37 of the 50 U.S. states have at least one ski area, but residents of the other 13 states still travel to the mountains each winter. Some states attract far more of their residents to the slopes than others, with a handful accounting for a significant share of total skier visits each season.
The top states include some of the usual suspects and are home to many of the country’s biggest and most popular ski resorts. But one state in the top 10 has no ski area within its borders. Together, the top 10 states account for more than 55% of all skier and snowboarder visits each winter.
Here are the top 10 states that attracted the most skier visits over the 2025-26 season. Data comes from the National Ski Areas Association in conjunction with RRC Associates.
#10 Texas – 3.2%
Texas accounts for the 10th-most skier visits in the U.S., despite having no ski resorts of its own. Its large population and location in the southern United States mean many Texans travel to Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and other western states to ski and snowboard. Texas also has a strong ski culture, with its size and population helping make it one of the biggest sources of destination skiers in the country.
#9 New Jersey – 3.3%
New Jersey accounts for 3.3% of all skier visits in the U.S., despite having relatively few ski areas. Its location between New York City and Philadelphia gives millions of people easy access to local slopes and nearby resorts in New York and Pennsylvania. Many New Jersey skiers also travel north to New England or west to larger mountain destinations.
#8 Michigan – 3.4%
Michigan comes in at number eight in skier visits, helped by its large population and strong winter sports culture. The state has more than 40 ski areas, giving skiers and snowboarders plenty of options despite its relatively modest terrain. Its location in the Great Lakes region also brings frequent lake-effect snow, especially to ski areas in the Upper Peninsula.
#7 Pennsylvania – 3.7%
Pennsylvania accounts for 3.7% of skier visits nationwide and has one of the largest concentrations of ski areas in the eastern U.S. Its location within driving distance of major cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., helps fuel strong weekend and day trip traffic. While the state’s mountains are smaller than those out West, its resorts are convenient for millions of skiers.
#6 Washington – 4.1%
Washington attracts the sixth-most of all U.S. skier visits and offers some of the most impressive ski terrain in the Pacific Northwest. Its Cascade Range receives abundant snowfall and is home to major resorts including Stevens Pass, Crystal Mountain, and The Summit at Snoqualmie. The state’s population centers around Seattle also provide a large pool of skiers within a few hours of the mountains.
#5 Utah – 4.3%
Utah accounts for 4.3% of all skier visits, and some might have thought the state would be higher on the list, however, it actually has a relatively small population. This likely means it attracts a lot of skiers from other states. Its location near the Wasatch Mountains gives skiers easy access to incredible resorts just outside Salt Lake City, while the region’s famous dry powder attracts visitors from around the world. Utah’s combination of deep snow, steep terrain, and a major airport nearby makes it a destination for both locals and traveling skiers.
#4 Massachusetts – 5.4%
Massachusetts is responsible for the fourth-most skier visits in the U.S., putting it surprisingly high on the list. The state itself has numerous small ski areas, but its population and location in the heart of New England’s ski market help drive the numbers. Massachusetts skiers also have easy access to larger resorts in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
#3 New York – 7.8%
New York accounts for a remarkable 7.8% of all U.S. skier visits, thanks in large part to its huge population and extensive network of ski areas. The Adirondacks, Catskills, and other mountain regions offer skiing within a few hours of major population centers. New York’s location also puts millions of skiers within driving distance of Vermont, New Hampshire, and other New England destinations.
#2 Colorado – 9.3%
Not surprisingly, Colorado ranks second with 9.3% of all skier visits in the country, powered by some of the most famous ski resorts in North America. Its location in the heart of the Rocky Mountains provides abundant snowfall, high elevation, and a long ski season. Denver’s large population and international airport also make Colorado an easy destination for skiers and snowboarders from across the country and around the world.
#1 California – 10.9%
California leads the nation with 10.9% of all skier visits, more than any other state. Its huge population provides a massive base of skiers, while the Sierra Nevada offers major resorts such as Palisades Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, and Heavenly. The state’s location also gives skiers a unique combination of big mountain terrain, abundant snowfall, and relatively easy access from major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
California, Colorado, and New York dominate the U.S. ski market, accounting for nearly 30% of all skier visits during the 2025/26 season. Their combination of large populations, numerous ski areas, and strong outdoor recreation cultures keeps them at the top year after year. Perhaps most interestingly, Texas ranked in the top 10 despite having no operating ski areas of its own, showing just how many Texans travel out of state to ski and snowboard.
