- Snowbasin Resort closed its 2025-26 ski season early due to warm weather.
- General manager Davy Ratchford noted the challenge despite adequate precipitation levels.
- Visitors celebrated with a festive atmosphere, enjoying the slopes and various activities.
HUNTSVILLE, Weber County — Snowbasin Resort marked its closing day of the 2025-26 ski season on Sunday.
It lamented the weeks-early end of a disappointing winter while also celebrating with guests over what workers and visitors alike recognized as a good run.
Temperatures in the area were near 60 degrees on Sunday afternoon in a weather pattern that recently brought 80-degree temperatures to many Wasatch Front valley locations.
"Warm temperatures is really the thing that got us this year, because there was plenty of precipitation," Snowbasin Resort general manager Davy Ratchford said during an interview with KSL. "Even with our amazing snow-making system, we were only able to make snow during a shorter period of time, and that's something that we wish we didn't have — all the resorts wish we didn't have."
In a social media video, Ratchford called the year "maybe one of the more challenging seasons in history."
He said the resort had prided itself in recent years on closing late in the season.
"It's a bit of a bummer that way, but people have been great, and our guests are just amazing, so yeah, kind of a crazy year, this one," Ratchford said.
Ratchford urged others to support the state's 25,000 ski industry employees, since the weather ultimately affected their ability to work the hours they needed.
The resort's parking lot was packed on Sunday — including tailgaters — and visitors were met inside the resort with a DJ, live music and a celebratory atmosphere.
While some skiers and snowboarders dressed in costumes for a costume competition, others even wore swimwear as they made their way down the slopes.
Several said the skiing was solid despite neighboring hillsides that were almost completely void of snow.
"I mean, we found some moguls, and other than some bare spots at the bottom, it was actually quite good," Jennifer Fiersteif said.
JD Eskelson said he enjoyed the closing day.
"We got word they were closing like a month early," Eskelson said. "It's a super Sunday, bluebird — we made it happen."
Alexandra Bund and Jacob Randolph were visiting from Southern California and came to Snowbasin with their grandfather.
"I think the atmosphere is wonderful — I think it's so positive and welcoming," Bund said. "It's such a vibe. I love it!"
For some, the visit to Snowbasin meant more than just skiing or snowboarding.
Ty Gagnon came with his daughters, Adalinn and Sadie.
"We invented a thing called 'daddy's day' — this is their gift to daddy," Gagnon said. "It's a special year, special memories. This is like the sixth year in a row that we've been up here. These guys started out at 2. Special days. Special days here at Snowbasin."
