Every winter, millions of skiers and snowboarders chase powder, culture, and alpine adventure across the globe. Yet a small group of countries consistently lead the industry, drawing tens of millions of skier visits each season. Three nations alone break the 50-million mark, while just five surpass 20 million skier days.

Based on the 2025 report from Laurence Vanat, along with data from the NSAA and FIANET, here are the world’s five most visited ski nations from the past winter.

5. Japan – 24.4 million visits

Japan recorded 24.4 million skier visits in 2023–24, slightly down from 26 million the year before. The decline reflects an aging domestic population, but foreign demand is surging. Visitors from Australia and North America have fueled international growth, drawn to Japan’s famous powder and unique mountain culture. Resorts like Niseko, Hakuba, and Nozawa Onsen remain iconic, though some regions are beginning to show signs of overtourism as overseas arrivals rise sharply.

4. Italy – 32 million visits

Italy continues its upward climb with 32 million skier visits, a 4 percent increase from the previous year. Unlike Switzerland, where numbers have declined over two decades, Italy has seen steady growth thanks to affordable prices, incredible food, and its world-famous “dolce vita.” Over half of Italy’s ski visitors are from abroad, the highest percentage among major ski nations. Multi-resort passes such as Epic and Ikon have also encouraged American travelers to spend more time in Italian resorts like Cortina d’Ampezzo and Val Gardena.

3. Austria – 50.1 million visits

Austria is one of only three countries to surpass 50 million skier visits. Known for modern lift infrastructure, cozy alpine villages, and vibrant après culture, Austria is a magnet for international skiers. Two-thirds of its resort guests come from abroad, with Germans making up the largest group. Visits from the United States jumped nearly 13 percent last season, as more Americans discovered Austria’s balance of tradition and high-tech convenience. Investments of more than €6 billion over the past decade have made Austrian ski resorts some of the most advanced in the world.

2. France – 51.9 million visits

France secured second place with 51.9 million skier visits. While foreign tourism is growing fast, especially from the United States, most of France’s ski industry still relies on domestic skiers. Nearly 70 percent of its visits come from locals who benefit from extensive infrastructure and expansive resort complexes. Resorts such as Tignes, Val d’Isère, and Les Arcs are operated by Compagnie des Alpes, one of the largest resort companies in the world. Lower overall costs compared to Switzerland and Austria also keep France highly competitive in Europe’s ski market.

1. United States – 60.5 million visits

The United States leads the global ski industry with 60.5 million skier visits last season. While that was a slight dip from its record-breaking year before, the country remains far ahead of the competition. More than 95 percent of U.S. skier visits are domestic, making it a largely homegrown market. International visitors come primarily from Canada, the UK, Australia, Mexico, and Brazil, with many favoring high-end resorts such as Aspen, Deer Valley, and Vail.

A Snapshot of the Global Industry

Together, the top three countries, United States, France, and Austria, account for nearly half of all skier visits worldwide. While emerging markets like China are expanding quickly, western nations continue to dominate both visitation numbers and cultural influence. Baby boomers and older skiers remain a surprisingly strong share of the market, keeping skier visits steadier than analysts once predicted.

Shredders Keep It Going

Even as the global ski industry grows, local communities and skiers keep the energy alive through apps like Shredder, which helps riders connect, share videos, and track conditions. Whether you are skiing powder in Japan, exploring the Dolomites, or chasing spring corn in Colorado, Shredder makes it easier to link up with friends, discover new lines, and stay stoked year-round.