According to a report by PlanetSKI, the 2025/26 winter season has concluded with an unexpected late-season flurry. Both the Alps and the Rocky Mountains have received significant snowfall in early May, providing a surprising extension for resorts that remain operational.
Alpine Snowfall and Summer Operations
Les 2 Alpes has been a primary beneficiary of a major storm system that swept through the western and south-western Alps. Fraser Wilkin of weatherertoski.co.uk noted that the resort received 50-70cm of fresh snow at altitude, significantly bolstering conditions on the glacier and surrounding terrain. Similarly, the Zermatt/Cervinia region has reported strong snow accumulation, allowing for continued skiing below the glacier level.
While several glaciers remain open, including Hintertux, Stubai, and Kitzsteinhorn in Austria, some resorts are adjusting their schedules. Kaunertal has moved its closing date forward to May 17th due to a thinning snowpack. Notably, Hintertux has decided to end its 365-day skiing tradition, with plans to close on July 26th before resuming operations in September.
North American Updates
In the United States, Colorado experienced a late-season storm that brought fresh powder to areas like Loveland Pass. Arapahoe Basin is capitalizing on this by re-opening for a final weekend. However, industry experts describe this as a minor consolation after a winter season that saw the state's lowest snowpack in over a century and a nationwide decline in skier visits by approximately 9 million.
Conversely, Canada's Sunshine Village is celebrating a fairy-tale season. With mid-mountain bases reaching 1.82m, the resort plans to host a summer skiing session from late June through July, marking a rare opportunity for summer turns in the Canadian Rockies.
Southern Hemisphere Outlook
As the Northern Hemisphere transitions toward summer, the Southern Hemisphere is beginning to show signs of the approaching winter. Early, albeit temporary, snowfall has been recorded at resorts in Australia, including Lake Mountain, Mount Hotham, and Mount Buller, signaling the start of the seasonal transition.
