TL;DR
Utah's Alta Ski Area endured a historically dry 2025-26 season, receiving just 321 inches of snowfall – the lowest on record. This highlights a broader pattern of declining snowpack in the West and raises concerns about the future of skiing.
Alta's Historic Low Snowfall Signals a Larger Problem
This past winter season has been a stark reminder of the challenges facing ski areas across the West. Alta Ski Area in Utah has just recorded its lowest snowfall total on record, with a paltry 321 inches measured for the 2025-26 season. This surpasses the previous low set in 2014-15 by a mere 2.5 inches, falling significantly short of the resort’s typical 548-inch average. While individual seasons fluctuate, this event underscores a concerning long-term trend.
Broader data reinforces this picture; Utah’s snowpack reached record lows, and similar conditions were observed in Colorado. It's not simply about one bad season; it's about a pattern that’s becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
A Season of Delays and Early Closures
The 2025-26 season at Alta was marked by a delayed opening – December 5th – two weeks later than usual. A brief respite came with a 53-inch snowfall during Presidents’ Week, but a warm March forced the resort to close its lifts prematurely on April 26th. This early closure, coupled with the late start, resulted in a significantly reduced season length for skiers and riders.
