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Low snow levels disrupt ski season and strain western resort towns

Written by BloombergPublished Dec. 31 2025Last Updated Dec. 31 2025

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Ski resorts across the western United States are struggling with unusually low snowfall and warm temperatures.

Destinations in Utah and Colorado have reported disrupted holidays and reduced visitor numbers.

Local businesses that depend on winter tourism are seeing declining revenues during the peak season.

Tourism agencies are increasingly promoting non skiing attractions to offset the downturn.

The Salt Lake Tribune reported that dry and warm conditions have affected mountain resorts across the region.

The report cited analysis from Inntopia which tracks booking and customer data.

Salt Lake City is on pace to record its warmest December on record.

Lower elevation resorts in Utah show limited skiable terrain surrounded by snowless ground.

Even at higher elevations grass can be seen poking through the scant layer of snow.

The Salt Lake Tribune reported.

In Colorado mountain towns experienced rainfall record high temperatures and historically low snowpack levels.

The Aspen Times said statewide snowpack measured just 3.2 inches of snow water equivalent.

Data from the SNOTEL system showed this was Colorado’s lowest December reading in at least 30 years.

Major Colorado resorts have opened only a fraction of their trails.

FOX31 reported that Vail Ski Resort had just 76 of 277 trails open.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort opened 44 of its 168 trails during the same period.

Utah has also recorded a sharp decline in snowpack this winter.

SNOTEL data showed Utah’s statewide snowpack fell to 2.7 inches by December 26.

This figure marked the lowest reading since records began in 1981.

Park City officials warned of mounting anxiety within the local community.

The lack of snow has put a lot of people into anxiety in our community.

Tana Toly said.

Toly urged residents and visitors to support local shops during the holiday period.

They are probably going to feel the pain of it this winter.

Toly said.

In Heber Valley visitors shifted toward off mountain activities due to the warm start to winter.

Visitors are exploring off mountain and nonski activities this month.

Jessica Turner said.

Activities include hot springs fishing wagon rides and indoor attractions.

Deer Valley Resort highlighted alternative events to maintain visitor interest.

We are offering a range of non skiing experiences throughout the holiday period.

Emily Summers said.