What’s An Average Skier?

[highpeaksdrifter]

The average skier take is referenced often in threads here in AZ. What in your opinion constitutes an average skier? Is it skill level, how often they ski, equipment used, where they ski, terrain they ski and any other criteria you can think of.

 

[Greg]

When I refer to an "average skier", it's mostly in regards to how often they ski, which to me is some indication about how passionate they are about it. Skiing can be expensive, but those that are very passionate about it make it happen, perhaps by earning turns, joining a ski club, or otherwise finding deals. The really passionate skier also finds ways to work around other responsibilities like work, family duties, etc.

So to me, the average skier is the largest segment of the skier demographic that logs X number of days. I don't have any data, but I would bet that number is pretty small relative to what the average AZer that posts here in late April logs. I would guess probably 6-12 days, likely during Xmas week, Prez week, MLK weekend and a few other weekend days here and there. For many skiers, ski season has been over for a month already.

And I do feel the "average skier" is the reason for many things including overgroomed terrain and shorter seasons.

 

[2knees]

The average skier take is referenced often in threads here in AZ. What in your opinion constitutes an average skier? Is it skill level, how often they ski, equipment used, where they ski, terrain they ski and any other criteria you can think of.

Personally, i think those two categories are the biggest indicators. Average skier, in my opinion, is pretty much anyone who is getting out 5-15 times a year. If they are doing 3 trips west for the 15 days, maybe not so much, but daytripping with maybe a weekend thrown in would constitute the average joe.

 

[highpeaksdrifter]

When I refer to an "average skier", it's mostly in regards to how often they ski, which to me is some indication about how passionate they are about it. Skiing can be expensive, but those that are very passionate about it make it happen, perhaps by earning turns, joining a ski club, or otherwise finding deals. The really passionate skier also finds ways to work around other responsibilities like work, family duties, etc.

So to me, the average skier is the largest segment of the skier demographic that logs X number of days. I don't have any data, but I would bet that number is pretty small relative to what the average AZer that posts here in late April logs. I would guess probably 6-12 days, likely during Xmas week, Prez week, MLK weekend and a few other weekend days here and there. For many skiers, ski season has been over for a month already.

And I do feel the "average skier" is the reason for many things including overgroomed terrain and shorter seasons.

Hmmm… the last part of your post sounds almost contemptuous to those who fit your definition of an average skier. Without those who you describe the ski industry would be a in bad shape. In the East, where there are so many small day trip areas there probably wouldn’t be many ski areas left.

I do like your post though cause it doesn’t beat around the bush PC wise. It doesn’t look at the big picture though.

 

[deadheadskier]

Someone who skis in the 5 to 15 day a year range, has a large amount of disposable income, is of an intermediate ability, prefers perfectly groomed terrain and posh amenities.

 

[Dr Skimeister]

I'm not sure that it's possible to define what an *average* skier is. It has as much to do with one's passion for the sport as it does the frequency that someone goes out or where they ski.
People that go out to ski areas because it's something to do might be considered average by those who go out because they're passionate about the activity.

 

[Greg]

I'm not sure that it's possible to define what an *average* skier is. It has as much to do with one's passion for the sport as it does the frequency that someone goes out or where they ski.

I think you can define it, at least from a skier visits perspective. If you could poll every skier out there whether they ski one day or 100, you take a look at the largest group - that represents the average skier to me. Skier visits define a lot in the industry and this is the group that needs to be catered too first, obviously. It's difficult to quantify, but I feel passion, frequency, and "venue" can be related to some extent.

 

[ctenidae]

Anyone in front of me at the main lift as I'm trying to get to some other part of the mountain is an "average" skier.
Anyone in front of me at whaever out-of-the-way "better" part of the mountain is an above average skier. Still in my way, but above average.

 

[2knees]

I knew you were glen plake all along.

 

[redalienx11]

here is a PDF with some interesting skier stats collected over the past few years

http://www.nsaa.org/nsaa/press/nsga-ski.pdf

 

[highpeaksdrifter]

here is a PDF with some interesting skier stats collected over the past few years

http://www.nsaa.org/nsaa/press/nsga-ski.pdf

Good stats, shows how the industry would be in tuff shape without the occasional and infrequent skiers.

 

[Greg]

here is a PDF with some interesting skier stats collected over the past few years

http://www.nsaa.org/nsaa/press/nsga-ski.pdf

Pretty much right in line with what I suspected. In 2006-07, the average number of days out was 12.9, with only 8.3% of us logging more than 20 days. Thanks for the stats.

So based on the above data, I would consider the "average skier" one that skis between 6-13 days. I was pretty close with my 6-12 guess.

 

[Greg]

Hmmm… the last part of your post sounds almost contemptuous to those who fit your definition of an average skier. Without those who you describe the ski industry would be a in bad shape. In the East, where there are so many small day trip areas there probably wouldn’t be many ski areas left.

I do like your post though cause it doesn’t beat around the bush PC wise. It doesn’t look at the big picture though.

I missed this post. I don't hold contempt really. I totally get that the infrequent skier keeps the industry alive. The rest of us just has to live with the results of their skiing preferences.

A good analogy is our silly little bump run at Sundown. Often times you need to wait at the top and let the newbs clear your line. Yeah, it kinda sucks, but since Sundown is a feeder hill, the main point for the bumps is to get people to learn to ski them. Plus, the more people that learn to ski and love bumps, the better for the rest of us bump-aholics (e.g. more support for ungroomed terrain). So after my initial sigh due to having to wait, I smile and hope they are having fun.

So...I do get the big picture.

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

Skis less than 10 days per season...some seasons not at all...gets new ski gear once or twice per decade...thinks they're better than they are..mostly skis in January and February..takes 20 minutes to boot up..

 

[ckofer]

I find the percentage of infrequent skiers interesting. It varies from 1/3 to 1/2. In other words, these folks just treat themselves to a few days of skiing each year.

I'll bet the average skier buys way more ski jackets than skis.

 

[Mapnut]

Someone who skis in the 5 to 15 day a year range, has a large amount of disposable income, is of an intermediate ability, prefers perfectly groomed terrain and posh amenities.

I don't agree that the average skier has a large disposable income and prefers posh amenities. That would just defy the laws of statistics. Certainly the resorts cater to such skiers, because that's where the profit is.

 

[deadheadskier]

I don't agree that the average skier has a large disposable income and prefers posh amenities. That would just defy the laws of statistics. Certainly the resorts cater to such skiers, because that's where the profit is.

I'm not so sure it does. According to the stats posted, roughly 4% of US citizens are 'skiers'. I'd be willing to bet if you did a demographic study on that 4%, their disposable income would be WAY higher than the average citizen.

 

[ckofer]

Over one percent of Americans are incarcerated.

I'll bet they don't ski much.

 

[deadheadskier]

Over one percent of Americans are incarcerated.

I'll bet they don't ski much.

nope, but a lot of them probably like their fun powder

 

[gladerider]

definition of an average skier has an absolute relationship to number of visits?
i don't buy that. i can see how it can be a contributing factor, but not necessarily a deciding factor.
for many of us flatlanders, tracking out to a decent skiing area is a lot of work and commitment.
i would think that one who lives 5 hours away from a decent slope would have a less number of days logged than a person who can in 1 hour even though he may be more passionate than the other.

here is my criteria:
- not likely to ski by him/herself
- probably will not sacrifice much to ski
- less likely to drive 3+ hours oneway on a day trip by him/herself
- less likely to buy ski videos
- less likely to buy season passes
- less likely to constantly think of a way to come up with an excuse to ski
- less likely to call in sick to ski
- less likely to spend significant amount of disposable income to ski
- less likely to spend time reading AZ on a regualar basis