Industry News
If the current snow situation in the western United States were a book, it might be “All Quiet on the Western Front” because, unfortunately, there is no snow news. Instead of whoops echoing through the glades and powder fields, this November is shaping up to be unusually quiet.
Alta Ski Area announced today that it is delaying its planned opening for the 2025–26 season. In a statement released Wednesday, November 19, the ski area said:
“Based on the extended forecast and lack of favorable snowmaking temperatures, Alta Ski Area’s targeted Opening Day has moved to Friday, December 5th—conditions permitting. Thanks for your patience while we wait for Old Man Winter to join our 88th season.”
The decision comes as a stubborn ridge of high pressure continues to dominate the West, bringing warm temperatures, minimal precipitation, and virtually no windows for sustained snowmaking. Resorts across Utah and the Rockies are reporting bare slopes, thin snowmaking lanes, and only brief overnight temperature drops—far below what’s needed to build a safe, skiable base.
The revised December 5 target makes this Alta’s latest opening in more than a decade. Historically, the resort is known for firing up the lifts before Thanksgiving and occasionally even earlier when cold snaps arrive in early November. Alta averages around 540 inches of snowfall per season and typically benefits from the Wasatch’s efficient lake-effect storms—none of which have materialized yet this fall. So far, only 19 inches of snow have fallen and any snow accumulations lower down melted in the above-average temperatures.
Local skiers, many of whom pride themselves on Alta’s tradition of early-season powder days, have expressed disappointment but not surprise. Forecast models show above-average temperatures extending into late November, with no major winter systems expected to break through until early December at the earliest.
Alta is far from alone. Across the Intermountain West, several resorts have already postponed opening days or begun preparing contingency plans. Snowmaking crews are running whenever possible, but marginal temperatures—especially at mid-mountain elevations—are limiting production.
Meteorologists note that although long-range patterns appear unfavorable now, the switch to winter can still occur abruptly. A single strong storm cycle in early December could dramatically change the outlook, particularly in high-elevation resorts like Alta. For now, those of us out West have to keep on making the snow dance, maybe sacrifice something to Ullr, and hope for the best.
