By David Schissler
(July 2013) New Hampshire’s alpine ski areas recorded a total of 2,276,370 alpine skier and snowboarder visits last season, a 20.9% increase from the prior winter and a 4.7% increase over the ten year average. Cross country areas also had a very successful winter, hosting 151,276 visits, a 57.2% increase from the prior winter and a 14.8% increase over the ten year average. Areas with snow-tubing parks reported 113,058 snow-tubing visits, a 23.4% increase from the prior winter and a 7% increase over the ten year average.
If you think the ski industry is of small consequence to a state like New Hampshire think again. New Hampshire relies heavily on the ski industry. An ’09/’10 economic impact study showed:
- $910 million dollars spent by guests visiting NH ski areas
- Of that total, only 12% was spent directly at ski areas
- The remaining 88% is spent on ski visit-related expenses such as lodging, restaurants, gas, tolls, retail, and other
“After a difficult ski season last year, this winter was what everyone was hoping for. New England skiers are resilient and realize how much snow our ski areas can make, but there’s no substitute for the excitement and fun consistent natural snowfall produces,” noted Karl Stone, Ski NH’s marketing director.
“With 8 of our top 10 winters occurring since 2000, we’ve got a great deal of momentum for skiing and riding in the state. It’s always a good sign when our ski areas close with snow still on their slopes and trails due to guests moving on to other activities and not a lack of snow,” summarized Alice Pearce, Ski NH’s president.
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