Ski Resorts Bulldoze Snow as Heat Wave Hits US West

Skiers wear bikinis as resorts struggle to stay open amid record low snowfall.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:55pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of ochre, sage, and indigo, with a small ski resort nestled in the distance, dwarfed by the overwhelming scale of the natural world.As climate change transforms the winter landscape, ski resorts struggle to adapt to the new normal of diminished snowfall and extreme heat.Park City Today

Ski resorts across the western United States are facing unprecedented challenges due to a brutal heat wave and the lowest snow levels in decades. Resorts like Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico have been forced to bulldoze snow from mountain areas onto runs just to stay open, while in Park City, Utah, snowfall has been about half the normal level this year.

Why it matters

The lack of snow is a major concern for the ski industry, which relies on consistent snowfall to attract visitors and maintain operations. The extreme weather conditions highlight the growing impact of climate change on winter sports and outdoor recreation in the region.

The details

Ski resorts have had to take drastic measures to keep their slopes open, including bulldozing snow from off-piste areas onto the main runs. In Park City, Utah, which has received about half its normal snowfall this year, the lack of snow has affected not just the ski slopes but also the surrounding streets and restaurants that would typically be bustling with winter tourists.

  • The 2026 ski season has seen the lowest snow levels in decades across the U.S. West.
  • The current heat wave has exacerbated the snow shortage, forcing resorts to take extreme measures.

The players

Taos Ski Valley

A ski resort located in New Mexico that has had to bulldoze snow from mountain areas onto runs to stay open.

Park City, Utah

A ski town in Utah that has received about half its normal snowfall this year, impacting not just the ski slopes but also the surrounding streets and businesses.

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The takeaway

The extreme weather conditions and lack of snow in the western U.S. highlight the growing impact of climate change on the ski industry and the need for resorts to adapt to these challenges in order to remain viable in the long term.