Fundraiser Date Set to Help Struggling Idaho Ski Resort

I've lived in Twin Falls for almost my entire life, and I never thought that I'd say these words... But here we are. Magic Mountain Ski Resort will have its first season in more than three decades without one set of skis on a slope.

March temperatures are already pushing into the 80s. And while Southern Idaho has a way of flipping seasons on a dime, there isn't any indication that conditions will swing back the other way.

Magic Mountain Didn't See An Opening Day in 2026

Owner Gary Miller told me he has owned and operated Magic Mountain for about 20 years. In that time, the latest opening he can remember was around January 11. Most years, he said, they are open before Christmas. This season has blown past every normal milestone. Magic Mountain finally announced on March 13, 2026, that it was done for the season.

Has Magic Mountain Ever Gone a Full Season Without Opening?

Under Miller’s ownership, he said Magic Mountain has never gone an entire season without opening.

He added that he has heard it may have happened once in the mountain’s earlier history.

“I heard that was in like 1977, somewhere in there,” Miller said, noting he did not know the exact year for sure.

The Hardest Part Is the People Who Depend on It

Miller said the toughest part is not just the mountain’s bottom line. It is the staff and families who count on the season.

“A lot of them depend on this too as income,” he said, explaining that some employees have had to find other work.

He also summed up the stress in a way that probably hits home for anyone who has ever tried to run something weather-dependent.

“Usually when I have a problem, there’s something you can do about it,” Miller said. “But this is one that you can’t.”

 Magic Mountain Sets a May 7 Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction

Magic Mountain has announced a community fundraiser. They are asking for local businesses and sponsors to help. (See below)

The resort shared a Save The Date for May 7 for a Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction.

If you would like to donate, sponsor, or know a business that might, Magic Mountain says to text or call Lyndsi Petersen: 207-731-4239.

Why Magic Mountain 

Magic Mountain has long stood as a resort that helped make skiing accessible to Magic Valley families. Skiing isn't cheap. While the goal wasn't to undercut other ski spots, Magic Mountain was easy to reach and a bit more financially attainable. Here's to hoping we get piles of snow next year. We'll share more about the May 7 fundraiser as details unfold.