A survey of 1,000 northeastern skiers and snowboarders paints a detailed picture of how winter sports enthusiasts plan their trips, where they stay, what they spend, and what they want from a ski destination. The report aims to help property owners and resort operators understand market dynamics in ski regions.
How Often They Ski
43% of respondents ski or snowboard 2–5 times annually. 27% participate more than five times yearly. Frequent participants drive demand for premium services and advanced terrain — and represent a disproportionately high share of lift ticket and gear revenue.
Gear Investment
22% of respondents purchase new gear seasonally. Among those skiing 5+ times per year, 35% upgrade their equipment annually. Customers really care about having the latest and greatest in gear tech — a finding that supports robust affiliate and gear retail opportunities in ski markets.
Vacation Property Trends
32% of respondents already own vacation homes in ski areas, and another 33% are actively considering purchases. New Hampshire (28%), Vermont (25%), Maine (19%), and Massachusetts (18%) lead as target destinations. 48% plan to rent properties 2–5 weekends per year; 31% target 5+ weekends.
Lodging Preferences
35% of respondents favor Airbnb or VRBO over traditional hotel stays — rising to 44% among frequent skiers. They desire home-like environments with personal touches: a well-equipped kitchen, a fireplace, a hot tub. 63% prefer overnight stays, making accommodation quality a key driver of destination choice.
Top Decision Factors
Quality slopes rank first. Affordability ranks second. Season pass pricing ranks third. Vermont and Killington emerge consistently as top destinations when respondents are asked to name their preferred skiing regions in the Northeast.
Community and Economic Impact
52% of respondents believe short-term rentals boost local economies. Only 22% expressed concerns about housing impacts in resort communities — a finding that may surprise observers who've followed the broader housing debate in ski towns like Stowe and Killington.