Mt Hood Meadows will close April 12 following a season that didn't start until December 23 - the resort's latest opening in three decades. Insufficient snow coverage has forced the early closure, with pond skim and Pride events cancelled.
Delta Airlines will extend its Austin to Bozeman route to year-round service from late 2026, providing direct access to Big Sky and Bridger Bowl during the ski season. The move is part of Delta's push to establish a stronger presence in the Texas market against competing airline hubs.
Copper Mountain has opened sales for 2026/27 season passes, with adult passes starting at $699 and expanded Kids Ski Free now covering children up to 17. The resort is hosting men's World Cup racing in November, but the real story is whether the pricing represents genuine value or just earlier sales windows.
Palisades Tahoe has scrapped its planned May 25 closing date, now targeting late April at best. The California resort is down to 15 of 39 lifts operating as early and mid-season snow shortfalls continue to take their toll on the 2024/25 season.
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.
Snowbasin Resort will close its 2025-26 season on March 22, weeks earlier than its typical mid-April closure. Warm temperatures and low snowfall drove the decision, with rain falling on Christmas Day compounding the challenges. The resort joins a growing list of operations cutting seasons short.
Killington's oldest operating chairlift ends its run on Saturday 21 March after more than five decades of service. The 1973-era Snowdon Triple will be replaced by a fixed-grip quad as part of ongoing infrastructure upgrades under the resort's new ownership.
Matthew Prince, Utah's wealthiest resident, has intensified his public criticism of Vail Resorts' management of Park City Mountain Resort. The Cloudflare CEO claims Vail's 10-year stock performance has been dismal and argues the company should sell off individual resorts. Vail says it's not selling.
Sierra at Tahoe and Homewood have pulled the pin on their 2025-26 seasons weeks ahead of schedule as temperatures hit the low 20s celsius and California's snowpack drops to 28 percent of average in the northern Sierra - the worst levels since 2015.
Vail Resorts is scrapping the $50 My Epic Gear membership fee and rolling premium rental features into standard offerings. Starting next season, anyone booking Demo rentals at 12 resorts can select specific gear models online, access BOA ski boots and Step On bindings at no extra cost.
Two skiers were caught in an inbounds avalanche on a double black diamond run at Silver Mountain Resort in Idaho, despite patrol conducting avalanche mitigation earlier that day. Both escaped without serious injury, but the incident raises questions about a resort that permanently closed terrain following a fatal 2020 slide.
Steamboat is overhauling its parking system next winter, introducing $15 charges for solo drivers on peak days while keeping parking free for carpoolers with three or more people. The changes mark a significant shift for Colorado's second-largest resort.
Tamarack has opened sales for its 2026-27 season pass at $499, claiming it's the best deal of the year. We break down whether the early-bird pricing represents genuine value or standard industry tiering tactics, and what the cap on pass sales really means for access.
Aspen's winter season is tracking 5.5% behind last year through January, with Australian tour operators reporting boycotts related to US politics and a 30% drop in American bookings. Hotels are maintaining revenue by raising rates, but the combination of political sentiment, unfavourable exchange rates, and Colorado's poor early-season snowfall has dampened what's typically the resort's strongest period for international visitors.
The Summit at Snoqualmie's Alpental area opened for the 2025 season on January 7 with the debut of its new Edelweiss triple chair, replacing a 58-year-old Riblet double and completing a three-year lift modernisation. The upgrade promises more reliable upper mountain access for avalanche control, though whether it delivers on capacity claims remains to be seen.
A 30-year-old ski patroller has died from injuries sustained during avalanche control operations at Mammoth Mountain on 26 December. The incident raises questions about patroller safety protocols during extreme storm cycles and marks the second fatal inbounds avalanche at the California resort in less than a year.
Deer Valley's expansion reached its first operational milestone on 27 December with the opening of two new lifts. The 10-passenger East Village Gondola and Pinyon Express six-pack now provide access to previously inaccessible terrain, though five more lifts remain unopened this season.
Tamarack Resort in Idaho has opened for the 2025-26 season on December 22, running three lifts with upper-mountain-only access. The delayed opening follows limited early snowfall, with skiers restricted from accessing lower mountain terrain as operations teams work to expand coverage.
Loon Mountain has opened 44 trails across three peaks by mid-December, claiming the most extensive early-season terrain in New Hampshire. The resort attributes the opening to aggressive snowmaking operations supported by favourable temperatures and approximately 10 inches of natural snow.
The 2025-26 North American ski season is underway with resorts across Colorado, Alberta, and Vermont opening their lifts. From Keystone's surprise first-to-open move to Sunshine Village's impressive 38 runs already available, here's exactly what terrain you can access right now and which resorts are offering the best early season conditions.
Kirkwood Mountain Resort stands apart in Tahoe with the region's deepest snowfall (354 inches annually), 58% advanced/expert terrain, and a refreshingly uncrowded atmosphere. Discover why this remote alpine valley offers California's most authentic skiing experience, where challenging terrain and quality snow take priority over flashy amenities.
Colorado stands as the undisputed capital of American skiing, combining reliable snowfall, varied terrain, and the legendary Rocky Mountain powder. With over 300 days of sunshine annually and some of the most accessible high-elevation skiing in North America, it's no wonder why Colorado draws skiers and snowboarders from around the globe.
Sun Valley has launched four multi-day camp programmes for adult skiers and riders, including an all-women's intermediate camp. The structured packages aim to capture a growing segment of the lessons market, though the pricing and value proposition remain unclear.
Arizona Snowbowl's announcement of $10 lift tickets for 2025-26 raises questions about dynamic pricing strategies and accessibility in the ski industry. We analyse the fine print and implications.
Construction of Chalet Alpina, a new luxury hotel and residential complex, is underway at Aspen Snowmass. While promising high-end amenities and ski-in/ski-out access, it raises questions about affordability and the future direction of this already exclusive ski town.
Mt. Bachelor plans improvements to its Northwest lift and introduces new community initiatives for the 2025-26 season, but questions remain about the true impact for skiers and riders.
Alterra Mountain Company announces a $400 million capital investment program, with a significant focus on expanding Deer Valley Resort in Utah. The plan includes doubling skiable terrain and adding new lifts, but questions remain about the impact on the resort's character and pricing.
Taos Ski Valley marks its 70th season with infrastructure improvements and expanded air access. But do these changes genuinely enhance the skiing experience or just pad the marketing brochure?
A Utah court ruling has blocked Park City Mountain's proposed lift upgrades, citing a decades-old development agreement. This setback highlights ongoing tensions between Vail Resorts and the local community over infrastructure improvements and resort capacity.
A Colorado jury's $12.4 million award to a paralysed skier challenges longstanding liability protections for ski resorts, potentially reshaping risk management across the industry.
Pats Peak in New Hampshire is investing heavily in infrastructure upgrades for the 2025-26 season, including a new quad lift and expanded beginner terrain. But what do these changes really mean for skiers and riders?
Purgatory Resort's ambitious plan for a new front-side chairlift faces significant delays due to unexpected permitting hurdles, casting doubt on its availability for the upcoming ski season.
Big Sky Resort announces Kircliff, a glass observatory atop Lone Peak. While impressive, this latest development prompts scrutiny of the resort's priorities and environmental impact.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort's upcoming 60th anniversary ticket sale promises significant discounts, but savvy skiers should weigh the fine print against industry trends before rushing to purchase.
The latest international ski tourism data reveals stark industry concentration, with just nine countries dominating global skiing. The USA leads with 60.5 million visits, whilst China shows explosive growth and traditional Alpine destinations face different challenges from climate change to currency strength.
Austria's winter tourism sees modest growth, with U.S. visitors increasing 15.4% to nearly 1 million overnight stays. However, Switzerland still leads with 1.2 million U.S. stays, despite Austria's larger ski industry and more competitive pricing.
Tamarack Resort in Idaho has been named a Top Resort in Travel + Leisure's 2025 World's Best Awards. But what does this accolade really mean for skiers and riders considering a visit?
Sun Valley Resort's plan to replace four chairlifts faces regulatory hurdles and raises questions about long-term sustainability and guest experience impacts.
Severe flooding in Ruidoso, New Mexico has left three people missing as rescue teams work to locate those swept away by raging waters. The disaster has prompted evacuations and widespread damage to homes and infrastructure.
Extell Development Company has secured a $600 million loan for the construction of Four Seasons Resort and Residences in Deer Valley, Utah. This project marks the first new luxury alpine village development in North America in over 40 years.
Crested Butte Mountain Resort has completed a major maintenance project on its Silver Queen Express Chairlift, with the refurbished motor now reinstalled after expert reconditioning in Denver.
Colorado Ski Country USA reports 13.8 million skier visits for the 2024-25 season, marking the third-highest total on record. The season saw varied conditions, from early snowfall to a snowy spring, with resorts adapting to provide quality experiences for visitors.
Explore the world's most popular ski destinations as we analyse the top nine countries by annual skier visits. From the United States to Sweden, discover how these nations shape the global ski industry and attract millions of visitors each year.
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area in Colorado is modifying its parking reservation system for the upcoming 2025-26 season, aligning with changes to Ikon Pass access. The new system aims to manage traffic and maintain the resort's unique atmosphere.
The 2024-25 ski season in Colorado saw 13 fatalities across its 27 ski areas, a slight reduction from previous years. This article examines the statistics and safety measures in place.
Loveland Ski Area announces plans to replace the 42-year-old Lift 7 with a modern fixed-grip quad, enhancing the learning experience in Loveland Valley.
Killington Resort has begun replacing its Superstar Chairlift, with construction progressing rapidly. The project includes removing old components, installing new towers, and upgrading related infrastructure.
Brian Head Resort in Southern Utah concludes its 2024-25 season with a record-breaking 178 skiable days, surpassing last year's record and setting new visitation highs.
Stowe Mountain Resort in Vermont wraps up an exceptional 2024-25 ski season with over 300 inches of snowfall, marking one of its best years in recent memory.
Big Sky Resort's sale of 125 Explorer 2 chairs raises $162,600 for three local nonprofits, showcasing community support and marking the end of the historic lift's 51-year service.
Stevens Pass ski resort has adjusted its parking policy for the 2025-26 season, offering a mix of free and paid options with some reservations available, following feedback from skiers and riders.
POWDR has decided to keep Mt. Bachelor as part of its portfolio, ending speculation about a potential sale. The company plans to invest in upgrades and introduce new pass options for the Oregon ski resort.
Alyeska Resort in Alaska has recorded over 600 inches of snowfall this season, maintaining its reputation as one of North America's snowiest ski destinations. With a current base depth of 149 inches, Alyeska continues to offer exceptional skiing conditions.
Snowbird unveils its 2025-26 season pass offerings, featuring the return of the Freeloader Pass program and early access to current-season skiing for new passholders. Various pass options and benefits are available, including flexible payment plans and discounts.
Alta Ski Area announces plans to straighten and upgrade the Supreme lift, eliminating the notorious 'bend' and improving the skiing experience for the 2025-26 season.
Master cold-weather comfort with expert guidance on thermal base layers for skiing in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Canada, Japan and beyond. From merino wool benefits to fit tips, learn how to stay warm and dry on the slopes with the right foundation layers.