Will It Be a Powder-Filled Winter?

Your 2025 - 26 North American Ski Season Snow Forecast

Grab your wax and dust off your gear, the 2025/26 ski season is almost here!

Whether you’re a weekend warrior chasing groomers or a die-hard powderhound who plans every trip around the next storm cycle, it’s always good to know what kind of winter we’re expecting to have.

Here’s a relaxed look at where the snow is expected to stack up this season across North America. If you haven't heard La Niña has started.

Spoiler: Things are looking good for a few key regions.

What’s Driving This Year’s Forecast?

This winter, we’re heading into what’s called a neutral to weak La Niña pattern. That usually means the jet stream dips a little further north, steering storms toward the PNW (aka Pacific Northwest), BC (aka British Columbia), and Northern Rockies.

Other global factors may help usher in cold air outbreaks and big snow events especially in places like the Great Lakes and Northeast (aka Nor'easter). But honestly, the weather loves to surprise us and people who live in places like Colorado tend to experience 4 seasons in one so you would think we are experts (side whisper : we are not). Translation? Some regions have better odds of a big season, but a lucky storm or two can make anywhere magical.

Who’s Getting the Goods?

Let’s break it down by region so you know where to book that powder trip or where to keep your expectations in check.

Pacific Northwest & British Columbia

Outlook: Above to average snowfall It’s shaping up to be a great year for this part of North America. Resorts like Whistler, Mt. Baker, and Revelstoke could see frequent storms, deep totals, and good early-season conditions.

Best Powder Months: Late November – Early February

Why: Early and consistent Pacific storms + cold mountain air = deep early season dumps.

Top Picks: Whistler, Revelstoke, Mt. Baker, Stevens Pass

Travel Tip: Book early, the snow tends to start piling up before Christmas and should stay strong into February.

Northern Rockies & Intermountain West

Outlook: Likely above average Think Jackson Hole, Big Sky, and maybe even Alta/Snowbird. Forecasts suggest these zones are in a sweet spot for consistent snowfall, especially mid to late winter.

Best Powder Months: Mid December – Late February

Why: A steady storm track favors these mountains during midwinter, often with drier, fluffier snow than the coast.

Top Picks: Jackson Hole, Big Sky, Schweitzer, Alta/Snowbird

Travel Tip: MLK weekend through Presidents’ Day is prime time, so aim for midweek if you want to skip the crowds.

Great Lakes & Upper Midwest

Outlook: Near to above average Lake-effect snow could be cranking this winter. Areas around Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ontario should do well, especially when cold air follows a storm and wrings out that classic Midwest powder. Bring layers and a good windshield scraper.

Best Powder Months: December – February

Why: Lake-effect snow is strongest when cold air flows over open water, especially earlier in the winter.

Top Picks: Mount Bohemia, Lutsen, Holiday Valley, Boyne Mountain

Travel Tip: Late December into early January often delivers big totals with fewer crowds.

Northeast & Eastern Canada

Outlook: Pretty average, but with some upside New England and Quebec might start slow, but there’s potential for a strong mid-winter showing, especially if those classic nor’easters roll through. Keep your eye on Vermont, New Hampshire, and the Laurentians around January and February.

Best Powder Months: Late January – Early March

Why: Nor’easters and Arctic air often meet in February, turning ice coast into pow coast.

Top Picks: Jay Peak, Stowe, Sugarloaf, Mont Tremblant

Travel Tip: Watch for coastal storm systems (nor’easters) they can drop 30+ inches in a weekend.

Southwest U.S. & Southern Rockies

Outlook: Below average risk This might be a trickier season for Taos, southern Utah, and Arizona resorts. Forecasts lean dry for these spots but don’t count them out. One good storm cycle can still deliver the goods. Just plan with some flexibility.

Best Powder Months: Late January – Early March (if it happens)

Why: Drier start expected this season, but if storm patterns shift, late-season upslope storms can still dump big.

Top Picks: Taos, Wolf Creek, Arizona Snowbowl

Travel Tip: Aim for February, and keep an eye on those sneaky 2-foot overnight dumps.

Alaska

Outlook: Mixed, but promising in the right spots Interior Alaska looks colder and likely snowier than average, great for backcountry trips. Coastal areas like Alyeska could see ups and downs depending on how the storm track behaves.

Why: Long days and active springtime patterns = ideal conditions for big alpine tours or heli trips.

Top Picks: Alyeska, Hatcher Pass, Valdez (backcountry)

Travel Tip: March is prime for daylight, snow stability, and epic terrain.

So Where Should You Ski This Winter?

Here’s the quick and dirty:

Want deep, consistent snow? Head to BC, the Pacific Northwest, or the Northern Rockies. Chasing potential but need flexibility? Watch the Northeast and Great Lakes, they could sneak in a surprise. Looking for sun and some turns? The Southwest might be drier, but you’ll still find soft snow in the right pockets.

Final Thoughts

The 2025–26 ski season is looking promising, especially if you aim north. The big winners will likely be British Columbia, the Pacific Northwest, and Northern Rockies, with solid chances for good snow across the Great Lakes and parts of the Northeast. Wherever you go, stay flexible, watch the storm reports, and remember: the best powder days are often the ones you didn’t see coming.

Let it snow, SEE YOU ON THE MOUNTAIN!!!!!!!!