Pikes Peak Region Trail Finder

Santa stopped by Keystone for a run or two, but didn't leave much white stuff on the mountains. Courtesy of Keystone's Facebook page

By John Ingold, The Denver Post

Sunday in the mountains was sunny, mild and so not the Christmas present ski resorts had hoped to unwrap.

Two-and-a-half months after the first mountain opened for the season, Sunday's snow report made it clear that Colorado resorts are experiencing a disappointing winter. Snow totals at many resorts were as low as they have been on any Christmas Day in the 21st century.

See photos of Santa - and Mrs. Claus - on Colorado's slopes!

Vail, for instance, measured a meager 19 inches — compared with a Christmas Day average for the 2000s of nearly 33 inches. Winter Park's midmountain depth was 7 inches below its previous low for the 2000s and more than 16 inches below its average.

Meek snowfall kept Ski Cooper, near Leadville, from opening for the season until Saturday.

Read more about Christmas Day on the ski hills.