Industry News
Five years ago, the ski industry came to a screeching halt as the COVID-19 pandemic led to unprecedented shutdowns across North America. In mid-March 2020, just as ski resorts were gearing up for the busy spring break season, operations were abruptly halted due to government mandates and growing concerns over virus transmission. For some, this is a sensitive subject, as they may have lost their jobs, lost loved ones, or struggled mentally, but now that we are a half-decade on the other side, we can look back.
At the time, many questioned whether these closures were truly necessary, and in hindsight, some believe the industry may have overreacted. However, despite the challenges of the past, ski resorts have not only recovered but are now experiencing record-breaking skier visits and booming business like never before.
For passionate skiers and snowboarders, the sudden shutdown of ski resorts in 2020 was devastating. The timing couldn’t have been worse. Spring is a prime season for skiing, with a deep snowpack, longer days, softer snow, and vibrant après-ski scenes. Season pass holders saw their investment reduced, ski instructors and resort employees lost their jobs overnight, and local businesses that depend on winter tourism were left scrambling. Trips had to be canceled and travel restrictions lingered into the following ski season as well.
For many, skiing is more than just a hobby; it’s a lifestyle. When lifts stopped turning, die-hard skiers had to find other ways to get their fix. Some turned to backcountry skiing, a growing trend that saw an explosion in popularity during the pandemic. With resorts closed, skiers sought adventure in the wilderness, investing in touring gear and avalanche safety equipment to earn their turns.
Ski shops saw a run on backcountry gear, with many selling out of touring setups within weeks. Avalanche education programs filled up faster than ever as newcomers sought the knowledge needed to stay safe in uncontrolled environments. The backcountry provided an escape for those desperate to ski, but it also came with increased risks. Avalanche fatalities reached record highs during the 2020-21 season as inexperienced riders ventured into unfamiliar terrain without proper training.
For some, the backcountry was a temporary fix until resorts reopened. For others, it became a permanent passion. Even now, with resorts fully operational, many who discovered backcountry skiing during the pandemic continue to seek out untracked powder beyond resort boundaries. The pandemic accelerated the trend toward human-powered skiing, and while resort skiing has rebounded, backcountry participation remains strong.
In hindsight, the necessity of ski resort shutdowns remains a debated topic. While the pandemic posed legitimate public health concerns, skiing is an outdoor activity with natural social distancing built in. Many now question whether shutting down entire ski resorts was the right call, especially considering that other industries, such as airlines and retail, continued to operate with modified safety protocols.
Ski resorts could have implemented mask requirements, spaced-out lift lines, and limited indoor capacity without completely closing down. The financial losses suffered by resorts and local businesses were staggering, and many small businesses in ski towns never recovered. However, some argue that the shutdowns forced the industry to modernize and improve operations in ways that have benefited skiers in the long run.
One of the unexpected long-term benefits of the pandemic was the shift toward remote and flexible work schedules. Many professionals who once commuted to offices every day found themselves working remotely, allowing them to relocate to mountain towns or simply take more midweek ski days. Powder days no longer meant calling in sick; many skiers scheduled their workdays around storm cycles, logging on for meetings in the morning and hitting the slopes in the afternoon or vice versa. Some might say this was a downfall to some areas as the sudden flexibility made resort towns more attractive to people relocating, driving up housing prices and the cost of living, and fueling a housing shortage.
Fast forward to today and the ski industry has not only bounced back but is now thriving. The 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons saw record skier visits across North America, with many resorts exceeding pre-pandemic numbers. Several factors contributed to this resurgence, including pent-up demand from those who missed out on skiing during the pandemic, an increase in remote work allowing people to live closer to the mountains, and improved resort infrastructure.
Vail Resorts and Alterra Mountain Company, two of the largest ski conglomerates, have reported historic season pass sales. The popularity of multi-resort passes like Epic and Ikon has fueled visitation, giving skiers access to multiple destinations and encouraging travel between resorts. Meanwhile, partly because of the popular Indy Pass, independent ski areas have also seen growth, with many first-time skiers introduced to the sport during the pandemic now returning as regular visitors.
Technology has played a role in improving the ski experience as well. Many resorts have implemented RFID ticketing, mobile app-based lift line tracking, and touchless payment systems, all of which were introduced during the pandemic but have now become permanent fixtures. These innovations have streamlined operations and enhanced the overall guest experience.
Today, the ski industry appears stronger than ever. Resorts have taken lessons learned from the pandemic and used them to improve operations, guest experiences, and infrastructure. Many mountains have invested in expanded terrain, faster lifts, and better snowmaking capabilities to accommodate the growing demand.
Après-ski culture has returned in full force, with lodges and bars once again bustling with energy. Ski towns that struggled during the pandemic have rebounded, with tourism driving strong economic growth. The uncertainty of 2020 now seems like a distant memory, and skiers are embracing the mountains more than ever.
While the 2020 shutdowns will remain a controversial topic, one thing is clear: skiing is back and it’s better than ever. With record visits, improved technology, a thriving backcountry scene, and more flexibility for skiers to enjoy the mountains, the future of skiing looks bright and we hope we never have to go through another pandemic again.
Timeline of Ski Resort Shutdowns Due to COVID-19
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March 6-8, 2020 – Reports emerge of COVID-19 cases at ski resorts, including in Colorado and Europe. Events like the X Games and World Cup races proceed as planned, but concerns start to rise.
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March 10-12, 2020 – Several European ski resorts, including those in Italy, Austria, and France, announce temporary closures as COVID-19 spreads rapidly.
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March 14, 2020 – Vail Resorts and Alterra Mountain Company announce immediate closures of all their North American ski resorts, initially expecting to reopen after a brief pause.
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March 15-16, 2020 – Most ski resorts across the U.S. and Canada, including independent operators, follow suit and announce season-ending closures. Colorado Governor Jared Polis orders all Colorado ski resorts to close for at least a week, later extending the order indefinitely.
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March 17-20, 2020 – The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) confirms that nearly all ski areas in North America have ceased operations for the season. Some resorts try to remain open with limited operations but are ultimately forced to close.
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April 2020 – Ski season effectively ends early across North America. Resorts shift focus to refunding passes, laying off staff, and figuring out how to navigate the pandemic.
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Summer 2020 – Resorts begin planning COVID-safe summer operations, including limited-capacity chairlift rides, mountain biking, and outdoor activities.
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Fall 2020 – Uncertainty looms over the upcoming winter season. Resorts implement new health protocols, including mask mandates, social distancing, and reservation systems.
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Winter 2020-21 – Skiing resumes but with heavy restrictions, including limited ticket sales, no indoor dining, and strict mask rules. Many resorts struggle with staffing shortages and logistical challenges.
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Winter 2021-22 – Restrictions begin to ease, and operations start to return to normal.
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Winter 2022-23 and beyond – Skiing booms with record visits. The industry sees a resurgence, fueled by flexible work schedules, increased season pass sales, and a renewed enthusiasm for the sport.
