The U.S. ski resort industry is raising concerns about legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent, arguing that the change could create safety and economic challenges for ski areas and mountain communities.
According to The Colorado Sun, five resort trade groups and two major resort companies representing 115 ski areas across 10 states sent a letter to 19 U.S. senators on September 10th urging lawmakers to reject the Sunshine Protection Act of 2026. The legislation would eliminate the twice-yearly clock change and keep the country on daylight saving time year-round.
The House passed the legislation in July by a 308-117 vote. The proposal now faces consideration in the Senate.
Why Ski Resorts Are Concerned
Ski resorts in Colorado, Utah, Vermont and other western states claim that pushing sunrise later during the winter months could have a significant impact on workers who begin preparing ski areas hours before guests arrive. Ski patrollers, lift mechanics, snowmakers and grooming crews often work before sunrise to prepare terrain for opening.
Resort representatives argue that operating in prolonged darkness could increase risks for workers conducting avalanche mitigation, lift inspections and other mountain operations.
The Colorado ski industry also faces specific daylight requirements for certain explosive operations. Surface blasting for avalanche mitigation must take place during daylight, according to Colorado regulations cited by The Colorado Sun. That could potentially delay terrain openings following major snowstorms if sunrise occurs later.
Ski Areas Say Morning Sunlight Matters
According to the letter, simply shifting operating hours later would not completely solve the problem. Moving a typical 9am opening to 10am could preserve daylight for morning preparation, but the lost morning hour cannot easily be replaced in the afternoon. Avalanche control and other preparation work must happen before guests arrive, while afternoon operations can be affected by fading light and traffic leaving mountain communities.
The industry also warns that shorter operating hours could affect businesses that depend on ski resort activity.
Not everyone in the ski industry shares the same level of concern. Telluride ski patroller Emil Sante told The Colorado Sun that permanent daylight saving time would not be a major issue because resorts already adjust operating schedules throughout the season.
The Sunshine Protection Act has been debated previously. The Senate unanimously approved a similar bill in 2022, but it did not become law after failing to advance through the House.