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Winter’s Warmth Disrupts Western Ski Industry as Eastern Resorts Flourish
Unseasonably warm temperatures across the Western United States have left ski resorts struggling to open runs, tourism attractions postponed, and mountain businesses scrambling to adapt their winter offerings as snowpack remains well below average.
At Lake Tahoe on the California-Nevada border, ski resorts are operating with only a small percentage of lifts open and significantly reduced snow depths. “Mother Nature has been dealing a really hard deck,” said Kevin Cooper, president of the Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation, a ski racing organization in the region.
The situation represents a remarkable reversal from typical winter patterns. While Western ski destinations famous for their powder conditions suffer, the Midwest and Northeast are experiencing record December snowfall, creating exceptional opportunities for eastern skiers who traditionally travel west for premium conditions.
In Utah’s Midway region, about 45 minutes east of Salt Lake City, the popular Ice Castles winter attraction has been indefinitely postponed. The tourist draw, which requires sustained cold temperatures to freeze water into elaborate palace-like structures, cannot operate in the current climate. The area, which will host part of the 2034 Winter Olympics, has experienced temperatures 7-10 degrees Fahrenheit above normal in recent weeks, according to National Weather Service data.
Colorado businesses are also adapting their winter offerings. Near Vail, Bearcat Stables owner Nicole Godley has been forced to substitute wagon rides for traditional sleigh rides through the Rocky Mountain landscape. “It’s the same experience, the same ride, the same horses,” Godley said. “It’s more about, you know, just these giant horses and the Western rustic feel.”
The Northwest has faced different but equally disruptive challenges. While heavy mountain snow finally arrived in Washington state this week, torrential rain earlier in the season washed out roads and bridges, flooding homes and cutting access to some ski resorts. Road repairs could take months, further complicating the winter tourism season.
Oregon’s Upper Deschutes Basin is experiencing the slowest start to snow accumulation since record-keeping began in 1981. November temperatures across Oregon, Idaho, and western Colorado broke records, averaging 6-8.5 degrees Fahrenheit above normal, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The implications extend far beyond tourism and recreation. The Western snowpack serves as a critical natural reservoir for water supplies relied upon by farmers, ranchers, and urban populations from Denver to Los Angeles. When precipitation falls as rain rather than snow, it runs off immediately instead of being stored as snowpack for gradual spring and summer release when water is most needed.
“That snowpack is one of our largest reservoirs for water supply across the West,” explained Jason Gerlich, NOAA drought information coordinator. Climate scientists emphasize that limiting global warming is essential to preventing this snow-to-rain trend from worsening.
Meanwhile, eastern ski destinations are reaping unexpected benefits. Vermont’s Killington Resort and Pico Mountain have opened nearly 100 trails, with resort spokesman Josh Reed declaring it “by far the best conditions I have ever seen for this time of year” in his decade living in the area.
New Hampshire’s Cannon Mountain has already received over 50 inches of snow, allowing for an early opening. Northern Vermont resident Elena Veatch, 31, reports cross-country skiing more this fall than in the past two years combined. “I don’t take a good New England winter for granted with our warming climate,” Veatch noted.
Despite current conditions, Western ski operators remain cautiously optimistic. As Gerlich pointed out, a single major storm system can “turn things around rather quickly.” Cooper from the Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation expressed excitement about a potential storm in the long-term forecast that could bring several feet of snow to the Lake Tahoe region.
For now, the unusual pattern serves as another reminder of changing climate conditions affecting traditional winter weather patterns across North America, with significant economic and environmental implications for regions heavily dependent on reliable snowfall.
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11 Comments
Fascinating to see the regional differences in winter weather patterns this season. The ski industry will need to adapt quickly to these changing conditions to remain viable. Diversifying their offerings and exploring new technologies could be part of the solution.
Absolutely, the ski industry faces significant challenges ahead as the climate continues to shift. Resorts that can innovate and cater to evolving customer preferences will likely be the most successful in the long run.
It’s a shame to see the Western ski resorts struggling with the warm weather and low snowpack this season. Hopefully they can find ways to adapt their offerings and attract visitors despite the challenging conditions.
Agreed, the ski industry will need to get creative to stay viable as the climate continues to change. Investing in snowmaking, expanding non-skiing activities, and marketing to new demographics could all be part of the solution.
It’s a shame to see the Western ski resorts struggling with the warm weather and lack of snowpack this season. Hopefully they can find ways to adapt their offerings and attract visitors despite the challenging conditions. The ski industry will need to get creative to stay viable as the climate continues to change.
The stark contrast between the East and West in terms of winter weather and snowfall is really remarkable. It underscores the increasing unpredictability and regional variation we’re seeing due to climate change. The ski industry will certainly have its work cut out for it in the years ahead.
The climate change impact on the ski industry is really starting to show. Resorts in the West may need to invest more in snowmaking capabilities and diversify their winter activities to remain viable. It’ll be a tough transition for many communities heavily reliant on ski tourism.
Absolutely, climate change adaptation will be crucial for the ski industry in the coming decades. Snowpack and temperature changes are already reshaping the traditional winter tourism landscape.
Interesting to see the drastic differences in winter weather patterns across the U.S. this year. It’s a shame the Western ski resorts are struggling with the warm temperatures and low snowpack, while the East is thriving. Curious to see how the industry adapts to these changing conditions.
Agreed, the regional disparities in snowfall are quite stark this season. Resorts will likely need to get creative with their offerings and marketing to attract visitors despite the weather challenges.
Warm weather disrupting the ski season is a worrying trend, especially for Western destinations that rely heavily on consistent winter conditions. Diversifying attractions and exploring new technologies like artificial snow could help mitigate the impacts, but it’s a challenging problem for the industry.