The U.S. ski industry lost at least $2 billion last winter because of the economic collapse from the COVID-19 crisis, a national trade association announced Wednesday.
Denver-based National Ski Areas Association said skier visits fell nearly 14 percent in the 2019-20 season compared to 2018-19. Skier visits totaled about 51.1 million in the shortened season.
Most resorts were forced to close in mid-March when the pandemic hit and states issued health closure orders. The lifts stopped spinning when resorts were crammed with spring break vacationers.