SAM Magazine—St. Paul, Minn., Jan. 7, 2026—Minnesota’s 18 operating ski areas generated $359.1 million in total economic value to the state during the 2024-25 winter season, according to an analysis commissioned by the Minnesota Ski Areas Association (MNSAA) and conducted by RRC Associates. The study captured both direct spending at ski areas and the broader ripple effects across local and regional economies.

Direct economic activity, including visitor spending and ski area capital investments, totaled $180.4 million. Indirect and induced impacts totaled $178.7 million, which includes supply-chain activity and household spending supported by wages paid to 2,852 ski industry workers. Workers earned a total of $108.3 million during the 2024-25 season.

Snowsports participants spent an average of $134.54 per person, per day, generating $158 million in direct visitor expenditures during the season. More than 55 percent of that spending occurred off mountain at local hotels, restaurants, retailers, gas stations, and other small businesses in surrounding communities.

“This report reinforces what we see every winter across the state—ski areas are powerful economic engines, especially during a time of year when many communities otherwise experience a slowdown,” said MNSAA and Midwest Ski Areas Association executive director Bo Bigelow. “The $359 million impact generated highlights the importance of policies that support outdoor recreation, workforce stability, and long-term investment in our industry.”

The study also found that Minnesota ski areas earned $81.1 million in gross operating revenue and invested $31.9 million in capital expenditures for big-ticket items such as snowmaking infrastructure, lift upgrades, technology improvements, and year-round facility enhancements.

MNSAA said the analysis “captures the full economic value of in-state participation, recognizing ski areas as economic retention assets that keep recreation spending, jobs, and tax revenue in Minnesota.