Utah’s ski resorts are gearing up for another record-breaking winter — but Mother Nature isn’t cooperating just yet. Despite nearly $600 million in upgrades made across the state’s 15 resorts, mild temperatures and limited snowfall are forcing some resorts to delay their openings, including Brian Head Resort, which has now pushed its start date to November 14.
Weather Delays the Start of Ski Season
Brian Head, located in southern Utah, had planned to open this weekend to kick off the 2025–26 ski season. But according to resort officials, recent warm spells have made snowmaking nearly impossible.
“We’re eager to welcome skiers and riders for another great season, but the warmer temperatures haven’t allowed us to capitalize on our snowmaking upgrades,” said Amber Palmer, Brian Head’s marketing manager. “Our mountain operations team is working hard every time the temperature drops so we can open as soon as possible.”
That new date puts Brian Head’s projected opening alongside Solitude Mountain Resort, which also plans to launch its season on November 14, weather permitting.
While October 2025 was one of the wettest on record for Salt Lake City, the state saw limited snow accumulation and wide temperature swings. KSL meteorologist Matt Johnson says a cold front moving across the Pacific Northwest could bring minor relief, but it’s expected to weaken before reaching most Utah mountain areas.
The National Weather Service forecasts only a light dusting for higher elevations this week — though a 20-degree temperature drop could help boost snowmaking in the Wasatch Range.
Opening Dates: Utah’s 15 Resorts (Subject to Change)
| Resort | Projected Opening |
|---|---|
| Brian Head Resort | Nov. 14 |
| Solitude Mountain Resort | Nov. 14 |
| Alta Ski Area | Nov. 21 |
| Park City Mountain | Nov. 21 |
| Snowbasin Resort | Nov. 28 |
| Snowbird | Nov. 28 |
| Woodward Park City | Nov. 28 |
| Deer Valley Resort | Dec. 1 (Nov. 29 for pass holders) |
| Powder Mountain | Dec. 12 |
| Eagle Point | Dec. 19 |
| Beaver Mountain | TBA |
| Brighton Resort | TBA |
| Cherry Peak Resort | TBA |
| Nordic Valley Resort | TBA |
| Sundance Mountain Resort | TBA |
“Everyone’s excited to get back on the slopes,” said Marc Lodmell, marketing manager at Solitude. “We want to be the first to open, but ultimately, it’s up to the weather.”
$600 Million in Resort Investments
Despite weather setbacks, Utah’s resorts have poured massive investments into infrastructure and guest amenities. According to Nathan Rafferty, president and CEO of Ski Utah, these upgrades total nearly $600 million between 2024 and 2026.
“These are big, efficiency-focused improvements,” Rafferty said. “They might not always look glamorous, but they make a huge difference in how guests move around the mountain — whether it’s gondolas, snowmaking, or avalanche safety.”
Highlights From Resort Upgrades
- Deer Valley Resort: Seven new lifts added as part of a major expansion to double its skiable terrain.
- Powder Mountain: Introducing a new “skiable museum” concept and expanded runs.
- Alta Ski Area: Four new Wyssen avalanche towers, a Supreme chairlift realignment, and ongoing expansion of its Albion Day Lodge.
- Beaver Mountain: Opening of Marge’s Cabin, a new lodge honoring longtime owner Marge Seeholzer.
- Brighton Resort: A new slopeside waffle restaurant and Snake Creek area improvements.
- Eagle Point: New condos with trailside access, plus a fitness center at Canyonside Lodge.
- Park City Mountain: Debuting the Sunrise Gondola — a 10-person lift improving access to Red Pine Lodge and beginner terrain.
- Snowbasin: Upgraded Becker Lift to a high-speed detachable quad and new RFID lift access to cut wait times.
- Snowbird: Opening The Nest, a new mid-mountain dining spot.
- Sundance Mountain Resort: Launching The Inn at Sundance, a 63-room ski-in/ski-out hotel with an art gallery and mountain expansion underway for 2026.
- Woodward Park City: New unlimited skiing and riding pass starting at $449.
Tourism Outlook Remains Strong
Utah’s ski industry continues to see remarkable growth. Last season brought 6.5 million skier visits and generated $2.51 billion in spending, according to a University of Utah study.
“I think it shows that skiers and snowboarders take Utah seriously,” said Jared Winkler, Brighton Resort’s vice president of marketing. “We’re seeing more people invest in the sport and in Utah itself.”
Ski Bus Service Returns
The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) will resume its popular ski bus routes this winter, connecting the Wasatch Front to major resorts. Service to Big and Little Cottonwood canyons, Powder Mountain, and Snowbasin begins November 23, while Sundance routes start December 20. Operations are expected to continue through mid-April, depending on snow conditions.
Despite the slow start, optimism runs high. With colder weather approaching and hundreds of millions invested in infrastructure, Utah’s ski resorts are poised for another strong season — as soon as the snow decides to fall.
