Soldier Hollow announces early end to winter season, cancels U.S. Biathlon Senior Nationals

Soldier Hollow Nordic Center announced their cross country ski trails will close March 22. Photo: Soldier Hollow Nordic Center

MIDWAY, Utah — A spring heatwave is bringing an early end to the winter season at Soldier Hollow Nordic Center, with officials announcing cross country trails will close this weekend.

Warm temperatures and rapidly melting snow have forced the Nordic center to wrap up operations sooner than planned, with trails open only until noon on Saturday and Sunday. March 22 will mark the final day of the season.

“This will be our final weekend of the winter season,” the venue said in an announcement, noting that recent sunshine and rising temperatures have significantly impacted trail conditions.

Despite the dry season, Soldier Hollow hosted several high-profile events this winter, including the NCAA Cross Country Skiing Championships, which were relocated to the venue earlier this year due to poor conditions in the original Montana venue.

The early closure is also forcing the cancellation of upcoming events, including the 2026 U.S. Biathlon Senior Nationals and Spring Festival, originally scheduled for March 26.

“After meeting with staff at Soldier Hollow and looking at current conditions coupled with the coming week’s forecast, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2026 Senior Nationals,” organizers said.

Even with the cancellation, organizers say they still plan to gather the biathlon community for an end-of-season celebration. A shootout event is scheduled for March 27, with the possibility of a short sprint race on March 28 if conditions allow.

The closure follows an earlier end to the tubing season at Soldier Hollow on March 7, which officials said was also cut short due to a lack of snow.

“After a difficult snow season, we have made the decision to close the tubing hill … and look ahead to reopening next winter,” the venue said.

Officials encouraged skiers to take advantage of the final weekend and “celebrate a scrappy season,” thanking visitors for their support.