Despite a winter characterized by unpredictable weather patterns and fluctuating snowfall across many regions, the spirit of skiing and snowboarding is far from extinguished in the United States. As of mid-May, a select number of resorts are defying the conventional end-of-season timeline, offering enthusiasts the chance to carve turns well into the spring. While the majority of these late-season holdouts are located in the western United States, a few hardy destinations in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Michigan are also extending their operational periods. This extended season, while a boon for skiers, also serves as a barometer for the unique climatic conditions experienced throughout the 2025-2026 winter.
The Final Frontier: Identifying the Last Resorts
The landscape of open ski areas in the U.S. is rapidly diminishing, with only a handful of resorts still operating. As of the publication date, approximately eight resorts remain open, but this number is set to shrink further. Three of these are scheduled to cease operations by the end of the upcoming weekend, with several more planning to close in the subsequent week. For a few, however, the closing date remains fluid, dependent on continued favorable conditions and skier demand.
Key Resorts Extending the Season:
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Arapahoe Basin, Colorado: Nestled high in the Rocky Mountains, Arapahoe Basin has long been a bastion of late-season skiing. Known for its challenging terrain and consistent snowpack at high elevations, the resort is a perennial favorite for those seeking to extend their winter sports experience. Its projected closing date is May 17th. The resort’s elevation, typically above 10,500 feet, plays a crucial role in preserving its snowpack long after lower-elevation resorts have shuttered. This strategic advantage allows Arapahoe Basin to maintain viable skiing conditions well into May, and sometimes even June, during particularly robust snow years.
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Black Mountain, New Hampshire: Representing a smaller, independent ski area, Black Mountain in New Hampshire is a testament to the dedication of its operators and local community. Extending its season into mid-May underscores a commitment to providing more skiing opportunities. Its planned closing date is May 17th. The presence of an East Coast resort this late in the season is noteworthy, especially given the varied winter experienced in New England. This achievement often relies on a combination of natural snowfall and diligent snowmaking efforts, particularly during the crucial late-season weeks.
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Boyne Mountain, Michigan: Located in northern Michigan, Boyne Mountain is a significant destination for Midwestern skiers. While currently operating on weekends only, the resort is aiming for a Memorial Day weekend closing, a goal that would significantly prolong its season. The exact closing date is yet to be determined, pending snow conditions. The ability of a Michigan resort to remain open into late May speaks to either a remarkably strong late-season snowfall or a very effective snowmaking operation that can sustain a base through warmer temperatures. This extended operation can provide a vital economic boost to the local community during what would typically be an off-season.
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Jay Peak, Vermont: Another East Coast contender, Jay Peak in Vermont is renowned for its abundant snowfall and challenging, natural terrain. The resort has announced its intention to close on May 17th. Jay Peak’s reputation for receiving some of the highest snowfall totals in the eastern United States often allows it to maintain operational viability later into the spring than many of its regional counterparts. Its location, subject to powerful lake-effect snow and Nor’easters, contributes to its ability to retain snowpack deep into May.
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Killington Resort, Vermont: Dubbed the "Beast of the East," Killington Resort is a powerhouse in Vermont’s ski industry. While no definitive closing date has been set, the resort is targeting a Memorial Day weekend closure. This ambitious goal, if achieved, would mark a significant extension of their season. Killington’s extensive infrastructure, including advanced snowmaking capabilities and a variety of terrain aspects, allows it to manage snow conditions effectively. The resort’s commitment to a late-season operation often depends on its ability to groom and maintain specific, higher-elevation slopes that retain snow longer.
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Mammoth Mountain, California: Commanding the Sierra Nevada landscape, Mammoth Mountain is a California icon known for its vast terrain and impressive snow depths. As of the latest reports, its closing date remains TBD, indicating the potential for a prolonged season. Mammoth’s high elevation and susceptibility to significant Pacific storm systems often result in deep snowpacks that can last well into the summer months on its upper reaches. The resort’s ability to stay open is a direct reflection of the substantial snow accumulation it receives.
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Palisades Tahoe, California: Situated in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, Palisades Tahoe is a premier California destination with a storied history in skiing. The resort has set its closing date for May 24th. This extended operational period is a testament to the considerable snowfall the region typically experiences, and the resort’s efforts to manage and preserve that snowpack for a later season. Its iconic status and the appeal of its challenging terrain draw crowds seeking to experience its slopes even as spring begins to take hold in the valleys below.
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Timberline Lodge, Oregon: Perched on Mount Hood, Timberline Lodge is a historic and visually striking ski area in Oregon. Its closing date is currently TBD, leaving open the possibility of a late-season conclusion. Timberline’s high-altitude location and its position as a prominent feature on Mount Hood often allow it to retain snow exceptionally well. The mountain’s ability to capture and hold snow, combined with potentially cooler spring temperatures at its elevation, can facilitate a longer operational window.
Context of the 2025-2026 Winter Season
The current extended ski season occurs against the backdrop of a winter that has presented challenges for many ski resorts across the United States. While specific data for the entirety of the 2025-2026 season is still being compiled and analyzed by meteorological agencies and ski industry bodies, anecdotal evidence and early reports suggest a season marked by regional variability.
Some areas, particularly in the Intermountain West and parts of the Pacific Northwest, may have experienced near-average to above-average snowfall, enabling resorts like Mammoth Mountain and Palisades Tahoe to maintain healthy snow bases. Conversely, other regions, including parts of the Northeast and Midwest, may have faced milder temperatures and less consistent snowfall, making it more difficult for resorts to achieve their typical operational lengths.
The presence of these eight resorts at this late stage in the season highlights the impact of microclimates, elevation, and advanced snow management techniques. Resorts that are situated at higher elevations, such as Arapahoe Basin and Timberline Lodge, benefit from colder temperatures that preserve snowpack. Furthermore, resorts with sophisticated snowmaking capabilities, like Killington, can supplement natural snowfall and extend their seasons by carefully grooming and maintaining slopes. The unique atmospheric conditions that deliver snow to specific mountain ranges, such as the Sierra Nevada for Palisades Tahoe and Mammoth, or the Green Mountains for Jay Peak and Killington, also play a significant role.
Analysis of Implications
The extension of the ski season by these resorts carries several important implications:
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Economic Impact: For the communities surrounding these resorts, an extended season translates to continued revenue streams from tourism, hospitality, and local businesses. Ski instructors, lift operators, restaurant staff, and retail employees can maintain employment for longer periods, providing a vital economic stimulus during what would otherwise be a shoulder season.
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Recreational Opportunities: The extended season offers a valuable opportunity for dedicated skiers and snowboarders to extend their passion. It allows for more time to enjoy the sport, practice skills, and experience the unique conditions of spring skiing, which can include softer snow and warmer temperatures.
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Climate Indicators: The success of these late-season resorts can serve as a partial indicator of regional climate resilience. While not a definitive measure of overall climate health, the ability of certain mountain environments to retain snowpack and support operations into May and beyond can reflect the impact of specific weather patterns and the effectiveness of resort management strategies in adapting to them. Conversely, the struggles of other resorts to open or maintain operations throughout a standard season can highlight the broader challenges posed by a warming climate.
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Industry Adaptation: The resorts that are successfully extending their seasons are often those that have invested in infrastructure, such as advanced snowmaking technology, and have developed expertise in snow grooming and management. This may indicate a trend towards greater investment in adaptive technologies and strategies within the ski industry to mitigate the impacts of variable winter conditions.
Looking Ahead
As the remaining resorts assess their snowpack and operational viability, the closing dates will become clearer in the coming weeks. The end of the ski season for these dedicated locations will mark the conclusion of a winter that, while perhaps inconsistent in places, has nonetheless offered significant opportunities for snow sports enthusiasts across the nation. The resilience shown by these late-season resorts underscores the enduring appeal of skiing and snowboarding and the adaptive capabilities of the industry in the face of evolving environmental conditions. The data and experiences from this season will undoubtedly inform strategies for future winters, as resorts continue to navigate the complexities of a changing climate.
