Ski tourism worldwide - statistics & facts
Keen skiers are spoilt for choice, with ski resorts on every continent except Antarctica. From the Alps in Europe to the Rocky Mountains in North America, skiing is a pastime enjoyed by many nationalities. Mountains are typically a main feature of ski destinations, yet skiing was not the top mountain tourism activity worldwide in 2022. The leading activity was walking and hiking, perhaps a more accessible hobby for some than skiing, which can often be physically demanding and expensive. With equipment rentals, ski passes, and accommodation costs, it all starts to add up. For example, as of October 2023, the most budget-friendly ski destination in Italy, Mottarone, cost an average of 69 euros a day for accommodation and a ski pass. Meanwhile, the most expensive ski destination in Italy cost a whopping 258 euros a day on average.
The European country that was home to the highest share of skiers, Liechtenstein, was not one of the 鈥淏ig Four鈥, however it is located between two of them. Situated between Austria and Switzerland, 36 percent of the country鈥檚 population of around 39 thousand said they participated in skiing in 2022.
What is the most popular ski destination in the world?
The Alps were the most popular ski destination in the world by share of global skier visits. Known as the 鈥淏ig Four鈥, the most popular ski countries in the Alps are Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and France. In 2022, winter sports tourism in Austria contributed significantly to the economy, with sales of 12.5 billion euros and a share of approximately 6.2 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP). Meanwhile, there were around 17.4 million overnight stays at hotels and spas in Switzerland during the 2022/23 winter season.The European country that was home to the highest share of skiers, Liechtenstein, was not one of the 鈥淏ig Four鈥, however it is located between two of them. Situated between Austria and Switzerland, 36 percent of the country鈥檚 population of around 39 thousand said they participated in skiing in 2022.
