Record Heat Changes Skiing Landscape
As extreme temperatures sweep through Western ski resorts, ski jackets are being swapped out for bikinis. This unusual weather has led some skiers to hit the slopes in swimsuits, as record-breaking heat continues to melt snow across various regions.
The warm conditions and insufficient snowfall have compelled many resorts to either close early or delay their openings. Reports indicate that at New Mexico’s Taos Ski Valley, crews are now moving snow from far-flung parts of the mountain to keep trails accessible.
In Colorado, the situation appears even worse, with less than 20% of trails open at some resorts. Brown patches of dirt are taking the place of what used to be snow-covered slopes.
Nonetheless, some skiers are making the best of the remaining season, capturing their experiences on social media. Posts show individuals navigating muddy hills, often in minimal winter gear. “I highly recommend wearing a bikini top while skiing with your best friend,” one user suggested, while another quipped that “the annual bikini ski came early this year.”
A former ski lift worker commented on Reddit that it wasn’t uncommon for skiers to show up in tank tops and sports bras on warm days. Many returned home with bruises, a reminder that even on the slopes, caution is necessary as the snow can be harsh on bare skin.
Industry changes have already begun taking shape due to the lack of snow. Some resorts are adjusting strategies to attract younger visitors. For example, Vail Resorts has recently reduced Epic Pass prices by 20% for skiers and snowboarders aged 13 to 30 in a bid to draw in Gen Z travelers.
Leaders in the skiing sector note that younger tourists are increasingly viewing the activity as a social event, spurring resorts to expand their offerings to include concerts and various activities aside from traditional skiing.
This shift comes amid rising average ages of skiers in the U.S. and ongoing challenges posed by warmer winters, highlighting the need for resorts to adapt to a new reality.
