Sun Valley’s Delayed Opening: A Thanksgiving Tradition Paused
Every year, skiing enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the Thanksgiving opening of Sun Valley Resort, a celebrated tradition marking the start of the ski season. However, this year, for the first time in its storied 90-year history, Sun Valley has postponed its opening beyond the Thanksgiving holiday. The initial opening was scheduled for November 27, 2025, but now eager skiers and snowboarders will have to wait until December 3, 2025, for the slopes to open.
The Delay
The decision to delay the opening was not made lightly. It underscores the resort’s commitment to safety and ensuring that visitors have the best experience possible. The Thanksgiving opening was a cherished ritual for many families, serving as the unofficial kickoff to the winter sports season at one of America’s most iconic ski resorts. Missing it is indeed a significant change.
The Cause
The culprit behind this unprecedented delay is unseasonably warm temperatures. In a year that has seen warmer autumns, the snowmaking team found themselves at odds with Mother Nature. Despite round-the-clock efforts to manufacture snow, the persistent warm weather made it impossible to create the conditions necessary to safely open the slopes for Thanksgiving weekend.
Natural snowfall, while helpful, was not enough to combat the warm climate’s impact on snow production. The result left the resort with no choice but to push back its opening to ensure adequate and safe snow coverage for its guests.
New Opening Timeline
Sun Valley has rescheduled its opening day to December 3, 2025. Encouragingly, colder temperatures are in the forecast for the weekend following Thanksgiving, promising better conditions for snowmaking. The resort is poised to open, presenting skiers and snowboarders with an opportunity to hit the slopes as soon as the weather cooperates.
While the delay may be disappointing, it also presents a reminder of the impact climate and weather patterns can have on industries reliant on nature’s whims. It invites a discussion on how ski resorts might need to adapt to changing weather trends in the future.
As we await the snow cover that will allow Sun Valley to open, what are your thoughts on this delay? Have you experienced any other shifts in holiday traditions due to weather? Share your experiences and comments below. Engage with us in the conversation and let us know how you think ski resorts can best tackle the challenges posed by climate variability.
About the author: Mike Gioioso has been a commercial real estate professional helping companies like yours buy, build, and lease perfect places for business for 17 years along with assisting developers, investors, and sellers, large and small, achieve their goals. Visit Mike’s website.
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