According to this data:
NYSkiBlog's update of ORDA skier visits and revenue for NY's state-owned ski areas, Whiteface, Gore Mountain and Belleayre Ski Center.
nyskiblog.com
Skiers visits have remained static, but revenue has increased by two-thirds. That's pretty solid from an ORDA-centric view, but it doesn't help the local area like you rightly point out. The problem for local businesses is that a ski season is at best 3-5 months of the year. There is admittedly not a lot to do around Gore besides ski so people generally don't stick around. Meanwhile, it is too financially risky for a private company/individual to open/operate restaurants, hotels, bars, shopping, etc. So North Creek continues to be sleepy. Hence, the government steps in to foster growth. Ziplines, bike trails, wedding facilities, foliage festivals, etc to attract more year-round visits. This is what will make the difference between a local business thriving for a few weeks and being sustainable year-round and ORDA's budget is spending money to lure that customer. If there is more year-round demand, it will likely lead to more business formations and economic benefit to the area. I think we have to look beyond just skier visits and ascertain if there has been an increase in summer/fall visits over the past decade-plus.