 40% |
| Italy | Domestic: 45% / International: 55% |
| Austria | Domestic: 50% / International: 50% |
| Germany | Domestic: 70% / International: 30% |
| Australia | Domestic: 75% / International: 25% |
| Norway | Domestic: 50% / International: 50% |
Mountain & Ski Resorts Performance in 2024
Mountain and ski resorts remain as one of the favorite destinations among both domestic and international tourists. In countries having large mountain areas and a highly developed winter sport culture, there is a more significant contribution by national visitors for the survival of the industry.
National visitors have long-term reservations in the country's best skiing destinations, thus availing season passes, discounts locally, and proximity to hometowns. These visitors significantly contribute to the revenue, especially in regions that have several ski resorts that are visited by returning customers every year.
International tourists in tourist regions significantly generate the demand. Countries having legendary ski resorts and high-end, luxury ski resorts at great elevations along with diverse winter sport activities attract cross-border visitors searching for distinct experiences in skiing.
They typically book all-inclusive resort packages and guided skiing as well as higher-end hospitality experiences. These segments have significant impact on the overall spending by travelers on upscale lodgings, finer dining experiences, and packages offering adventure tourism experiences.
Resorts in both well-known international winter sports centers and domestically popular resorts tailor their services to accommodate the needs of both tourist segments. Certain regions, such as Whistler or Aspen, experience a balanced flow of local and international visitors, creating a lively market where the two markets supplement each other.
The sustainability and further growth of the industry are maintained only when the industry hosts loyalty-building homegrown visitors, plus high-spending international visitors.
The mountain and ski resorts industry in the United States is booming, with high visitor numbers, strong domestic tourism, and continuous investment in infrastructure and technology. Resorts in Colorado, Utah, and California are setting new records in revenue and visitor engagement, fueled by demand for winter sports and adventure tourism.
In Colorado, Vail Resorts has reported steady growth, multi-resort season passes such as the Epic Pass driving pre-season revenue and assuring higher visitation throughout the ski season. Aspen Snowmass draws high-net-worth visitors who spend money on luxury lodging, fine dining, and premium ski experiences that greatly contribute to resort profitability.
Utah's Park City Mountain Resort is one of the largest ski areas in the USA and has been helped by more domestic travel and corporate retreats. Many USA based businesses send their employees for team-building exercises at ski resorts, which has helped midweek occupancy rates.
Jackson Hole in Wyoming has benefited from its advanced terrain reputation, attracting a mix of elite skiers and adventure-seekers willing to spend on premium lift tickets and guided backcountry experiences. California's Mammoth Mountain is adopting high-tech guest experiences, such as AI-recommended skis and lift access through mobile. Digital amenity upgrades have enhanced guest experience satisfaction and resort spend.
Besides winter sport activities, USA ski resorts make money even beyond winter seasons. For example, there is Lake Tahoe and Killington in Vermont that easily multiplied into several adventure hotspots providing four seasons of activities such as hiking and mountain biking together with ecotourism.
As long as there is diversification of offerings, they are sustainable beyond the off-season. The USA mountain and ski resort industry is booming, driven by continuous investments in sustainability initiatives, infrastructure expansion, and digital transformation. The market now caters to high-end luxury travelers and budget-conscious adventure seekers alike.
Switzerland’s mountain and ski resorts industry continues to perform exceptionally well, driven by high-spending international tourists, luxury winter experiences, and year-round adventure tourism. Iconic destinations such as Zermatt, St. Moritz, and Verbier attract global travelers who seek premium ski experiences, world-class hospitality, and scenic alpine landscapes.
Zermatt, home to the Matterhorn, consistently ranks as one of the most profitable ski destinations. The resort benefits from high-end international tourists, particularly from the UK and Asia, who book multi-week stays in five-star chalets with private butler services and exclusive ski instructors. To maintain consistent snow conditions, Zermatt has invested in state-of-the-art snowmaking systems and lift infrastructure, ensuring a seamless ski experience despite climate fluctuations.
St. Moritz dominates the luxury segment, drawing in celebrities, royalty, and elite travelers. The resort hosts prestigious events such as the White Turf horse races on a frozen lake and private ski competitions, generating significant revenue through VIP access packages.
Luxury hotels like Badrutt’s Palace and Kulm Hotel report consistently high occupancy rates, with visitors spending heavily on fine dining, spa treatments, and high-end shopping. Verbier attracts a younger, adventure-seeking crowd, generating revenue through heli-skiing, off-piste skiing, and vibrant après-ski experiences. The resort’s partnership with Xtreme Verbier, a key freeride skiing event, has positioned it as a global hub for professional and amateur extreme skiers.
Switzerland’s ski resorts have also expanded into summer tourism, offering hiking, glacier trekking, and high-altitude wellness retreats. Resorts like Grindelwald and Jungfraujoch have successfully transitioned into year-round destinations, increasing overall revenue stability. By focusing on luxury tourism, sustainability initiatives, and four-season offerings, Switzerland’s ski resorts maintain their position as a global leader in the high-end mountain & snow tourism industry.
The global mountain and ski resorts industry continues to evolve as leading resorts and operators invest in new infrastructure, technology, and guest experiences to enhance their offerings. Key players such as Vail Resorts, Alterra Mountain Company, Aspen Snowmass, Whistler Blackcomb, Zermatt Bergbahnen, and Courchevel remain at the forefront of industry growth, expanding their services to meet increasing demand.
Some of the key developments in the mountain and ski resorts industry are as follows
| Report Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Total Market Size (2025) | USD 17.5 billion |
| Projected Market Size (2035) | USD 49.2 billion |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 10.9% |
| Base Year for Estimation | 2024 |
| Historical Period | 2020 to 2024 |
| Projections Period | 2025 to 2035 |
| Quantitative Units | USD billion for value |
| Service Types Covered (Segment 1) | Skiing, Trekking, Rides, Sledding, Snowmobiling, Others |
| Booking Channels Covered (Segment 2) | Online Booking, In-Person Booking |
| Tourist Types Covered | Domestic, International |
| Tour Types Covered | Independent Traveler, Group Trip, Family Trip |
| Demographics Covered | Men, Women, Children |
| Age Groups Covered | 15 to 25 Years, 26 to 35 Years, 36 to 45 Years, Over 45 Years |
| Regions Covered | North America; Eastern Europe; Western Europe; East Asia; South Asia & Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa |
| Countries Covered | United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, China, India, Japan, South Korea, ANZ, GCC Countries, South Africa |
| Key Players influencing the Mountain and Ski Resorts Market | Vail Resorts, Inc., Alterra Mountain Company, Boyne Resorts, Powdr Corporation, Aspen Snowmass, Zermatt, St. Moritz, Verbier, Davos-Klosters, Vallées |
| Additional Attributes | Market share by service type; Growth of luxury and adventure tourism in mountain resorts; Impact of climate change on ski seasons; Trends in digital transformation for booking and customer experience; Preferences in tourist demographics and age groups; Regional dynamics in tourism and resort competition |
The global mountain and ski resorts market is valued at approximately USD 15.7 billion in 2024. Analysts project it to reach USD 17.5 billion in 2025 and grow to around USD 49.2 billion by 2035, with an estimated CAGR of 10.9%.
Increasing demand for winter sports tourism, adventure travel, and sustainable tourism is fueling market growth. Resorts are expanding year-round operations by introducing summer activities like hiking and mountain biking, while luxury ski destinations are attracting high-net-worth individuals through premium accommodations and exclusive experiences.
Leading resort operators include Vail Resorts, Alterra Mountain Company, Aspen Snowmass, Whistler Blackcomb, Zermatt Bergbahnen, and Courchevel.
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Mountain and Ski Resorts Market
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