Rocky Mountain Ski Resorts Struggle with Warm Winters and Early Closures

Lack of snowfall and melting slopes force many resorts to cut their seasons short, impacting local economies

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:36am

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Across the Rocky Mountain region, particularly in Wyoming, the 2026 ski season was cut short by unseasonably warm temperatures and a severe lack of snowfall. Resorts like Hogadon Basin near Casper closed three weeks early, facing 'mud at this point' instead of snow-covered runs. At least 68 ski resorts across the Western U.S. experienced early closures or didn't open at all, signaling a potentially dramatic shift for the winter sports industry.

Why it matters

The stark reality of the 'white ribbon of death' - the increasingly narrow path of snow connecting chairlifts to skiable terrain - melting before resorts' eyes highlights the financial strain and ripple effects on local economies that rely on winter tourism. This represents a significant challenge for the ski industry as it grapples with the impacts of climate change.

The details

Hogadon Basin, which typically welcomes 18,000 visitors annually, saw less than a third of that number this year, with only around 5,000 skiers and snowboarders hitting the slopes. Pine Creek Ski Resort near Cokeville faced similar challenges, closing early due to safety concerns from melting snow creating creeks on the runs. The financial impact is significant, with resorts grappling with reduced revenue and increased operating costs. Hogadon Basin, owned by the City of Casper, experienced a financial hit, while Pine Creek's assistant manager, Alicia Etcheverry, highlighted the stress of offsetting costs with fewer visitors.

  • Hogadon Basin closed three weeks early in 2026.
  • At least 68 ski resorts across the Western U.S. experienced early closures or didn't open at all in 2026.

The players

Hogadon Basin

A ski resort near Casper, Wyoming that typically welcomes 18,000 visitors annually but saw less than a third of that number in 2026 due to the lack of snowfall.

Pine Creek Ski Resort

A ski resort near Cokeville, Wyoming that closed early in 2026 due to safety concerns from melting snow creating creeks on the runs.

Alicia Etcheverry

The assistant manager at Pine Creek Ski Resort, who highlighted the stress of offsetting costs with fewer visitors.

Alan Smith

A meteorologist at OpenSnow who suggests that the warmer and drier conditions experienced this winter are consistent with a larger pattern of climate change.

Joe Ricketts

The founder of TD Ameritrade, who recently acquired White Pine Ski Resort and is looking at summer offerings and potential snowmaking investments.

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What they’re saying

“It was a swimming pool at this point.”

— Corwin Hoban, Assistant Superintendent, Hogadon Basin

“While a single season doesn't define a trend, the warmer and drier conditions experienced this winter are consistent with a larger pattern of climate change.”

— Alan Smith, Meteorologist, OpenSnow

What’s next

Resorts are exploring options like snowmaking, diversifying into summer activities, and investing in marketing to attract visitors despite challenging conditions. Pre-season pass sales for the 2026-'27 season are currently on par with last year, boosted by discounts and free skiing promotions.

The takeaway

The challenges faced by Wyoming and other Western ski resorts this season raise critical questions about the long-term viability of the industry. Significant adaptation and mitigation efforts will be necessary to ensure the ski industry's future, as the impacts of climate change continue to reshape the winter sports landscape.