Beartooth Basin, Wyoming — The unique summer-only ski area, Beartooth Basin, has confirmed it will close its 2025 season just weeks after opening. The final day of operations is set for Sunday, June 15.
The ski area opened in late May, welcoming skiers and snowboarders after skipping last year due to low snowfall. Recent conditions have been excellent, with plenty of sunshine and soft slush. Professional skier Veronica Paulsen recently shared footage from her visit, including a fun stop to watch piglet racing nearby.
Beartooth Basin’s facilities are minimal compared to major resorts. It operates two platter lifts and does not have a base lodge. However, the terrain offers challenging features such as large cornices and rocky sections that attract hardcore skiers.
The ski area describes itself as “backcountry skiing with a lift,” offering a rare experience in today’s world of high-speed chairlifts and large parking lots. Skiing in June, or sometimes even later, adds to its appeal. In 2019, the ski area stayed open until early July.
With Beartooth Basin closing on June 15, it will join Arapahoe Basin in Colorado and Mammoth Mountain in California, which are also shutting down this weekend. After their closure, Timberline Lodge in Oregon will be the only North American ski area offering lift-served skiing deeper into summer.
Some other skiing opportunities remain. Jay Peak in Vermont will host a rail jam on leftover snow on June 21. Copper Mountain in Colorado plans to keep its hike park open on weekends as long as possible this summer. For adventurous skiers, backcountry skiing is always an option, if you have the necessary skills and knowledge.
Of course, taking a break is also valid. While skiers are passionate, rest and recovery are important too.