Record Warmth Forces Western Ski Resorts into Survival Mode
Record Warmth Forces Western Ski Resorts into Survival Mode
US · Published Apr 7, 2026
Unusually warm temperatures are forcing western ski resorts to adapt, with skiers seen in swimsuits and resorts facing early closures.
Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico is moving snow to keep trails open, while some Colorado resorts have less than 20% of trails available.
The ski industry is targeting younger visitors with reduced prices and new activities to cope with changing climate conditions.
Warm temperatures transform skiing, resort operations change
Unusually warm temperatures are significantly impacting ski resorts across the western United States, leading to a transformation in how people approach skiing and how resorts operate. Skiers are now commonly seen wearing swimsuits and lighter clothing as the heat causes rapid snowmelt, forcing many resorts to close earlier than usual or delay their seasonal openings. In response, Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico is undertaking intensive efforts to move snow from remote areas to maintain open trails. Meanwhile, in Colorado, some resorts report that less than 20% of their trails remain accessible, with dirt patches and bare ground becoming increasingly visible.
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