An abnormally warm winter for the Midwest is going out with a whimper. With the planet’s warmest January and (likely) February on record, the effect was felt across the Midwest ski industry. This past week, a warm front across the Midwest forced numerous ski areas to shut down for the season. We reported on Paoli Peaks in Indiana ending its season on Sunday, but there are quite a few mountains that have also given up due to insurmountable challenges.
Here are the latest ski areas that have pulled the plug on this season.
Snow Creek: A few Vail-owned Midwest ski resorts decided to throw in the towel. Snow Creek opened for the season on January 14th, but warm weather kept their season shorter than Missouri skiers and riders would have hoped. Skiing and snowboarding operations ended on February 22nd, with tubing shutting down on the 25th.
On the bright side for Kansas City skiers and riders, at least you guys won the Super Bowl.
Hidden Valley: Vail’s other Missouri ski resort, Hidden Valley, closed on February 25th, as it dealt with similar issues as Snow Creek. After closing, they shared this random video of a guy making two turns and getting out of his bindings.
Snowstar: Like last season, the Illinois ski area struggled to stay open due to the warm weather. With warm temperatures, Snowstar closed for the season on February 25th.
Great Bear Ski Valley: The ski season wasn’t much better in South Dakota. Situated in Sioux Falls, Great Bear Ski Valley has made headlines in recent years for its new chairlift, record visitation, and future expansion plans. However, this season was mediocre, with warm weather shutting them down on February 25th.
Timber Ridge Ski Area: Up in Michigan, the family-owned Timber Ridge closed for the season on February 25th. They had a late start as well, opening up for the season on January 11th. After that, they dealt with multiple warm stretches of rain, resulting in its early closure.
Devil’s Head Resort: One of the biggest surprises of this round of closures was Devil’s Head, which is among the largest ski resorts in Wisconsin. Its season concluded on Wednesday, February 28th. Warm weather and the geographic disadvantage of being in southern Wisconsin led to its closure.
For a full list of who’s opened and closed for the season, check out Midwestskiers map here.
Image Credits: Paoli Peaks, Snow Creek, Hidden Valley, Snowstar, Great Bear Ski Valley, Timber Ridge Ski Area, Devil’s Head Resort
