Utah's Current Snow Drought Threatens More Than Just Region's Ski Season

MIDWAY, UTAH - FEBRUARY 07: An aerial view of people cross-country skiing on artificial snow trails at Soldier Hollow Nordic Center, with the snow-capped Wasatch Mountains in the distance, on February 07, 2026 near Midway, Utah. Ski resorts at higher elevations have received sufficient snowfall in the region but those at lower elevations have thus far been forced to make artificial snow all season. A snow drought and warmer weather across Utah and much of the Western United States has resulted in Utah receiving only around one-third of its normal early February snowpack. The state relies on mountain snowpack for around 95% of its water supply. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)