Can Ski Resorts in the Mountain West Recover After a Slow Start to the Season?

Published on December 25, 2025

As Christmas draws near, ski resorts across the Mountain West are facing a challenging holiday season due to historically low snowpacks. This season, snow levels are tracking well below average in some of the most popular skiing destinations in Colorado, Utah, and Lake Tahoe. The National Weather and Climate Center data reveals that snow accumulation in these regions is at less than 50% of normal, causing considerable disruption to resorts already struggling to manage warm temperatures and poor snow conditions.

Warm November and December Complicate Snowmaking Efforts

The warmest November on record for the region, coupled with spring-like warmth in December, has exacerbated snowmaking difficulties. Ski resorts, which rely on artificial snow production, have been hindered by these unusual temperature trends. In places like Park City, Utah, and Telluride, high temperatures have consistently exceeded 50°F (10°C) in recent weeks, with several days in the 60s°F (15-20°C). This has led to increased melt-off and has compounded the already challenging snow conditions.

As a result, ski resorts are struggling to open their slopes for the holiday season. Reports from On the Snow indicate that fewer than 20% of runs are open across many of the region’s most popular mountains. For example, Vail Mountain Resort had only 51 out of 277 runs open by December 23, while Telluride had just 19 out of 149 runs available. In Park City, Deer Valley Resort managed to open just 30 of 202 runs, reflecting the dire snow situation.

Tahoe’s Struggles and the Promise of Upcoming Storms

The situation in the Lake Tahoe area is even more dire, with Palisades Tahoe only managing to open three out of 288 runs. Similarly, Heavenly Resort had just 11 runs open as of December 23. However, forecasts are promising. A major storm is expected to bring significant snow accumulation to Tahoe, with some reports predicting up to several feet of snow. This weather event could offer much-needed relief, enabling ski resorts to open more terrain in time for the peak holiday period.

In Utah, Alta Ski Resort is also anticipating some snowfall, with five inches of snow expected on Christmas Day, which could help improve conditions for skiers and snowboarders. While these developments offer hope, they come after a season of frustrating delays and limited access to mountain terrain.

Resorts Focusing on Holiday Experiences Beyond Skiing

Despite the lack of snow, resorts are doing everything possible to ensure guests have a memorable holiday experience. Vail Resorts, for example, is enhancing its offering of off-slope activities. This includes live music, après-ski events, and festive activities like the Rockstar Energy Open at Breckenridge, which brings high energy to the early season. Resort spokespeople note that while on-slope activities are limited, they are leaning into the broader holiday atmosphere, including avalanche dog meet-and-greets and pop-up music performances.

Alterra Mountain Company, which operates several major ski areas across North America, echoed these sentiments. They are focusing on off-mountain entertainment and creating a festive experience for guests while snow conditions improve. The company operates 17 ski resorts and is hopeful that the upcoming storm systems will bolster the region’s snow levels.

Impact on Bookings and Ski Resort Operations

Data from Inntopia Business Intelligence suggests that the weak early season has had an impact on holiday bookings, with a 19.8% decline in November compared to the same period in 2024 for resorts expecting visitors over the next six months. However, despite the slow start, cancellations have not been widespread. Tom Foley, Senior Vice President of Business Intelligence at Inntopia, mentioned that while booking volumes have been down, this was largely due to a lack of early season bookings, not cancellations.

While January to March typically represents the bulk of ski season traffic, resorts are particularly reliant on the upcoming snowstorms to save the holiday season and restore snow coverage. Ski destinations can recover from a slow start, but snow is critical to ensuring the best possible experience for guests.

The Impact of Weather on Winter Tourism

As ski resorts in the Mountain West continue to contend with unseasonably warm temperatures and low snowpack, the upcoming weeks will determine whether the season can recover. With snowstorms predicted for Lake Tahoe and Utah, there is hope that the situation will improve, allowing resorts to open more terrain and provide guests with a complete winter experience. However, the lack of early snow has already taken a toll on bookings and resort operations, with many ski areas focusing on providing off-mountain activities to fill the gap. For now, snowfall remains the key to ensuring a successful holiday season for resorts and their guests.