A New Report Ranked the States Most Obsessed With Skiing — and No, It’s Not Colorado at the Top
If the early-season snow is anything to go by, Americans are fired up for ski season this year. And you don’t have to look far to see it: Google searches for everything from lift tickets to ski masks have been climbing since September.
To figure out which states want to ski the most, analysts at KÜHL reviewed a massive dataset of 450+ skiing-related keywords — everything from “ski rentals” and “avalanche forecast” to specific resort names like Vail and Killington. They also pulled 500+ ski-resort search terms, then normalized everything per 100,000 residents so smaller states didn’t get buried.
Here’s how the rankings shook out. Spoiler: New England came to play.
10. Maine — 2,222 searches per 100k
Maine kicks off the list with strong early-season interest and solid search traffic focused on opening dates, conditions, and classic local favorites like Sugarloaf and Sunday River. Skiing is just part of winter life here, and their numbers reliably trend up as the season goes on.
9. Massachusetts — 2,415 searches per 100k
Massachusetts may not have the size or elevation of its western neighbors, but the enthusiasm is real. As soon as temperatures dip, residents start planning weekend trips, checking conditions, and eyeing quick-hit regional mountains. It’s a state full of skiers who want the season to start yesterday.
8. Wyoming — 2,487 searches per 100k
Wyoming’s numbers reflect a patient but passionate ski crowd. Early fall storms had locals watching the snowpack like hawks, especially at higher elevations. Whether you’re talking Jackson Hole or smaller spots across the state, interest has stayed high as residents wait for opening-day announcements.
7. Idaho — 2,492 searches per 100k
A wave of early-season snowfall pushed Idaho’s search activity steadily upward. The state has a nice mix of mellow, family-friendly mountains and bigger, more rugged terrain — so you get everything from weekend warriors to road-trippers planning winter vacations.
6. Alaska — 2,661 searches per 100k
No surprise here. Alaska lives and breathes winter sports, and a long, snow-heavy season keeps skiers locked onto opening dates and early-season conditions. Searches stay robust year after year and start spiking the minute the first storm rolls in.
5. Colorado — 3,222 searches per 100k
Colorado maintains its reputation as a ski powerhouse — and it’s not just locals fueling the numbers. Skiers from across the country keep Colorado at the top of their list, especially after one resort kicked off the very first opening of the 2025–26 season. Enthusiasm is widespread, and it shows.
4. Utah — 3,368 searches per 100k
Utah may sit at #4, but the anticipation is intense. Even with some delayed openings due to lighter early snowfall, the state’s famous powder continues to draw national attention. Search trends show skiers glued to updates from Utah’s heavy-hitter resorts.
3. Montana — 3,423 searches per 100k
Montana’s ski crowd is gearing up for a big season after a milder fall. Locals and neighboring states are pushing search numbers higher, especially with a new Big Sky resort opening this year. Don’t be surprised if Montana jumps in the rankings next season.
2. New Hampshire — 3,837 searches per 100k
New Hampshire secured the #2 spot thanks to a spike of early-season buzz — including Black Mountain’s earliest opening in more than 90 years. The state’s ski community keeps searches high every year, but the early snow chatter gave it an extra push.
1. Vermont — 8,709 searches per 100k
Vermont absolutely dominates the rankings — by a mile. A massive early November snowfall sent search traffic soaring as iconic mountains like Killington and Stowe prepared for early opening days. Skiing isn’t just a hobby here; it’s a way of life, and the data proves it.
Where Americans Actually Want to Ski This Season
Beyond home-state searches, the data revealed where people plan to ski:
- Colorado is the #1 most-searched destination overall, with 154,720 searches — and it’s the top pick for residents of 11 different states.
- Pennsylvania follows closely with 154,020 searches, fueled by its accessible Northeast resorts.
- California comes next with 102,530 searches, thanks to strong Sierra and SoCal interest.
- Vermont (74,830) and Utah (74,430) round out the top five.
The Most Popular Ski Resorts in America
Looking at resort-specific searches, these stood out:
- Wolf Creek, Colorado leads with 99,790 average monthly searches.
- Wisp, West Virginia earns second place with 9,590.
- Mt. Baker, Washington ranks third with 94,220.
- Killington, Vermont claims the top spot among Massachusetts residents.
- Snow Creek, Kansas rounds out the top contenders at 8,820 monthly searches.
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As a New Englander, I am not surprised by the results
This surprises me, and something my skiing hubby will love to know! As long as there is someplace for me to go/do (I tried to ski and nope).
This is very interesting. Thanks for sharing.
Cool article — definitely didn’t expect Vermont to top the list of ski-obsessed states, but I guess snow + small-town vibes make it perfect for ski lovers. 🏂❄️ Makes me want to book a ski trip ASAP!
Not surprised that those New Englanders at the top
It’s always interesting to know this type of things!
I wouldn’t have guessed
I would not have guessed Vermont! I’d love to go skiing this winter!
It’s winter – skiing is the way to go for sure!
Only ever skied on a dry slope I’d love to do the reap thing one day!