The company that runs Whistler Blackcomb ski resort reports that overall visits were lower at its North American resorts this season.
B.C.’s ski and snowboard season was impacted by low snowfall mainly attributed to the El Niño phenomenon. One ski mountain even shut down early in the season due to lack of snow.
Vail Resorts, a Colorado-based company that possesses Whistler Blackcomb, indicates there were 7.8 percent fewer skier visits from April 16, 2023 to April 14, 2024 compared with the previous season.
Revenue from lift tickets for the season so far increased by 3.2 percent, while revenue from ski school increased by 7 percent and revenue from dining increased by 2.4 percent, according to a press release from Vail Resorts on Friday.
Vail CEO Kirsten Lynch mentioned they are happy with the outcomes, considering the unfavorable snow conditions for a large part of the season.
“While visitation decreased, our lift revenue rose due to the growth in pass sales committed before the season, and our additional businesses did well, with particularly strong growth in spending per visit in our ski and ride school, dining, and rental businesses compared to the same period in the prior year,” Lynch stated.
Lynch specifically highlighted Whistler Blackcomb as a resort where visits were “down significantly” compared to the previous year.
“The challenging early season conditions at Whistler Blackcomb and our Tahoe resorts continued through early March. When conditions improved, visitation at our Tahoe resorts responded as predicted, however visitation at Whistler Blackcomb remained below expectations,” she stated.
Vail owns 37 ski resorts across North America, and two in Europe. The company states it will now concentrate on the 2024/2025 season, with spring pass sales in progress.
The World Meteorological Organization has stated there’s a possibility the ocean-warming phenomenon could switch to La Niña later in the year, which could result in a snowy winter for next season.
Related
- Snow problems: El Niño could pose difficulties for some B.C. ski mountains
- Ray of hope for B.C.'s upcoming ski season as El Niño could change to La Niña
- One B.C. ski mountain cancels season due to insufficient snow
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