Originally published on Forbes.

Ski Season Is Over—Here Are 3 Resorts To Target Next Year

The 2025-2026 ski season was one to forget, with some of the lowest snowfalls on record. But let’s be optimistic for next season—here are three ski areas to consider visiting.

ByWill McGough,Contributor.

 Will McGough writes about travel destinations and outdoor adventures.

You may be sad that ski season is over, even if you were already disappointed that this winter seemed to be missing one essential ingredient: Snow.

Across much of the West, this was one of the leanest snowfall seasons in recent memory. In a year where skiers were forced to expand the definition of a “powder day” to anything more than zero inches, storm cycles were inconsistent, slopes were often bare and icy, and most of us spent more time dreaming of incoming storms than actually experiencing them.

But, as they say, there’s always next year, and now is a nice time to start planning where you want to go, as ski passes, lodging, and flights can often be had at a discount this far ahead. Plus, a good way to forget how bad this season was is to plan, optimistically, for the next.

If you’re already looking toward next season, these three resorts deserve a spot at the top of your list.

The Alta Lodge opened in 1940 and offers a European-style lodging format, with 2 meals per day included.

The Alta Lodge opened in 1940 and offers a European-style lodging format, with 2 meals per day included. Alta Ski Resort in Little Cottonwood Canyon is unique for its history and ski-only terrain (no snowboards).

Alta Lodge

Alta, Utah

For a place that has not needed reinvention.

Utah’s ski industry is in the midst of one of the largest investment cycles in its history. Resorts across the state have collectively committed roughly $600 million in upgrades and expansion projects in recent years, funding everything from high-speed lifts and expanded terrain to new base villages and snowmaking systems.

So, there will be lots of new things to see in Utah next winter. But if you want something that’s been there all along, a place full of character, history, and unapologetically focused on skiing, then go to Alta.

Alta is one of the last true skier’s mountains in America. No snowboards. No flashy village. Just a culture built around actual skiing, anchored by institutions that have withstood the test of time, including the Atla Lodge (1940), The Rustler Lodge (1947), The Peruvian Lodge (1948), and the Goldminer’s Daughter Lodge (1961).

And after a winter where snow felt scarce almost everywhere, betting on Little Cottonwood Canyon feels like a smart play—it is typically one of the snowiest regions in the U.S. on a “normal” year.

Visit Salt Lake (VSL) is the private, nonprofit Destination Sales & Experience Organization (DSXO) dedicated to recruiting, retaining, and activating conventions, meetings, sporting events and leisure travel that fuels the region’s visitor economy. In partnership with Salt Lake County, hoteliers, members and public-sector stakeholders, VSL helps generate $6.15 billion in annual visitor spending, $575 million in direct tax revenue and $1,700 in household tax savings while supporting more than 56,000 jobs. By championing Salt Lake's authentic urban-meets-mountain identity, VSL creates transformative experiences that benefit the community and visitors alike. For more information, visit www.VisitSaltLake.com.