American ski resort towns are preparing for a significant drop in Canadian tourism but are optimistic about luring back Canadian visitors this holiday season. The decision to travel to the U.S. may depend more on snow conditions than political factors. While it is early in the season, there are indications that Canadians’ preference to spend locally is diminishing.
Montana’s Whitefish Mountain Resort, located near the border with southeastern British Columbia, experienced a quiet period following a rainy start to the week. However, the resort’s public relations manager, Chad Sokol, remains hopeful that visitor numbers will increase by Christmas, a traditionally busy time for the resort. Sokol noted a decline in Canadian visitors in Whitefish over the past year and expressed interest in observing future trends.
Canadian license plates are a common sight in Flathead County, home to Whitefish and Kalispell ski towns, where Canadians visit for skiing in winter, boating in summer, and shopping year-round. Despite this, border crossings and Canadian spending in the region have dropped significantly from January to September, with a 39% decline in credit card spending, according to Diane Medler, Discover Kalispell’s executive director.
The decrease in Canadian travel to the U.S. can be attributed to various factors, including political tensions, a weaker Canadian dollar making trips costlier, and unfavorable weather conditions, such as rain instead of snow in Whitefish during the December ski season. In contrast, the Canadian Rockies have seen early snowfall, boosting business for SkiBig3 resorts in Banff and Lake Louise, with a notable increase in ticket sales from local and international visitors.
The National Ski Areas Association anticipates a potential slowdown in Canadian visitation this year, particularly affecting larger resorts and those near the border. Efforts are being made in Kalispell to entice Canadian visitors, such as offering discounts on various services and accommodations. Business owners like Gabe Mariman of Bias Brewing and Joe Jiminez of Switchback Suites are providing incentives to attract Canadian guests.
While some Canadians are showing signs of softening attitudes towards traveling to the U.S., the decision may ultimately be influenced by weather conditions. Resorts like Jay Peak in Vermont, near Quebec’s border, are expected to draw visitors due to favorable early snowfall. According to NSAA President Mike Reitzell, snow conditions play a crucial role in driving tourism to ski resorts.