The 2025-26 ski season across the western United States wasn't just a bad year - it was the worst on record. A massive marine heat wave, a stubborn high-pressure ridge, and relentless warmth combined to destroy snowpack across eight states, force at least 69 ski resorts to close early, and wipe roughly $100 million from Vail Resorts' bottom line. Here's what happened, why it happened, and what it means for skiing's future.
Washington's largest ski area has elevated Linnea Hansen from VP of Marketing & Sales to President & COO. The appointment comes as the resort faces ongoing infrastructure challenges including wastewater issues and parking management.
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.
Washington's ski resorts have just received a serious dump, with several areas recording over 50cm of fresh snow in a single 24-hour period. Stevens Pass, Snoqualmie, and White Pass are all showing big numbers, and the broader Pacific Northwest — including Oregon and Montana — has copped a solid hit too. Here's what the data is showing right now.
Mt. Baker Ski Area is doing something it has never done in its entire history this weekend — night skiing. Chair 7 and the White Salmon Handle Tow get lit up on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 March, with live DJs, fire pits, and overnight camping in the lot. If you're anywhere near Bellingham, this one's worth knowing about.
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.
Boyne Resorts has announced various projects across its North American ski areas for 2025-26, but are they truly enhancing the guest experience or just keeping up with industry trends?
Alpental's auction of its decommissioned Edelweiss chairlift has raised over $194,000 for local nonprofits, as the resort prepares to install a new triple chair for the upcoming season. The fundraiser highlights the community's attachment to the old lift while ushering in improvements to uphill capacity and wind resistance.
Alpental, part of The Summit at Snoqualmie in Washington, is replacing its Chair 2 (Edelweiss) with a new Doppelmayr fixed-grip triple chairlift. This upgrade aims to improve capacity and reliability for advanced and expert skiers.
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.
Summit at Snoqualmie introduces a new parking system starting November 18th, 2024, with fees ranging from $5 to $55 depending on visitor type. The resort cites rising visitor numbers, but the high cost for backcountry users has sparked controversy.
