According to a recent document released by Colorado Ski Country and Vail Resorts, the CO ski-industry generates $4.8 billion in economic activity in Colorado annually. This study has revealed that the industry has almost doubled over the past decade, since the last study that was conducted a decade ago revealed that the industry had a $2.5 billion economic impact annually. The impacts of the ski economy are felt throughout the state, it creates jobs, initiates development, allows for technological advancements, and much more!

“This report confirms the importance of the ski industry to Colorado, both as an economic driver and a globally recognized symbol of our state,” said Melanie Mills, the head of the 21-resort Colorado Ski Country USA trade group, in a statement.

Without the ski economy, many Colorado residents would be unemployed and unable to support themselves. A lot of the money that drives this massive $4.8 billion dollar industry comes from out-of-state visitors that take a trip to the ideal destination. The ski-industry is currently on the rise and there are no signs of it slowing down!

“The ski industry is very much a part of the Colorado brand and economy. Resorts are evolving to provide year-round offerings, extending economic impacts well beyond the winter season,” CU professor Rich Wobbekind, the executive director of the Business Research Division at Leeds, said in a statement.

7 Facts About The Colorado Ski Economy:

1. $4.8 billion is generated annually by the Colorado ski industry

2. 46,000 year-round jobs in Colorado are supported by the Ski & Snowboard Economy.

3. $1.9 billion earned by those 46,000 workers every year.

4. 500,000 Colorado residents skied in the 2013-2014 season. That’s 9 percent of Colorado’s estimated 5.2 million people.

5. 5.6 million of the state’s 12.6 million skier visits are from Colorado locals.  

6. 7 million out-of-state skier visits in 2013-2014.

7.  $300 per day on average is spent by out-of-state skiers 

8. 25% Colorado’s skier visits occur at Vail Resorts ski resorts (Breckenridge, Keystone, Vail, Beaver Creek).