Is Utah's Ski Boom Going Bust?

Published January 6, 2026 at 2:54 PM MST

In recent years, Utah has seen a surge in winter visitors to its world-class ski resorts. Sam Weintraub, a ski industry observer, isn’t the only one who’s noticed that as more and more people come here to ski, the more it reshapes the skiing experience.

Weintraub says that a lot of factors have made Utah’s ski resorts more attractive and accessible, maybe the biggest of which is the Epic and Ikon passes. These so-called mega-passes make it possible — and affordable — to ski at multiple resorts across the country. But resorts, according to Weintraub, haven’t been able to keep up with the increased demand, and locals, as well as visitors, are feeling the crunch. Weintraub is among our guests as we explore the many challenges facing skiing in Utah, including December’s weirdly warm weather.

GUESTS –

Joe Prokop | An Alta season-pass holder for over 30 years

Sam Weintraub | Founder of Peak Rankings

Glen Merrill | Meteorologist and forecaster with the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City, Utah

Airdate: Thurs., Jan. 8, 2026, at 9 a.m. and Sat., Jan. 10, 2026, at 11 a.m.