Utah’s 2025–26 Ski Season: A Story of Record Heat and Resilient Snowpacks

As the final lifts prepare to stop spinning this weekend at Snowbird and Brighton, the 2025–26 Utah ski and snowboard season is coming to a close. While the season will likely be remembered statistically as one of the most challenging in recent history, experts say the numbers tell a more complex story than a simple lack of precipitation.

The season, which officially concludes for most on May 10, was defined not by a "dry" winter, but by unprecedented warmth. According to meteorological data, the state experienced its warmest winter on record (December through February), followed immediately by the warmest March ever documented.

Season at a Glance:

• Final Closing Date: May 10, 2026 (Snowbird and Brighton)

• Key Statistic: Warmest meteorological winter and March on record for Utah.

• Alta Total Snowfall: 321 inches.

• Weather Trend: Shift from northwest cold troughs to southwest moist flows.

Warmth Over Water

Data from the Alta-Collins station in Little Cottonwood Canyon reveals that while snow totals were low, the season was not historically dry in terms of total water. In fact, since 1980, thirteen other seasons have seen less total water than the 2025–26 stretch.

The primary culprit for the lower snow totals was a shift in weather patterns. Instead of the cold, dry troughs typically arriving from the northwest, this winter was dominated by moist flows from the southwest. These warmer systems pushed snow levels higher up the mountains, resulting in denser snow that failed to accumulate to the legendary depths Utah is known for. This "heavy" snow particularly impacted lower-elevation resorts, while high-elevation terrain remained the primary haven for skiers.

The "Law of Averages" Returns

The below-normal totals follow a historic three-year run where Utah averaged nearly 700 inches of snow per season.

“The Law of Averages meant that after three incredible years, it was probably time for us to see something well below normal,” noted meteorologist Evan Thayer. “Sure enough, being overdue for a ‘bad’ season finally caught up to us.”

Still "The Greatest Snow on Earth"?

Despite the downturn, Utah’s "bad" year remains an envy of the industry. Alta’s season total of 321 inches, while well below its own average, outperformed the typical peak seasons of prominent resorts in Colorado, New England, and the northern Rockies.

Industry observers note that this season highlighted Utah’s consistency. While the year lacked the endless "deep powder" days of 2023 or 2024, the state’s high-altitude terrain allowed for a reliable season of spring skiing and sunny "bluebird" days that many other regions could not sustain under similar record heat.

Looking Ahead

As the 2025–26 season enters the history books, enthusiasts are already looking toward a rebound. Statistical trends suggest a high probability of a significantly stronger snowpack for the 2026–27 season.

For now, skiers and riders have one final weekend to enjoy the spring slush at Snowbird and Brighton before the focus shifts to the mountain biking and hiking trails of the Wasatch.