Durango, Colorado — If you’re a skier, you’re going to be seeing a lot of closed for the season social media posts over the next week. Ski areas across the West are experiencing above-average temperatures, meaning closures are imminent. Even in Colorado, long known for its excellent ski scene, one popular ski hill is ending its season early despite having snowmaking capabilities.
Yesterday, Chapman Ski Hill announced that its 2025-26 season had concluded. Above-average temperatures have melted the remaining snowpack like the Wicked Witch of the West. Chapman opened on December 20th, but like the rest of the state, it experienced warm weather and a lack of natural snowfall.
Other ski areas/resorts out West that have recently closed for the season include Ski Apache and Pajarito Mountain in New Mexico, as well as Mt. Shasta Ski Park in California. Some mountains have been “temporarily” closed for a while now, including Mt. Ashland and Mt. Hood Skibowl in Oregon, Nordic Valley in Utah, and Sandia Peak in New Mexico.
With a warm front expected over the next week or so, others are likely to join suit.
About Chapman Ski Hill
Situated in Durnago, Chapman Ski Hill has seen some nice upgrades in recent years. In 2024, a $3 million investment allowed the city to add two new lifts and expand the terrain network.
Skiing there is affordable, with lift tickets costing only $16 for adults, $14 for 6-17-year-olds, $6 for 4-5-year-olds, and $5 for those 62 and older. When there’s snow, the ski hill operates from 4-8 p.m. on weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
With Hesperus shut down for the foreseeable future, Chapman Ski Hill is the most affordable option for people living around Durango.
Image Credits: Durango Parks & Recreation
