What’s An Average Skier?

[mondeo]

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.

Careful how you read those statistics; one guy skiing 100 days will offset 15 that ski twice to give an average number of ski days of ~8. To me, the average skier in that group skis 2 days.

What's more interesting is the stats at the bottom, where they break it up by the number of ski days. On any given year, about 45% of skiers only ski 2-4 days, while about 10% go more than 20 times. If you say the average skier is the middle 50% of the population, and draw a rough cumulative distribution function, I'd put the average skier (among those who ski at least twice) at 3-10 days, with the 50th percentile at 5 days.

Now, the average skier that is on a hill on any given day is probably in the 6-13 range, as that follows the average skier day percentages, not the average skier percentages.

But I agree that the average skier is not quantifiable on skier days alone. Obviously, desire to ski something other than groomers, what other considerations go against skiing, etc., come into play. But in general, I'd say that skier days is probably a pretty good indicator.

The significance of the average skier is probably only hinted at by the stats. The person that goes 6-7 times probably results in about equal profit, without any consideration of other sales outside of lift tickets, as the average skier. On top of that, they're more likely to have a ski lesson, rental, lunch break, beer, etc.

On the other hand, if some of us had our way, the business would cut down on its grooming costs dramatically.

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

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.

I saw somewhere that the average household income for skiers is even higher than golfers...but there are a heck of alot of golf courses and lots of farm courses without all the amenities for $20-35 a round

 

[ckofer]

Essentially, Greg is defining the average skier as a fair weather friend to the ski season. I'll bet February vacation is the end of it for many.

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

Well I don't think the average skier is necassarily a fairweather skier. I've been out on some crappy days where I only ski 2 hours and the infrequent skiers still stay the entire day to get their moneys worth..

 

[ckofer]

It wasn't as literal as it would seem. Many have strict definitions of when it is appropriate to ski and stick to it. When they see spring in their yards (south of the ski areas), the season is over. Believe it or not, some people tire of winter.

I think the cost, and the perceived cost, steer people away. A woman with whom I was speaking last night recollected paying $142 for a day pass at K-mart about 4 years ago. Now we know that isn't right but she can't imagine going back for that perceived price and her friends are probably a little intimidated too.

 

[Mapnut]

Originally Posted by Mapnut
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.

The statistics back you up, Deadhead: 37.5% of skiers have household income over $100,000 and 78.6% over $50,000. I would guess that puts the median income of skiing households around $90,000. However I don't expect that a family with a $90,000 income has much to spare on posh amenities. Also I expect a lot of the skiers with under $50,000are young singles who ski more than most.

It would be nice to know how lodging expenditures break down. What percentage of skiers own on-mountain homes or stay in the better hotels? (and what would their income be?) Who rents condos as a group, or owns time shares, or a club house? Lots of average skiers and lots of serious skiers in that group. Who stays at cheaper motels in town (that would be me), or owns a little camp 20 miles away? Who only day-trips?

 

[drjeff]

Well I don't think the average skier is necassarily a fairweather skier. I've been out on some crappy days where I only ski 2 hours and the infrequent skiers still stay the entire day to get their moneys worth..

I'd also venture a safe guess that most average skiers roll into the mountain parking lot in the 9:30-10:30 range and don't leave until 3:30 to 4:30 whereas the more "hardcore" skier will be there for 1st chair and typically leave early afternoon. Heck, I get a kick out of leaving Mount Snow around 11/11:30 some groomer days where I've already knocked off 15+ runs of cord since 8AM and the "average" folks just getting to the hill are asking me "is it that bad that you're leaving already/"

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

I'd also venture a safe guess that most average skiers roll into the mountain parking lot in the 9:30-10:30 range and don't leave until 3:30 to 4:30 whereas the more "hardcore" skier will be there for 1st chair and typically leave early afternoon. Heck, I get a kick out of leaving Mount Snow around 11/11:30 some groomer days where I've already knocked off 15+ runs of cord since 8AM and the "average" folks just getting to the hill are asking me "is it that bad that you're leaving already/"

I totally agree..the people at Blue mountain who are waiting for the lifts to open at 7:25AM are definitely not average skiers..On Monday at Sugarbush..it felt so weird not beginning my ski day until 10:00AM..but I'm a morning person and have so much more energy to ski in the AM than the afternoon.

I figured out that this past ski season I spent 25 nights in hotels/motels..and the cost of that was probably less than one holiday week in a slopeside condo..at under $2,000

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

Also the average skier buys lunch at the ski area almost everytime they ski..

 

[billski]

8 days....

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.

According to an RRC study from 2006, Data are for the 05-06 season.
Average days skied/boarded:
Overall: 5.6 days
Beginners: 2.5 days (holding steady)
Core: 8.1 days (increasing)
Revival 4.8 days (slightly decreasing) (dropouts who return)

Claim is 10.5M skiers/boarders, total of 59M visits.
Beginners make up 2.6M of the total skiers/boarders

So I'd posit 8 days is the "average", since it's not fair to put beginners into the calculation.

I also saw a figure that shows 1-2 overnight trips per person per year.

Nobody on this list (at least the vocal minority) is "average".....

 

[highpeaksdrifter]

Also the average skier buys lunch at the ski area almost everytime they ski..

I buy my lunch there everytime I ski. What does that have to do with anything?

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

I buy my lunch there everytime I ski. What does that have to do with anything?

Die hards typically aren't going to pay big $$$ for shitty ski area food..so they either pack or eat before/after skiing..

 

[highpeaksdrifter]

Die hards typically aren't going to pay big $$$ for shitty ski area food..so they either pack or eat before/after skiing..

No, that’s a stupid generalization. Some people are willing to pay a few dollars more for the convenience of not packing a lunch. I know plenty that do and plenty that don’t. It has nothing to do with if they’re die hard skiers or not. I'm as die hard as they come. I just don't like to pack a lunch.

I saw Madskiers pics of you. It doesn't look like you've missed many meals.

 

[2knees]

I saw Madskiers pics of you. It doesn't look like you've missed many meals.

HPD with the beatdown.

 

[Greg]

HPD with the beatdown.

:-o

He did say the diet starts "tomorrow".

 

[deadheadskier]

:-o

He did say the diet starts "tomorrow".

Yeah

and after hanging out with a buddy last night this morning I said, "I'm never drinking again....................until I do"

 

[2knees]

:-o

He did say the diet starts "tomorrow".

lol, tomorrow. Its always a day away.

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

No, that’s a stupid generalization. Some people are willing to pay a few dollars more for the convenience of not packing a lunch. I know plenty that do and plenty that don’t. It has nothing to do with if they’re die hard skiers or not. I'm as die hard as they come. I just don't like to pack a lunch.

I saw Madskiers pics of you. It doesn't look like you've missed many meals.

I'm willing to guess that only a small majority of season passholders buy lunch almost every outing...and yes I'm overweight..are you a chubby chaser???8)

 

[ERJ-145CA]

Die hards typically aren't going to pay big $$$ for shitty ski area food..so they either pack or eat before/after skiing..

I'm a die hard but I almost always buy my lunch at the ski area. I've always liked cafeteria burgers and hot dogs so I look forward to the food and am willing to pay for it. I usually skip the fries and get pudding or chips instead.

 

[highpeaksdrifter]

Die hards typically aren't going to pay big $$$ for shitty ski area food..so they either pack or eat before/after skiing..

I'm willing to guess that only a small majority of season passholders buy lunch almost every outing...and yes I'm overweight..are you a chubby chaser???8)

You are hard to follow. Are you saying season pass holders are die hards or they're not die hards.

A small majority is still more then half and I'll bet the majority of passholders buy their lunch.

If you win I'll comp you a ticket at Whiteface and I'll buy beers after skiing. What do I get if I win? I don’t want one of your gravestones either, cause I’m going to be cremated and have my ashes spread over Whiteface.

I think most people who pack are families trying to make their day more affordable.