Image Source: The Colorado Sun

Daylight savings 2026 is fueling an urgent new fight between lawmakers and the U.S. ski resort industry. Resort groups are asking senators to reject legislation that would end twice-yearly clock changes and make daylight saving time permanent nationwide.

The industry says the proposal, known as the Sunshine Protection Act of 2026, could leave ski areas facing dangerously dark winter mornings. In Colorado and other mountain states, sunrise could occur after 8 a.m., while resorts farther west could remain in darkness past 9 a.m.

Why Daylight Savings 2026 Has Ski Resorts Alarmed

Five resort trade groups and two major resort companies sent a Sept. 10 letter to 19 U.S. senators urging them to oppose the bill. Together, the organizations represent 115 ski areas across 10 states.

The letter argues that safe resort operations depend on early morning light. Ski patrollers, lift mechanics, snowmakers and grooming crews often begin work hours before guests arrive for a typical 9 a.m. opening.

Before the first chairlift turns, crews may need to inspect lifts, prepare trails, groom snow and conduct avalanche-control work. Resort officials say permanently shifting the clock forward would place those tasks in prolonged darkness and increase risks for employees working in steep alpine terrain.

A Critical Safety and Economic Warning

“Operating safely in alpine environments requires adequate morning sunlight,” the resort groups wrote in their letter.

The industry also warns that reduced morning visibility could affect more than worker safety. Colorado labor rules require surface blasting operations to take place during daylight. That means avalanche mitigation after a major storm could be delayed, potentially postponing terrain openings for skiers and snowboarders.

Resort leaders argue that moving opening times later would not fully solve the problem. They say morning and late-afternoon daylight are not economically interchangeable.

Morning hours are used for heavy preparation, including avalanche mitigation and trail work. Pushing those operations into the afternoon could force resorts to operate with less usable ski time, especially as visitors leave early to avoid mountain traffic.

Later sunrise could delay avalanche-control operations.
Dark conditions could increase risks for patrollers and maintenance crews.
Shorter operating hours could affect restaurants, lodging and other mountain businesses.
Resorts say lost operating time could amount to a major peak-season economic hit.

Lawmakers Push to “Lock the Clock”

The House passed the Sunshine Protection Act on July 14 by a vote of 308-117. Supporters, including Republican Rep. Brett Guthrie of Kentucky, say permanent daylight saving time would increase evening activity and improve public safety.

The proposal follows years of public frustration with changing clocks twice a year. An Associated Press poll conducted in 2025 found that just 12% of respondents liked the current system. A separate Gallup poll reported that 54% of Americans were ready to end the twice-yearly time change.

The Senate approved an identical version in 2022, but the measure ultimately failed to advance in the House. If the current legislation becomes law, it would replace the existing system established under the Uniform Time Act of 1966.

Not Every Patroller Is Concerned

Some Colorado ski patrollers say the proposal may be less disruptive than resort trade groups suggest. Emil Sante, a longtime patroller at Telluride Ski Resort, said teams already adjust opening and closing times as daylight changes throughout the season.

“We actually adjust the opening and closing times as the days grow longer and we have done this as long as I can remember,” Sante said.

Other patrollers questioned why lawmakers are not considering permanent standard time instead. That approach would preserve more morning sunlight for people commuting to work and school.

Reid Pritchett, president of the Crested Butte Professional Ski Patrol Association, said his union does not have an official position. He noted that avalanche work is already shaped by daylight requirements and numerous state and federal regulations.

For now, the daylight savings 2026 debate remains unresolved. Senators must weigh the public’s desire for fewer clock changes against concerns from ski operators, mountain workers and communities whose winter economies depend on predictable resort schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Sunshine Protection Act of 2026?

It is legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent nationwide, ending the twice-yearly practice of moving clocks forward and backward.

Why do ski resorts oppose daylight saving time becoming permanent?

Resorts say later winter sunrises could make avalanche control, grooming, lift inspections and other early-morning work more dangerous or delayed.

When could sunrise occur under the proposal?

Resort groups say sunrise could occur after 8 a.m. in Colorado, Utah and Vermont, and after 9 a.m. at some resorts farther west.

Has Congress tried this before?

Yes. The Senate approved an identical proposal in 2022, but it did not pass the House.

Do all ski patrollers oppose the bill?

No. Some patrollers, including Emil Sante of Telluride, said resort schedules can be adjusted as daylight changes.