2 California Ski Resorts Forced to Close for the Season Due To Lack of Snow

In California, two ski resorts have announced an early end to their seasons, deeply affected by the unusually mild weather and disproportionately low snow levels experienced this winter. The Mt. Shasta Ski Park, located in McCloud, and the Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort in Pinecrest both concluded their operations for the 2025/2026 season over the weekend, demonstrating the growing impact of climate change on winter sports.

In a video posted on March 10, Brendan Hickey, the general manager of Mt. Shasta Ski Park, explained the closure decision. The resort had only managed to operate for 55 days out of its guaranteed 60 days for the season, which began on December 27. Hickey attributed the early shutdown to “terribly warm” conditions, emphasising that there was a “zero chance of precipitation” in the forecast. The resort has assured pass holders that they will receive credits via email due to the shortened season.

Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort followed suit, announcing its closure on March 13 across its social media platforms and website. The 75-year-old resort cited the same “unseasonably warm conditions” for its decision. In a statement, the management expressed hopes for a potential resumption of operations should significant snowfall occur later in the season, assuring patrons that updates would be provided as the situation evolves.

Unfortunately, the likelihood of any substantial snowfall in the near future seems bleak. The National Weather Service is predicting an unprecedented heatwave for mid-March across large swathes of California, with temperatures in northern and central areas expected to soar above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Reports indicate that by March 16, the statewide snowpack for California was only at 45% of the average levels. Even more concerning, the northern and central regions were recording snowpack levels of just 24% and 48%, respectively.

Conversely, ski resorts at higher elevations on the eastern edge of California continue to function as normal. Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and Palisades Tahoe are among those still open, providing relief to enthusiasts who are still keen to hit the slopes.

These closures are part of a broader trend linked to climate change, particularly affecting the ski industry in the United States. According to a study conducted in 2023, the average ski season has shortened by 5.5 to 7.1 days when comparing the years 2000 to 2019 with those from 1960 to 1979. Projections indicate a worrying future, where the ski seasons in various regions could shrink between 14 and 62 days by the 2050s, contingent upon how effectively carbon emissions are curbed.

Daniel Swain, a climate scientist from the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, shared insights into how warming climates could lead to an increase in the frequency and intensity of major snowstorms, especially at higher elevations. “We actually do see an increased likelihood of very large single snow events in a warming climate,” he stated, citing February’s remarkable snowfall in the Sierra Nevada. This increase in atmospheric moisture has the potential to result in heavier snowfalls, even as the overall snowpack diminishes.

Nevertheless, the heightened risk of snow-related hazards cannot be overlooked. Swain points out that while major snowfalls may occur, they can drastically elevate the dangers associated with skiing, such as avalanches, tree wells, and snow immersion incidents. Heavy snow can also create instability beneath the surface layer, alongside reduced visibility.

As the ski industry grapples with these challenges, the recent closures of Mt. Shasta Ski Park and Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort serve as a stark reminder of the urgent realities surrounding climate change and its implications for outdoor activities. Seasonal changes are not merely weather fluctuations; they can significantly affect livelihoods and recreational opportunities in mountain communities.

For now, ski enthusiasts are left to ponder these developments while awaiting updates on possible snowfall and the re-opening of their favourite resorts. As the seasons continue to shift, the resilience of the ski industry will undoubtedly be tested in the coming years.