The 2025-2026 Western North American ski season has, for many enthusiasts, been a stark exercise in patience and resilience. The anticipated bounty of snow was largely absent, leaving mountains with thin cover, operational challenges, and a pervasive sense of dashed expectations. This widespread disappointment is not merely anecdotal; it is underscored by significant drops in skier visits and historical data confirming an unusually warm and dry winter across much of the Western United States. As the traditional season wanes, many are left seeking ways to salvage their winter passion and find quality snow. Fortunately, several destinations offer extended season opportunities, promising the epic skiing experience many feel they missed out on.
The Harsh Realities of the 2025-2026 Season
The winter of 2025-2026 will likely be remembered as one of the most challenging in recent memory for Western North American ski resorts. Vail Resorts, a major operator in the region, reported a significant decline in skier visits. Through January 4th, visits were down by 20% across its North American mountains. This downturn was directly attributed to what CEO Rob Katz described as one of the worst early-season snowfalls in the Western U.S. in over three decades.
Digging deeper into the data reveals the severity of the situation:
- Western U.S. Resorts: Vail Resorts’ Western U.S. properties experienced November and December snowfall approximately 50% below the 30-year average.
- Rocky Mountains: The situation was even more dire in the Rockies, with snowfall deficits nearing 60% below the 30-year average. This directly impacted operational capacity, with only about 11% of terrain open at Vail’s Colorado and Utah resorts in December.
- Persistent Deficits: Even by March 1st, overall skier visits remained down by 11.9%. Vail Resorts characterized the Rockies’ winter as its most challenging ever, noting the lowest snowfall in over 30 years at its Colorado and Utah resorts.
This decline in snowfall was not confined to ski resort operations; it represented a broader climatic trend. Colorado recorded its warmest winter on record for 2025-2026. Data compiled by NOAA confirmed that nine Western states experienced their warmest winters on record during the same period. The impact on snowpack was equally alarming. By early March, Colorado’s statewide snowpack stood at roughly 62% of its normal levels, with the Upper Colorado River Basin faring slightly worse at approximately 57% of average. Federal snow-drought monitoring indicated that these deficits worsened between February and early March due to persistent warmth, with projections pointing towards continued record heat and further deterioration of snow resources.
The consequences for ski areas were immediate and significant. In California, several ski resorts were forced to announce early season closures due to the inability to sustain operations on inadequate snowpack. Homewood, Dodge Ridge, Mt. Shasta Ski Park, and Badger Pass all curtailed their seasons prematurely. By mid-March, California’s statewide snowpack had dwindled to approximately 45% of its normal. This situation left many skiers and snowboarders feeling that their winter season had been cut short, with many resorts struggling to provide the quality conditions expected.
Seeking Solace: Extended Season Options
Despite the widespread disappointment, the ski season is not entirely over for those willing to travel. Several destinations are offering excellent conditions and the promise of late-season skiing and riding. These options provide a viable path for enthusiasts to extend their winter experience and recapture the joy of gliding on snow.
Option 1: Banff’s "Big Three" Offer Reliable Spring Skiing
For skiers and snowboarders in Western North America seeking a pragmatic and accessible extension to their season, the Canadian Rockies, specifically Banff, present a compelling solution. While many U.S. resorts grappled with insufficient snowfall, the Canadian Rockies emerged as a relative bright spot. Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mt. Norquay have maintained substantial snow coverage and terrain accessibility, offering genuine spring skiing potential.
As of March 23rd, the conditions at these resorts were particularly promising:
- Banff Sunshine: Reported 12 out of 12 lifts operational, with 130 of 139 trails open. The resort boasted a 209 cm base and a season-to-date snowfall of 738 cm, with its season scheduled to extend until May 18th.
- Lake Louise: Featured a robust 260 cm base on its upper mountain and a 191 cm base mid-mountain. All 13 of its lifts were running, with skiing available through May 3rd.
- Mt. Norquay: Reported "very good" coverage across the entire mountain following recent snowfall and cooler temperatures. Direct reports indicated a base of approximately 24 inches, with winter operations planned until April 19th.
These conditions are ideal for late-season skiing. A deep base ensures longevity, while overnight freezes create firm morning conditions that soften into enjoyable "hero snow" during warmer afternoons. Banff Sunshine, in particular, is renowned for its ability to hold snow well into May. Lake Louise offers a dynamic spring skiing experience, allowing participants to transition from crisp morning groomers to sun-drenched corn snow chases across the mountain. Mt. Norquay provides a more intimate, local feel with shorter laps and convenient access directly above the town.
Beyond the snow, the allure of skiing within Banff National Park cannot be overstated. The majestic peaks, glaciers, and dramatic alpine landscapes create a visually stunning backdrop. SkiBig3 promotes a combined offering of 8,000 acres across the three resorts. Logistically, Banff is easily accessible, located approximately a 90-minute drive from Calgary International Airport (YYC). The availability of airport shuttles and local transit options further simplifies travel, allowing visitors to minimize car dependency upon arrival.
For those looking to extend their 2026 ski season without undue logistical complexity, Banff offers a blend of substantial snow coverage, excellent spring conditions, a vibrant mountain town atmosphere, and the potential for truly quality skiing.
Option 2: Arctic Heli-Skiing in Iceland Offers an Unforgettable Adventure
For those seeking a more adventurous and unconventional way to extend their ski season, heli-skiing in Iceland presents a thrilling alternative. Arctic Heli-Skiing, operating in North Iceland, provides a unique experience characterized by remote helicopter-accessed terrain, dramatic volcanic mountains, and breathtaking fjord-to-sea descents. The company’s season runs from February through June, with excellent corn skiing conditions typically lasting until the end of June.
This extended season is particularly appealing for skiers who experienced a disappointing winter in North America. Arctic Heli-Skiing’s 2026 calendar still shows availability for May departures, with openings for 1-, 2-, 4-, and 6-day programs advertised on their last-minute seats page, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The period from May into early June is often considered the most magical for skiing in Iceland. This is the height of corn snow season, offering smooth, predictable snow, stable weather patterns, and incredibly long daylight hours, often extending into the evening. Iceland’s "bright nights" begin in May, culminating in the midnight sun in June, which effectively creates an almost limitless ski day. Imagine standing on a summit, surveying black volcanic ridges and the deep blue Arctic sea, before dropping into perfect spring turns that lead all the way down to the coast, with your helicopter awaiting below.
This experience offers a stark contrast to the challenges faced by many North American resorts. It provides a complete reset for skiers who may have felt demoralized by a lackluster season. Arctic Heli-Skiing eliminates lift lines, man-made snow concerns, and crowded slopes. Instead, it offers the purity of long Arctic daylight, consistently good spring snow, and one of the most memorable ski adventures available.
Option 3: South America’s Andes Provide a True Summer Ski Season
For the ultimate season extension, turning to the Southern Hemisphere offers a complete shift in perspective and a guaranteed snow experience. Chile’s Andes mountains, specifically the resorts of Portillo and Valle Nevado, become prime destinations as North America heads into summer.
While North America experiences warmer temperatures and transitions to other outdoor activities, the Andes are just coming alive. The logistical undertaking of reaching these destinations is surprisingly manageable. Valle Nevado is located approximately 44 miles from Santiago International Airport (SCL), with the drive typically taking 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Portillo is similarly situated, with a two-hour drive from Santiago. This means it’s feasible to fly into Santiago and be on Andean slopes the same day.
Portillo: The Iconic Bucket-List Destination
Portillo is a legendary name in skiing, famous for its striking yellow hotel perched above the stunning Laguna del Inca. The resort is celebrated for its challenging terrain, including steep bowls and chutes, set against a backdrop of dramatic alpine scenery. With 1,235 acres of skiable terrain, Portillo has long been a draw for advanced and expert skiers. Its intimate scale, historic charm, and breathtaking setting contribute to an experience that transcends a typical ski trip.
Valle Nevado: Modern Amenities and Extensive Terrain
Valle Nevado offers a larger, more contemporary resort experience. It emphasizes ski-in/ski-out lodging, comprehensive slope-side amenities, including restaurants, shops, and pools, and direct access to interconnected skiing with the neighboring resort of La Parva. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking convenience, modern infrastructure, and a full-service destination resort feel, all while enjoying high-altitude Andean skiing.
Compelling Early Booking Offers Enhance the Appeal
The timing for considering a South American ski trip is particularly opportune due to attractive early booking promotions for the 2026 season.
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Portillo: The 2026 season runs from June 20th to September 26th. An "Early Booking 2026" offer allows guests to secure 2025 rates by placing a 50% deposit before December 31st. For seven-day Ski Week bookings, Portillo is also including a complimentary night in Santiago, with options at the Ritz-Carlton Santiago or Bidasoa Eco Boutique Hotel, along with free round-trip transportation from Santiago for high-season Ski Week stays between July 12th and 26th. Additionally, "Kids Ski Free" promotions are available during low-season periods.
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Valle Nevado: The resort’s "Early Booking 2026" promotion is even more substantial. It includes 50% off stays of at least two nights from June 19th to July 3rd and again from September 11th until the end of the season. Discounts of 30% are available on select seven-night high-season stays, with 25% off various other periods and 20% off shorter 3- and 4-night stays. These packages typically include hotel lodging, breakfast and dinner, and an interconnected ski ticket with La Parva. However, these promotions require full payment by March 31st, 2026, and are subject to availability.
These Chilean destinations offer more than just an extension of the ski season; they provide a complete departure from the North American winter narrative. The experience involves sunlit flights, vast Andean vistas, dry, high-altitude snow, immersion in a different culture, and the sheer novelty of skiing while friends and family back home are discussing summer activities. For those whose 2026 winter fell short of expectations, Banff, Iceland, and Chile represent opportunities to create truly memorable skiing experiences, underscoring the importance of acting swiftly as prime bookings for these late-season destinations can fill up quickly.
