Warm Weather Delays Yet Another Ski Area Opening Day

Originally posted on Powder | By Izzy Lidsky | Last updated Nov 11, 2025 1:33 PM ET

A bit of unseasonably warm weather is plaguing much of the western US and making it increasingly difficult for ski areas to hit their targeted opening dates.

Utah is getting hit particularly hard by the warm temperatures and lack of precipitation as weather systems that could bring precipitation seem to keep missing the state.

Most recently, Solitude Resort announced that opening day would be delayed at least a couple of days, conditions dependent. The Utah ski area was originally slated to open on November 14, 2025, but as of yesterday, they're now hoping for a November 16 opening at the earliest.

The resort has received 19" of snow already this season, but recent temperatures reaching into the low 50s haven't done much to keep their snowpack around. More cold weather and a small storm are forecast to move into the area on Friday, which, combined with snowmaking efforts, could help Solitude start spinning lifts by their new target date.

Check out an aerial image of Solitude's current snow conditions below.

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Further south, Brian Head Resort has also delayed their opening day due to similar warm temperatures and lack of snow. Brian Head was originally scheduled to open on November 7, 2025, which would have made for their earliest opening on record and beat out their 2024 opening day of November 8.

The mountain announced a few days ago that their opening day would be delayed after all, but a new target date was not given at the time. As of Tuesday morning, Brian Head announced that November 21, 2025, is their new target opening date, weather permitting.

Brian Head will host a free rail jam on November 15, 2025, before lift operations begin in an effort to keep the opening day excitement high, despite the delay. The jam will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the base of Navajo Mountain.

Utah isn't the only part of the western US hurting for snow.

Tahoe ski area Mt. Rose delayed their opening date until they had enough of a base for a quality ski experience. Other ski areas in California and the PNW are anxiously watching forecasts as opening days in the next two weeks draw closer.

Longer range forecasts show more promising patterns for Utah and the rest of the western US. A low-pressure trough could come inland from the Gulf of Alaska early next week and bring a bit of snowfall with it. Southern Utah in particular could benefit from this storm as well as additional low pressure systems further out in the forecast.

This article first appeared on Powder and was syndicated with permission.

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