Industry News
The 2024–25 ski season in North America was one of the most eventful in recent memory, marked by inconsistent snowfall, major resort expansions, labor strikes, and shifting dynamics across the industry. From transformative infrastructure projects at top destinations to ski patrols walking off the job in high-profile disputes, the season was a reflection of both the ski world’s growing pains and its resilience.
As mountains adapted to changing weather patterns and rising skier demand, and workers pushed for better pay and conditions, the winter unfolded with no shortage of headline-making moments. Here’s a look at the biggest and most impactful stories that defined the season.
#5 Lift Accidents
The 2024–25 ski season witnessed several significant lift-related incidents across North America, raising concerns about equipment safety and maintenance.
At Heavenly Mountain Resort in Lake Tahoe, California, a malfunction on the Comet Express chairlift led to a collision between two chairs, causing five riders to fall approximately 30 feet. The individuals were hospitalized with injuries, and the lift was subsequently closed pending investigation.
In December, at Winter Park, Colorado, ski patrol conducted a major rescue operation after an “operational malfunction” on the resort’s gondola stranded between 150 and 175 people. The malfunction, caused by a cracked metal piece on a lift tower, led to the shutdown of other lifts so staff could assist with the evacuation and some guests reported waiting over five hours to be rescued.
At Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in British Columbia, a gondola cabin on the Golden Eagle Express fell approximately one meter after a lift hanger broke. Eight passengers were inside; none suffered serious injuries. The gondola closed for weeks while a full inspection and investigation was conducted.
In New Hampshire, a chair on the Flying Bear lift at Attitash Mountain Resort detached due to mechanical failure, resulting in a 20-foot fall for the occupant. The individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital. At Montana Snowbowl, a chairlift fell to the ground in the loading zone. Thankfully, nobody was on the chair, and nobody was injured. Similarly, at Mission Ridge, Washington, a chairlift malfunction occurred when an unoccupied chair detached from the haul rope.
Combined with multiple accidents where guests fell off chairlifts, including a man who died after falling off a chair at Red Lodge Mountain, Montana, these incidents underscore the importance of rigorous maintenance and safety protocols in ski resort operations. Were the abnormally large number of chairlift incidents this season a fluke or a concerning trend?
#4 La Niña’s Volatile Weather Impact
While many resorts performed at average or above for season snowfall totals in 2024–25, the La Niña weather pattern heavily shaped the season, bringing significant challenges for many resorts.
Early in the season, low snowpacks plagued Colorado and California through December and January, leading to limited terrain openings and financial strain during the critical holiday period. When heavy storms finally arrived in February, unstable snowpacks triggered a series of deadly avalanches. At Mammoth Mountain, a ski patroller was killed during avalanche mitigation work, while inbounds avalanches at Big Sky and Palisades Tahoe highlighted widespread instability.
In the Southwest, drought conditions persisted, with resorts in New Mexico, Arizona, and Southern California receiving less than 100 inches of snow for the season. Areas that performed on average or better included the Pacific Northwest and Utah, including Alyeska, Alaska, who received over 700 inches on the season. The Northeast performed well, especially Jay Peak, Vermont, which had over 400 inches of snow, outpacing many western resorts.
Climate variability like La Niña creates extreme swings between drought and heavy storms, complicating snow management, increasing avalanche risk, and putting financial pressure on resorts that rely on consistent winter conditions for safe operations and profitability.
#3 Capital Expenditures
Improvements across ski areas was another trend of the 2024–25 ski season as there were substantial capital investments across North American resorts, focusing on lift upgrades, terrain expansions, and infrastructure enhancements.
Big Sky Resort in Montana introduced the Madison 8, the world’s longest eight person lift, doubling uphill capacity and reducing ride time by 30%. Additionally, the Swift Current 6, North America’s fastest six-person chairlift, increased uphill capacity by 50%. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Banff Sunshine, and Lake Louise also implemented significant lift upgrades to improve skier flow and access.
Terrain expansions were notable at several resorts. Deer Valley Resort in Utah began its “Expanded Excellence” initiative, adding over 300 new skiable acres and three new chairlifts, marking the start of a massive 3,700-acre expansion. Powder Mountain in Utah installed four new lifts, including the Paradise detachable quad, enhancing access to advanced terrain. Sun Peaks Resort in British Columbia introduced the West Bowl Express, opening up the mountain’s highest skiable terrain.
Beyond lifts and terrain, many resorts invested in snowmaking systems, grooming fleets, and infrastructure. Sun Peaks commenced a multi-year snowmaking enhancement project, adding tower-mounted fan guns and new grooming equipment. Big Sky Resort expanded employee housing with the completion of Levinski Lodge Buildings B & C, providing over 200 beds within walking distance to the resort. These investments reflect the industry’s commitment to improving guest experience and operational efficiency.
#2 Ownership and Business Model Transitions
This season witnessed significant ownership transitions across North American resorts, reflecting evolving strategies to balance exclusivity, public access, and financial sustainability.
At Utah’s Powder Mountain, Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings invested $100 million to revitalize the resort, introducing a hybrid model. This approach designates over 2,000 acres as a private enclave named Powder Haven, accessible to homeowners and members paying annual fees up to $100,000, while maintaining public access to other areas. Hastings’ vision includes infrastructure upgrades and integrating art installations to enhance the resort’s appeal.
In New York, Windham Mountain Club continued its private model, offering memberships starting at $200,000, granting exclusive amenities and early slope access. While the resort will still be offering day tickets to the public, those will be limited, and the resort will no longer be on the Ikon Pass after the 2024-25 season.
In the past, Homewood Mountain Resort in California faced community pushback over plans to become a private club. Responding to public concern, developers committed to preserving public access, ensuring availability of day tickets and season passes, while proceeding with redevelopment plans, including a new gondola.
Meanwhile, POWDR Corp. took a contrarian move to divest its resort portfolio by selling Vermont’s Killington and Pico resorts to a local investor group, along with announcing it would sell Mt. Bachelor, Oregon, Eldora, Colorado, and SilverStar, British Columbia. Later, it ultimately decided to retain ownership of Mt. Bachelor, indicating a strategic reassessment of its portfolio.
These developments underscore a trend towards diversified resort models, balancing exclusivity with public access, and highlighting the industry’s adaptive strategies in a changing economic landscape.
#1 Labor Disputes
Perhaps the year’s biggest story was at Park City Mountain Resort, Utah, when approximately 200 ski patrollers initiated a 13-day strike on December 27, 2024, during the peak holiday season. The Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association sought increased wages and benefits, including raising the starting hourly wage from $21 to $23, better compensation for experienced patrollers, and improved parental leave policies. The strike led to significant operational disruptions, with the resort operating at about 17% capacity, causing long lift lines and safety concerns.
On January 8, 2025, the union and Vail Resorts reached a new agreement, which included a $2 per hour raise for entry-level patrollers, average increases of $4 per hour for tenured staff, and up to $7.75 more for the most experienced members. The contract also featured enhanced parental leave and educational opportunities.
The Park City strike influenced negotiations at other resorts. At Keystone Resort in Colorado, the Keystone Ski Patrol Union, formed in 2024, reached its first contract agreement with Vail Resorts in February 2025. The contract provided a $2.50 per hour increase for entry-level patrollers and over $8 more for senior team leads. It also included incentives for specialized skills and certifications, aiming to make ski patrolling a sustainable career.
Meanwhile, at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, lift mechanics were engaged in contract negotiations with Vail Resorts, reflecting a growing movement among ski industry workers advocating for fair compensation and improved working conditions. Additionally, patrollers at Arapahoe Basin, Colorado, Whitefish, Montana, Solitude, Utah, and Eldora, Colorado all recently unionized.
These labor actions underscore a broader shift in the ski industry, as workers increasingly organize to address wage disparities and advocate for sustainable careers in mountain operations.
Other Notable Headlines
- Pushing the Age Limit: Lindsey Vonn’s Historic Podium at Age 40: At 40 years old, Lindsey Vonn made a stunning return to ski racing by claiming a silver medal in the Super-G at the 2024–25 FIS World Cup Finals in Sun Valley, becoming the oldest woman to ever podium in an Alpine World Cup event. Her comeback, after a six-year retirement and a knee replacement, highlighted a broader trend of older athletes excelling at the highest levels—seen also in podium finishes by Lara Gut-Behrami and Federica Brignone, both in their 30s. Advancements in sports science, recovery methods, and training, along with the value of experience and mental resilience, are reshaping perceptions of athletic longevity across skiing and other elite sports.
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International Sports Community Shares Strong Reactions to Mikaela Shiffrin’s Historic 100th World Cup Victory: On February 23, Mikaela Shiffrin made history by earning her 100th World Cup victory in Sestriere, Italy, solidifying her status as one of the greatest alpine skiers of all time. The achievement drew widespread admiration from across the sports world, with fellow athletes, including Roger Federer and Franz Klammer, praising her unmatched skill, consistency, and humility. Beyond the milestone itself, many tributes celebrated Shiffrin not only as a dominant competitor but also as a gracious and inspiring presence in the sport.
- 3 Men, Including Pro Snowboarder and Guide, Killed by Avalanche in British Columbia While Waiting for Heli Pickup: Three heli-skiers were killed and one critically injured in a natural avalanche on March 24, 2025, near Kaslo, British Columbia, while waiting for pickup in the Clute Creek watershed during a guided trip with Stellar Heli Skiing. The victims included Stellar Heli Skiing owner Jason Remple, pro snowboarder Jeff Keenan, and North Face marketer Alex Pashley. The avalanche struck under high danger conditions (4 out of 5), marking Canada’s fifth to seventh avalanche fatalities of the season and prompting an ongoing investigation by the BC Coroners Service.
- Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, CO, Adds Unlimited Ikon Pass Access for 2025-26 Season: Starting in the 2025–26 season, Arapahoe Basin will offer unlimited access to full Ikon Pass holders, ending a six-year restriction and significantly expanding access to the resort. Ikon Base Pass users will still be limited to five days, while A-Basin continues to sell its own pass and pack options. The resort will also maintain its weekend and holiday parking reservation system, which has successfully reduced congestion and improved sustainable transportation rates.
As the 2024–25 ski season comes to a close, it’s clear that this winter was about more than just powder days and podiums. From historic athletic milestones and groundbreaking resort investments to labor movements and lift safety concerns, the season reflected both the passion and complexity of modern skiing. These top storylines underscore how the ski industry continues to evolve—pushed forward by innovation, challenged by climate variability, and shaped by the people who live and work in the mountains. As we look ahead, the lessons and momentum from this season will no doubt carry into the next.
