Local ski industry pins hopes on 2026 snow season

Ski resorts across Western North Carolina reopened for the 2026 season after repairing damage from Tropical Storm Helene in 2024, but operators and regional tourism officials warned that a strong snow year is necessary to restore revenue for resorts, lodging and restaurants across Buncombe County.

The January report described infrastructure damage at multiple resorts, including flood damage to shops and service areas at Sugar Mountain. Operators worked through months of repairs to clear debris, rebuild drainage and reopen lifts and retail spaces in time for the new season. Those fixes reduced immediate safety and service risks, but did not erase the economic shock to businesses that lost inventory, closed for repairs or saw reduced visitation in the storm’s aftermath.

Industry leaders said the recovery depends on two seasonal variables: snowfall and workforce availability. Resorts noted a measured decline in average snowfall across recent decades, even as year-to-year variability remains large; occasional heavy seasons still lift lift-ticket sales and out-of-area visitation. At the same time, widespread staffing shortages persisted, with many operators increasing reliance on foreign seasonal labor to fill ski patrol, lift operations and hospitality roles. Regional tourism officials cautioned that household budget pressures from higher costs and tighter discretionary spending could cap demand even if weather is favorable.

The local economic implications are broad. Lodging providers in Buncombe County typically see the ski corridor’s peaks translate into room nights and restaurant traffic in Asheville and surrounding towns. Restaurateurs and small hoteliers who lost winter income in 2024 have been rebuilding inventories and rehiring, but many report thinner margins and more conservative hiring plans. Tourism officials emphasized that restoring visitor confidence after the storm and signaling reliable operations this winter are as important as snow totals for catalyzing bookings.

From a market perspective, a robust snow season would create a visible ripple. Strong skier counts would raise demand for short-term rentals, boost restaurant receipts and help year-round businesses recoup repair costs. Conversely, a below-average season would likely prolong weakened cash flow for smaller operators and keep pressure on wages and hiring incentives in the region’s service sector.

Longer term, the industry faces two intersecting trends: a modest downward shift in average snowfall over decades and persistent labor-market tightness. Those trends argue for continued investment in resilient infrastructure, diversified revenue streams such as events and summer programming, and stronger local workforce pipelines.

The takeaway? If you care about your favorite barista, innkeeper or trail crew, book early, check resort status before you go and consider supporting local businesses on nonpeak nights. Our two cents? A snowy winter can do a lot to kick-start recovery, but community support and staffing stability will decide whether that momentum sticks.