Key Takeaways
- Whiteface Mountain ski resort shut down due to extreme winds on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025
- The winds reached gusts of over 110 mph, equivalent to a Category 3 hurricane
- The resort experienced power outages due to the high winds
- The closure was announced on the resort’s Facebook page
- The extreme weather caused power outages across the state, bringing heavy rains and falling temperatures
Introduction to the Incident
The Whiteface Mountain ski resort, one of the largest in the state, was forced to shut down operations on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, due to extreme winds. The winds were so strong that they reached gusts of over 110 mph, which is equivalent to the winds found in a Category 3 hurricane. This extreme weather made it impossible for the resort to continue its operations, and the decision was made to close the resort for the safety of its visitors and staff.
The Impact of the Winds
The high winds not only caused the closure of the resort but also led to power outages at times. The resort’s Facebook page announced the closure, citing the extreme weather conditions as the reason. The power outages were not limited to the resort, as high winds caused outages across the state. A front had crossed the area, bringing heavy rains and falling temperatures, which added to the already hazardous conditions. The winds were so strong that one Facebook commenter joked that they would be able to get down the mountain quickly, highlighting the intense nature of the weather.
The Resort’s Decision to Close
The decision to close the resort was likely not taken lightly, as it would have been made with the safety of visitors and staff in mind. The extreme weather conditions posed a significant risk to anyone on the mountain, and the resort’s management would have wanted to minimize this risk. By closing the resort, they were able to ensure that everyone was safe and that no one was put in harm’s way. The closure would also have given the resort’s staff the opportunity to assess any damage caused by the high winds and to make any necessary repairs.
The Broader Impact of the Weather
The extreme weather that caused the closure of Whiteface Mountain ski resort was not limited to the resort itself. The high winds and heavy rains affected a much wider area, causing power outages and disruptions across the state. The front that had crossed the area brought falling temperatures, which would have added to the already difficult conditions. The impact of the weather would have been felt by many people, not just those who were planning to visit the resort. The disruption to daily life would have been significant, and it would have taken some time for the affected areas to recover from the extreme weather.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the closure of Whiteface Mountain ski resort on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, was a result of extreme winds that reached gusts of over 110 mph. The resort’s decision to close was made with the safety of visitors and staff in mind, and it would have been a precautionary measure to minimize the risk posed by the extreme weather. The impact of the weather was not limited to the resort, as it caused power outages and disruptions across the state. The incident highlights the importance of being prepared for extreme weather conditions and the need for safety precautions to be taken in such situations.
