Vail Resorts Cuts Earnings Forecast After Low Snowfall

Ski resort operator cites historically low snowfall in the western U.S. as reason for lower than expected visitation.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Vail Resorts, a major ski resort operator, has cut its fiscal year earnings guidance after fewer skiers visited its properties due to historically low snowfall in the western United States. The company now expects net income of $144 million to $190 million, down from its initial forecast of $201 million to $276 million.

Why it matters

Vail Resorts is one of the largest ski resort operators in North America, so its financial performance is seen as an indicator of the overall health of the ski industry. Lower than expected visitation due to poor snowfall conditions could signal broader challenges for ski resorts in the region.

The details

Vail Resorts cited historically low snowfall in the western U.S. as the primary reason for the lower than expected visitation to its ski properties. This resulted in the company slashing its fiscal year earnings guidance from an initial forecast of $201 million to $276 million down to $144 million to $190 million.

  • Vail Resorts announced the revised earnings guidance on March 9, 2026.

The players

Vail Resorts

A major ski resort operator that owns and operates multiple ski properties across North America, including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, and Keystone in Colorado.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Investors will be closely watching Vail Resorts' upcoming quarterly earnings report to see if the lower than expected visitation and reduced guidance continues to impact the company's financial performance.

The takeaway

The lower than expected snowfall and visitation at Vail Resorts' ski properties highlights the vulnerability of the ski industry to weather conditions, and the importance of consistent snowfall to drive strong financial results for major operators in the sector.