TL;DR
A heat wave hitting the western United States has forced dozens of ski resorts to close early or abandon their seasons entirely. With below-average snowpacks across the region, the warm spell has ended operations at over 40 resorts from Arizona to Montana.
Over 40 Western U.S. Ski Resorts Call It Quits Early
A warm weather system moving through the western United States has accelerated what was already shaping up to be a difficult season for smaller ski operations. More than 40 resorts across eight states have either closed early or failed to open at all this winter, with below-average snowpacks leaving little buffer against the current heat wave.
The closures paint a stark picture of climate vulnerability in the North American ski industry, particularly for smaller operations without snowmaking infrastructure or the elevation to hold snow through warm periods. While major destination resorts in Colorado and Utah are largely continuing operations, the casualty list reads like a directory of community hills and regional mountains that form the backbone of local skiing across the West.
The Full List of Closures
The situation is most severe in Idaho and California, with eight closures in each state. Idaho has been particularly hard hit, with Magic Mountain, Bald Mountain, and Blizzard Mountain never opening, whilst Pebble Creek, Soldier Mountain, Little Ski Hill, Rotarun and Cottonwood Butte all threw in the towel after limited operations.California's roster of early closures includes Sierra-at-Tahoe (closing March 22nd), Homewood (closed Tuesday), and several smaller operations like Badger Pass, Dodge Ridge, and Mt. Shasta Ski Park that wrapped up weeks ago. Mt. Baldy is in limbo, hoping for natural snow to reopen.Oregon presents an equally grim picture, with Cooper Spur never opening and Mt. Ashland closing on February 28th. Hoodoo and Willamette Pass want to reopen but need fresh snow - a situation that highlights the desperation facing resorts watching their revenue window slam shut.
