Variability in Use Among Ski Areas: A Statistical Study of the California Market Region

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Abstract
Skiing is an important and rapid growth recreation industry. During the 1963–64 season, skiers spent $35.1 million in the pursuit of this activity in California alone. This paper develops analytical models potentially useful to both private and public decision makers as they try to cope with problems associated with forecasted increases in demand for skiing facilities. Results of surveys of ski areas in California and in adjacent areas of western Nevada are used in multiple regression models which attempt to explain differences in skier-day visits. Our results indicate that (1) use decreases with more costly day tickets; (2) use increases in response to larger total lift capacities; and (3) a complementary relationship exists among nearby ski areas, but it is advantageous to be the dominant supplier in a given area. The potential usefulness of additional variables not available to this analysis (including origins and socioeconomic characteristics of users and increased knowledge of the physical attributes of ski areas) is discussed, as well as the probable merit of extending the cross-sectional analysis to take into account factors which are important over time. The results demonstrate the potential usefulness of analytical methods in evaluating skier use for decision-making purposes and should prove useful to subsequent research activity focusing on the ski industry.

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