New Report Reveals How Much Vail Resorts Skier Visits Fell During a "Challenging" Winter
Vail Resorts has published a portion of their 2025/26 season metrics comparing the same time period to the previous year in North America.
It's no secret that the 2025/26 winter was a particularly challenging one for ski areas as they combatted record-low snowfall and historically warm temperatures.
Vail's report gives tangible numbers to quantify just how difficult it was for the company.
From the beginning of the season until April 19, Vail reported season-to-date skier visits had declined by 14.9% compared to the year prior.
Additionally, season-to-date total lift revenue, including a portion of season pass revenue, was down 5.6%. Season-to-date revenue from Vail Resort's ski schools was down 12%. Dining revenue was down 11.7%. Rental & retail revenue was down 6.6%.
Vail previously reported on the same metrics in early March.
Skier visits, applicable pass sales, and revenue from dining, ski school, and rentals & retail had all dropped. More than a month later, and following the closure of most ski areas for the season, those numbers showed slightly more of a decline across the board.
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Vail Resorts CEO, Rob Katz, noted that the season was one of the most challenging across the Western US, which impacted visitation and spending throughout the season.
Particularly in March, snowfall was below average, and temperatures remained above average, with both falling outside historic norms. Katz said this contributed to a decline in late-season visits and earlier than planned closures. The largest of these declines was felt in local visitors across Vail Resorts properties in the Rockies, which saw a 25% decrease in visitation.
Spring Pass sales for the 2026/27 season are already underway for Vail Resorts with their flagship Epic Pass.
Through the April 12 deadline, pass product unit sales have declined, as have sales dollars. Vail plans to report more comprehensive updates on pass sale trends following the third quarter results in June of 2026.
Vail has introduced a number of new pass deals and discounts to the Epic Pass over the last few seasons, including a new Gen Z discount, which trims 20% off the Epic Pass for next season. Pricing for the Epic Pass is currently $1,089, but will increase through the spring and summer.
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This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 12:04 PM.