Buttermilk Ski Resort Closes Early Due to Current Conditions

Snowflakes fall gently on the empty slopes of Buttermilk Ski Resort — a stark contrast to the bustling winter scene that once was. The sound of silence is deafening, a reminder that the ski season has come to an abrupt end. Locals are left wondering what this means for them.

Buttermilk Ski Area closed for the 2025-26 winter season on March 25, two weeks ahead of schedule, due to "current conditions" — a vague explanation from Aspen Skiing Company. The original closing day was set for April 5, but it seems those plans have been scrapped. This will cost taxpayers and local businesses, that's what happens when a major tourist attraction shuts down early.

Aspen Skiing Company's statement expresses gratitude for the season, but doesn't elaborate on what "current conditions" actually means. The company thanks its employees, guests, and the community for making the season special, but doesn't address the impact of the early closure. Make no mistake, this closure will be felt; folks around here rely on the ski season for income. The community is left to wonder what could have been done to prevent this early closure. Was it a lack of snowfall, or something more? The company's statement doesn't provide any answers, leaving locals to speculate. Read that again; "current conditions" is not an explanation, it's a euphemism. The short version: this closure will have consequences.

Aspen Skiing Company has announced that it will keep the other resorts open as long as possible, with closing days set for April 12 for Snowmass and Highlands, and April 19 for Aspen Mountain. But for Buttermilk, the season is over, and that's a hard fact to swallow. Buttermilk Mountain Lodge will remain open for limited hours, but it's not the same as having the slopes open. The lodge will provide restrooms and lunch on Thursday and Friday, but it's a far cry from the bustling activity that once filled the resort. Skiing and riding will continue at other Aspen Snowmass resorts - Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Snowmass.

The impact will be felt for months to come, and it's worth watching how the community responds. For now, the slopes of Buttermilk remain empty, a reminder of what's been lost.