Utah Ski Resorts Gear Up After Record-Low Season

Ski Utah kicked off the new season as resorts navigate last year's historic snow drought and wildfire damage.

Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Skiing

Wide view of a Utah mountain ski slope under thin fresh snow, with a ski lift climbing a ridgeline past sparse pines and patches of exposed ground. — Ski Utah opened its new season on November 11 as resorts recover from last year's record-low snowfall and the summer 2025 Cottonwood Fire, which damaged Eagle Point Resort. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you plan to hit the slopes in Utah this ski season?

Ski Utah held its annual kickoff event on Wednesday, sharing what is new for skiers and snowboarders this season. Resorts are preparing after last season's snow totals, which were the worst in Utah history.

Why it matters

Low snowfall and wildfire damage have forced some Utah resorts to delay or forgo openings, affecting visitors and local ski businesses. Resorts are relying on incoming storms and community support to get back on track.

Brian Head Resort postponed its November 6 opening due to a lack of snow, while Snowbird is targeting Black Friday, November 27, for its opening day. Whether incoming storms will provide enough snow for these dates remains unclear.

The players

Ski Utah

Ski Utah is the statewide promotional organization for Utah's ski resorts, which hosts the annual season kickoff.

Eagle Point Resort

Eagle Point Resort is a Utah ski area near Beaver that was damaged by the Cottonwood Fire and is working to rebuild.

Brian Head Resort

Brian Head Resort is a southern Utah ski area that postponed its opening due to insufficient snowfall.

Snowbird

Snowbird is a major Utah ski resort in the Little Cottonwood Canyon area that is targeting Black Friday for its opening.

The details

Ski Utah held its annual kickoff event on Wednesday, November 11. Eagle Point Resort, damaged by the summer 2025 Cottonwood Fire, is unable to open and has planted 1,400 trees while receiving reciprocal passes and fundraising support from Ski Utah and resorts across the state.

Summer 2025: Cottonwood Fire damages Eagle Point Resort.
Last season (2024-25): Record-low snow totals recorded, the worst in Utah history.
November 6: Brian Head Resort's original opening date, later postponed.
Wednesday, November 11, 2026: Ski Utah annual kickoff event held.
Black Friday, November 27, 2026: Snowbird's targeted opening day.

Season Trajectory

Utah's resorts are opening this season under the shadow of the 2024-25 season, whose snow totals were the worst in state history. Whether this year's storms can reverse that deficit will determine how the season's competitive and financial outlook unfolds.

Skiers planning trips should check resort opening dates, since Brian Head Resort has postponed its opening and Snowbird is targeting Black Friday. Eagle Point Resort will remain closed as it rebuilds, with reopening expected in 2027-28.

The takeaway

Check resort-specific opening announcements before planning a ski trip this season, as snow conditions are still developing and openings can shift.

What happens next

Snowbird is targeting Black Friday, November 27, 2026, for its opening day, and Brian Head Resort's postponed opening date will depend on when enough snow falls.