Exeter, Rhode Island — Yawgoo Valley had a ski season to remember. So it comes as a surprise that their summer operations will undergo major changes.
Yesterday, Yawgoo Valley announced that it is permanently closing its water park and Camp Yawgoo. These closures are happening so that Yawgoo can invest in other parts of the property. It was the only water park in the state, with the other one (Water Wizz) having recently closed. It featured a few water slides, a pool, and a hot tub. On the bright side, there is a giant ocean around Rhode Island. Camp Yawgoo was a summer camp for local kids.
However, they did state that they’re planning to operate during the 2026-27 season. According to NBC 10 News, the plan is to convert the land around the water park into beginner terrain.
Recent Struggles
There have been some signs that things aren’t exactly peachy at Yawgoo Valley.
In February, the Washington Post reported that the ski area was having troubles. In an article titled “Rhode Island’s last ski area faces an existential threat: No snow,” it dives into how the 2020s have created difficulties at the ski area, such as limited terrain open and the inability to get the snow-tubing park operational due to the lack of snow. After the article was published, the ski area then experienced a snowy month, including a multi-foot snowstorm. The move towards a winter focus will likely result in further capital investments to improve the slopes.
“At some point, it’s going to go away. I don’t know when — my crystal ball’s broken,” said Michael Daglieri, one of the ski area’s operations managers, to the Washington Post. “For the time being, it just seems to work out.”
We’ll have to wait and see what Yawgoo Valley does to improve the mountain, as major investments will likely be needed to keep operating. With an El Niño winter expected for the next go-around, next ski season for New England ski operators could be a tough one.
Image/Video Credits: Yawgoo Valley, NBC 10 WJAR
