Aspen Skiing Faces Climate Change Test

Make no mistake, Aspen Skiing's resilience in the face of climate change is about to be put to the test. This season's dismal snowfall — with Buttermilk and Highlands closing prematurely — has already sparked comparisons to the infamous winter drought of 1976/77. That year, Aspen's ski industry was forced to adapt, leading to the installation of snowmaking systems. The question is, what's the plan this time around?

The short version: Aspen Skiing's ability to host high-profile events like the World Cup, X Games, and Snow League is a notable achievement. However, the fact that these events were successful doesn't mask the underlying issues, namely, the lack of snow. It's worth watching how the company responds to this challenge, particularly in terms of investing in snowmaking infrastructure.

Aspen Times' columnist Lorenzo Semple notes that this season will be "dissected, scrutinized and studied" in the years to come. Semple's right; the 2025/26 ski season will be a case study in how resorts function during drought years. Every aspect of the resort's operations; from snowmaking to staffing - will be analyzed. The fact that Aspen Skiing managed to host major events despite the poor snow conditions is a notable achievement, but it's not a guarantee of future success.

The numbers are stark. This season's snowfall has been significantly below average, and the consequences are already being felt. Businesses are hurting, and fingers are being pointed. It's not hard to see why. when the snow doesn't fall, the economic impact is real. That's what makes Semple's suggestion to prioritize top-to-bottom snowmaking at Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass so intriguing. It's a costly proposition, to be sure, but it could be the ultimate insurance policy against future droughts.

Read that again: the ultimate insurance policy. It's a phrase that gets to the heart of the issue. Aspen Skiing's long-term viability depends on its ability to adapt to a changing climate. Snowmaking is just one part of the equation, but it's a crucial one. The fact that Semple is willing to acknowledge the potential downsides, physical, financial, political, and ethical; is a sign that the conversation is becoming more nuanced.

As the community looks to the future, it's worth asking what other measures Aspen Skiing is taking to mitigate the effects of rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns. Is the company investing in sustainable practices? Are there plans to reduce waste and energy consumption? These are the kinds of questions that need to be answered, particularly as the ski industry looks to reduce its carbon footprint.

The fact is, things can get a whole lot worse in Aspen. Climate change is a reality, and it's not going away anytime soon. That's why it's so important for Aspen Skiing to take a proactive approach to addressing the issue. It's not just about this season or next; it's about the long-term health of the industry.

In the end, it's not about whether this is the "worst season ever" or not. It's about what comes next. Will Aspen Skiing take the necessary steps to ensure its resilience? The community will be watching to see how the company responds to these challenges.

A New Normal?

Aspen Skiing's response to this season's challenges will set the tone for the industry as a whole. It's a chance to redefine what it means to be a sustainable ski resort, and to create a model that can be replicated elsewhere. The question is, will the company take it? Folks around here are waiting to see what happens next. The community is eager to support a resort that prioritizes the environment and the local economy. It's a tall order, but it's one that Aspen Skiing is capable of fulfilling. The real question is, will they?