Western Resorts See Broad Slowdown as Whitefish Reports 8% Visitor Decline in Challenging Season

The 2025-26 winter season ended with only a few ski areas still operating across North America. Much of the western United States had warm temperatures, inconsistent snowfall, and shorter snowmaking windows, leading to visitation declines among major operators. Whitefish Mountain Resort in Montana recorded an 8% decrease in visitation versus 2024-25, attributed to low early-season snowfall and unusually warm conditions. A drier-than-normal December through February was followed by a late-season heat dome that produced the warmest March on record. Lodging revenue increased 5% compared to the prior season, providing some economic offset. The resort operates 110 named trails across about 3,000 skiable acres with a 2,353-foot vertical drop.

"Whitefish Mountain Resort in Montana recorded an 8% decrease in visitation compared to the 2024-25 season. In a May 19 town hall meeting, resort representatives pointed to a combination of low early-season snowfall and unusually warm conditions as key factors behind the decline."

"After a drier-than-normal December, January, and February, the region was impacted by a late-season heat dome that contributed to what meteorologists described as the warmest March on record for the area. Despite these conditions, Whitefish saw some economic offset through lodging, which increased 5% in revenue compared to last season."

"Across the broader western ski industry, the season was shaped by above-average temperatures and below-average snowfall, which limited both natural snow accumulation and snowmaking opportunities. Whitefish Mountain reported that suitable snowmaking conditions were limited at the base for much of the season, reducing operational flexibility during key periods."

"Temperatures averaged 30.7°F this winter, around 5.7°F above normal for the region, while snowfall reached roughly 70% of average at the summit and significantly less at lower elevations. The resort did benefit from strong short-term visitation during a December holiday s"

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