The ski resorts nestled in the Rocky Mountains are grappling with their worst season in 40 years, a stark indicator of the ongoing climate crisis. With a catastrophic drop in snowfall, the impacts are being felt not only by the ski industry but also by the broader environmental landscape and water supply across the region.
A Devastating Downturn in Visitor Numbers
In a dismal revelation, visitor numbers at prominent resorts, including Vail and Breckenridge, have plummeted, marking a 24 per cent decline in attendance for the 2025-2026 ski season. This drop represents the most significant decrease since the pandemic struck in 2020. Robert Katz, CEO of Vail Resorts, which operates multiple resorts in the region, shared these alarming statistics during a recent earnings call, noting that the industry is suffering from “the worst season on record for snowfall.”
The financial implications are equally concerning, with Vail Resorts reporting a 7 per cent decrease in revenue compared to the previous year. Katz attributed these results directly to severe weather challenges affecting the western United States.
Climate Change Fuels the Crisis
This year’s winter was marked by exceptionally warm temperatures, which have been linked to climate change. Research indicates that the snowpack across Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming is between 32 to 53 per cent lower than last year’s record low. Daniel McEvoy, a researcher at the Western Regional Climate Center, described the situation as dire, stating, “It was so warm, especially in December, that the snow was only falling at the highest parts of the mountains.” The trend continued into January, where dry conditions prevailed for weeks, exacerbating the already precarious situation.
The lack of snow has far-reaching implications beyond winter sports. The snowpack serves as a crucial water resource, supplying 60 to 70 per cent of the water in the northwestern United States. The current drought conditions are further complicated by a so-called “snow-eater” heatwave that has accelerated snowmelt, creating an early and rapid depletion of this essential resource.
Implications for Water Supply and Future Ski Seasons
The ramifications of low snowpack levels extend to the entire ecosystem as well as local communities. According to NOAA, when the peak snowpack is low and melts earlier in the season, regions face a compounded challenge of reduced water supply arriving prematurely. The implications for agriculture, wildlife, and residential water usage cannot be overstated, as these areas rely heavily on the snowmelt for sustainable water sources throughout the year.
Katz expressed uncertainty about the future of the ski industry, stating, “As unprecedented as this past season was, it is hard to know with certainty how any of this will play out.” The ski resorts, once bustling with visitors, now face a precarious future in a landscape increasingly affected by climate change.
Why it Matters
The plight of Rocky Mountain ski resorts serves as a microcosm of the broader environmental challenges facing our planet. As climate change continues to disrupt weather patterns and diminish vital resources, the consequences will ripple across various sectors, affecting not just winter sports but also agriculture and water availability for millions. The situation demands urgent attention and action from policymakers, industry leaders, and communities, highlighting the need for sustainable practices and climate resilience strategies to safeguard our natural resources for future generations.
