The West's Melting Dream: The Collapse of an Iconic Ski Season

The U.S. West experiences its lowest snow levels in decades, severely impacting ski resorts. Many resorts are closing early or not opening at all due to record-low snowfall and an intense heatwave. Experts attribute this to long-term climate change, raising concerns about the sustainability of the winter sports industry.

In a season marked by abnormally mild winter and scorching spring temperatures, ski resorts across the U.S. West are grappling with unprecedented challenges. A lack of snow has forced resorts like Taos Ski Valley to take extraordinary measures to remain operational.

Park City, Utah was eerily quiet as businesses missed out on the usual vacation crowds, with snowfall at less than half the annual norm. Climate scientist Daniel Swain points to long-term climate change, noting that the snowpack is nearing historic lows.

The warming trend is seriously threatening the $20 billion U.S. ski and snowboard industry, reducing water supply crucial for cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas and escalating wildfire risks. Communities reliant on this industry are left scrambling as resorts from Vail to Breckenridge report significant downturns.

(With inputs from agencies.)