Who’s skiing?

Leisure Trends did a national survey on who’s skiing, and I thought it was pretty interesting. Here’s a quick summary:

• Increase in first-time skiers (3.4% this season, up from below 1% for the last two years).

• Increase in first-time riders (10% this season, up from below 1% for the last two years).

• Increase in first-time visitors to a resort (23%, a six year high — low was 16% in 2004).

• Continual increase in 19 to 24-year-olds (18% – the highest figure in 11 years).

• Continued decline in 30-34 year olds (8% – down from 14% in 1995. Trend shows gradual decline over 11 years).

• All other age groups holding their percentages – no significant increases in 50+

• Decline in married (46%, down from a high of 58%).

• Decline in percent traveling with children under age of 16 (23% – lowest in 11 years).

• Empty nesters also declining (9% – from 13% in 2000).

• Percentage of season passholders (continues to increase to 30% of all ticket holders).

• Influence of the season pass on where to ski/ride is very high at 21% – behind ease of getting to (37%); influence of friends (29%); and ahead of terrain variety (20%).

• Ease of getting to the resort is at a record high level in influence of choosing a resort (37%).

• Internet continues to grow as an influential source of information (11% up from an average of 9%-10%. Prior to 2000 was 7%-8%).