Rocky Mountain ski resorts experience worst season in four decades amid record-low snowfall
Rocky Mountain ski resorts saw visitor numbers drop 24 percent during the 2025-2026 season, the lowest in four decades outside of the pandemic year, due to record-low snowfall across the region. Snowpack in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming was 32-53 percent lower than the previous record low, driven by unusually warm winter temperatures. The snow shortage has implications beyond skiing, as 60-70 percent of the northwestern U.S. water supply depends on snowpack melt.
Rocky Mountain ski resorts, including major destinations like Vail and Breckenridge, experienced their worst season in four decades during 2025-2026, with visitor numbers falling 24 percent and resort revenue declining 7 percent. The dramatic downturn was caused by record-low snowfall across the region, with snowpack in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming measuring 32-53 percent below the previous record low. Unusually warm winter temperatures, particularly in December, prevented snow from accumulating at lower elevations, while dry conditions in January and early spring accelerated snowmelt. The limited snowfall has consequences extending far beyond the ski industry, as approximately 60-70 percent of the northwestern U.S. water supply comes from seasonal snowpack melt. Scientists attribute the extreme conditions to climate change and warming trends, with early spring snowmelt creating compounded water supply challenges for the region.
What's missing
The articles lack specific information about whether ski resorts implemented artificial snowmaking as a mitigation strategy or details about how different resorts within the Rockies were affected differently. Additionally, there is limited discussion of economic impacts beyond Vail Resorts, such as effects on local mountain communities, hospitality workers, and other businesses dependent on ski season tourism.
How coverage differed
The Independent's coverage emphasizes climate change as the primary driver of the snow shortage, explicitly linking warm temperatures to climate change and framing this as 'a troubling sign in a rapidly warming world.' The article prioritizes environmental and climate context alongside industry impacts, reflecting a left-leaning editorial perspective that connects weather events to broader climate narratives.
What different sources said
- The IndependentLeft
Ski resorts in Rocky Mountains saw worst season in four decades due to lack of snow
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