Marketplace All-in-One The ski industry squeeze
Mar 10, 2026
Daniel Scott, a University of Waterloo professor who studies sustainable tourism and climate impacts on winter sports, breaks down rising costs and industry shifts. He covers consolidation and multi-resort passes. He discusses how weather, snowmaking limits, and corporate ownership shape access and local economies. He highlights concerns about affordability and the future of small ski hills.
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Guest Shares Personal Skiing Background
- Daniel Scott shares that skiing is part of Canadian life and his family background includes Austrian in-laws boosting his skills.
- He jokes his wife's Austrian family gives her 'double the skill level' and the kids often outpace him.
Ski Tourism Fuels Small Town Economies
- Skiing and snow sports are major economic engines for mountain towns, supporting hotels, restaurants, and seasonal jobs.
- Daniel Scott says ski tourism sustains remote economies and losing winter seasons can cause layoffs comparable to a small factory closing.
Passes Reshape Who Can Afford Skiing
- Consolidation and season-pass marketing have raised day-pass prices, making single weekend or family trips much more expensive.
- Daniel Scott explains Epic/Icon passes are priced to favor frequent skiers while day tickets have skyrocketed, squeezing beginners and occasional visitors.