Skiers Wear Bikinis Amid Record Heat as Resorts Scramble to Gather Any Remaining Snow to Fill Slopes

**Climate Change Forces Skiers to Swap Snow Gear for Swimwear Amid Unprecedented Warmth**

As record-breaking temperatures sweep across the western United States, ski resorts are facing an unprecedented crisis that has seen over half of them close early or remain shut entirely this winter. In scenes reminiscent of summer rather than winter sports, some skiers have been spotted donning swimwear and even bikinis while navigating the slopes, showcasing an alarming shift in seasonal expectations.

At Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico, emergency measures were required to keep trails open. Resort operators had to bulldoze and transport snow from less accessible areas of the mountain to maintain adequate coverage. This peculiar approach highlights the extraordinary conditions this winter, which have driven many skiers to break out their swimwear as temperatures soared between 20 and 30 degrees Fahrenheit above average.

One of the skiers, Maylyn Bubala, 19, a student at Oregon State University, conveyed her astonishment at the unusual warmth. “The rising temperatures, it’s pretty insane,” she remarked while sporting an athletic bikini top during a skiing outing. Bubala is also keenly aware of the environmental implications, having recently researched the impact of early snowmelt on ecosystems.

The latest data from the National Weather Service notes that numerous locations in the western U.S. have experienced record high temperatures, with more than 150 sites surpassing previous records just days before the ski season’s end on March 26. Climate scientists, including Daniel Swain, warn that the current snowpack levels are likely to be the lowest on record across multiple ski destinations, attributing these conditions to long-term climate change trends.

“This was a remarkably bad snow year, not just in one basin but across the region,” Swain stated. He described the overall situation as an astonishing manifestation of warmth throughout the West, emphasising the broader implications for local economies and ecosystems.

These warmer temperatures not only threaten winter sports but also increase the risk of wildfires in typically snow-covered areas. Furthermore, water supply concerns are rising for major cities that depend on snowmelt to sustain their reservoirs. This is particularly pressing for locations such as Phoenix and Las Vegas, which rely heavily on the Colorado River fed by melting snow.

The impact on the ski industry, a critical component of the regional economy, has been stark. Many resorts have faced forced closures in an unusually short season. Mt. Shasta Ski Park in California, for example, announced its closure in early March, revealing it had only completed 55 days of skiing instead of the typical season guarantee of 60 days. The general manager, Brendan Hickey, indicated that the resort was prompted to shut down due to the “terribly warm” forecast and a lack of snow.

Similarly, Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort reported its own closure around the same time, citing similar “unseasonably warm conditions.” Such occurrences are becoming endemic, raising alarm among locals and business owners dependent on winter sports tourism.

As resorts continue to navigate this challenging climate reality, skiers and snowboarders are being forced to adapt to the unusual circumstances. Many are taking to the slopes with little more than t-shirts or swimsuits, redefining what a ski day entails.

This unfolding situation serves as a stark reminder of the tangible effects of climate change on seasonal patterns and natural environments. With each passing year, the reality of having a reliable winter sports season grows less certain, leaving both skiers and those who depend on the industry to wonder what the future holds for winter sports in the West.

The uncharacteristic warmth and early closures seen this season signal potential long-term changes that could reshape the landscape of outdoor recreation in the region. As more skiers find themselves trading skis for surfboards, it remains imperative for society to address the root causes of climate change, ensuring future generations can enjoy the seasonal activities that have long been a tradition in the western U.S.