Regarding the Survey:
From my perspective there probably needs to be an up-date to how much is spent on skiing per year. I know when I did that survey I clicked $1,000 to $5000, but really never put pen to paper.
On average in Central California we have about an 8 Month season.
Lake Membership: Family $2800 – with boat.
Gas: average 8 - 6 pass sets @ 3-4 gallons per set 32ish total gallons per week x $4.26/gal (Avg. Supreme CA) - $136/wk. x 32 weeks = $4,352.00
Ski Equipment: possible new ski, ropes/handles vests, gloves, binding/binding parts, etc. $3,000.
Membership $2800
Gas $4352
Equipment $3000
Total: $10,152.00 ÷ 8 = $1,269/Month
NOTE: does not include tournament fees, gas to and from lake, Governing Body Membership fees, coaching fees, etc. Additionally, I really think the gas estimate is probably low as well as equipment fees; especially with a family.
Yes, there are corners that can be cut here and there but on average this is what it looks like in my pocket book every month when skiing. Is it worth it? --- My addiction of skiing says yes, but it is a really expensive sport and it is getting harder and harder to justify it.