Researchers Assessed Future Rocky Mountain Ski Seasons

A study published in September 2026 analyzed climate impacts on 98 ski resorts across the Western United States.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Skiing

Bold vector editorial illustration of a solitary steel ski lift frame against a jagged mountain peak, evoking climate study findings. — University of Wyoming researchers analyzed climate impacts on 98 Western U.S. ski resorts, projecting seasonal reliability through 2066. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Is now a good time to reconsider long-term travel plans for winter sports?

University of Wyoming researchers examined 98 ski resorts to project how rising temperatures and shifting snowfall patterns will affect ski season reliability through 2066. The study utilized high-resolution climate modeling to determine risk levels for major locations in the Rocky Mountains.

Why it matters

Changes in natural snow frequency at varying elevations threaten the future reliability of winter sports tourism in the Western U.S. Understanding these climate risks helps resorts and travelers anticipate potential shifts in seasonal availability.

The study analyzed 98 total resorts using a 1.3-kilometer resolution climate model, focusing on 36 categorized sites in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana. Researchers expect significant reductions in natural ski days for early-season holiday periods by 2066.

The players

University of Wyoming

This public research university in Laramie conducted the climate study on mountain resilience.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

This prominent Wyoming ski area is expected to shift from a low to moderate climate risk status.

Grand Targhee

This resort is recognized in the study for its high natural snow volume but faces a shift in risk profile.

The details

Researchers categorized 36 Rocky Mountain ski resorts into four distinct risk levels based on climate simulations covering 2032 to 2066. While resorts like Grand Targhee, Alta, and Snowmass hold the most natural snow, others including Sundance, Park City, and Deer Valley face the largest increases in climate risk scores.

1990-2024: Historic climate data collection period.
September 2026: Publication of the climate study.
2032-2066: Future climate model simulation period.

Season Trajectory

This research shifts the focus from general warming trends to specific resort-level outcomes that will likely influence future capital investments in snowmaking infrastructure. By categorizing risk levels across 36 sites, the study establishes a new benchmark for competitive balance in the industry.

Travelers planning early-season trips for Thanksgiving or Christmas may face a higher probability of limited natural snow conditions at resorts identified as high-risk by 2066. The data highlights a projected 25% reduction in Thanksgiving-period ski days, impacting long-term vacation reliability.

The takeaway

Climate modeling indicates that early-season ski conditions will become increasingly volatile for many Western resorts over the coming decades. Skiers may need to adjust their expectations for early holiday trips as elevations and natural snow frequency face new pressures.