LOGAN — For the first time in years, the slopes of Beaver Mountain will remain quiet during the Christmas holiday as record-breaking temperatures and recent rain events have decimated the local snowpack.
Management at the family-owned resort announced Tuesday that the mountain would not open for the traditional holiday stretch, citing “unprecedented weather challenges” that have plagued the Western United States this season. The closure includes the cancellation of the popular “Story Time and Skiing with Santa” events.
The decision comes as northern Utah faces a historically warm December. While the resort team has been grooming the mountain following intermittent snowfall, a significant rain event on Dec. 21 caused severe damage to the existing base.
“We are doing everything possible to baby this meager snowpack to allow us to start spinning lifts as soon as possible,” resort management and the Seeholzer family said in a joint statement. “We are heartbroken to announce we will not be open for Christmas this year.”
The struggle at Beaver Mountain mirrors a broader trend across the state. At the KVNU studios, daytime highs averaged 55 degrees during the past week, breaking several records going back decades. Unlike many larger corporate resorts, Beaver Mountain relies heavily on natural snowfall, making it particularly vulnerable to the lack of “cold smoke” Utah is famous for.
Despite the setback, the Seeholzer family expressed optimism that the season can be salvaged. Historically, the resort noted, years with late starts have often transitioned into high-yield snow seasons.
“We have been blessed through the years with very consistent snowfall at our location and that will continue,” the statement continued. “It will get better. Keep the faith, do your snow dances, burn your golf clubs, whatever it takes.”
While the immediate forecast remains bleak, meteorologists indicate that colder air may arrive on the horizon. Until then, the lifts at “The Beav” will remain stationary. Resort officials urged pass holders to monitor local weather reports and the resort’s social media channels for updates on a potential opening date in late December or early January.
Founded in 1939, Beaver Mountain is one of the oldest family-run ski areas in the United States and remains a staple for the community in Cache Valley and the surrounding region.