Today, we bring you a look at the snowiest ski resorts in North America based on the latest long-range forecasts.
As the leaves turn and the first flurries tease the peaks, ski enthusiasts are buzzing about the 2025-2026 winter forecast. With a weak La Niña pattern on the horizon—combined with a negative Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and other atmospheric signals—forecasters are pointing to a powder paradise in the northern tiers of North America. Expect frequent storms from the Gulf of Alaska, northwest flow refreshers, and enhanced lake-effect snow in the East, delivering above-average snowfall to select regions. The Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, Northern Rockies, and Great Lakes are the big winners, while the southern West may see drier conditions.
Based on the latest long-range outlooks from experts like Chris Tomer, Powderchasers, OpenSnow, and AccuWeather, we’ve rounded up 20 ski areas primed for epic dumps. These spots aren’t just guesses—they’re backed by predictions of stormy early-to-mid seasons, cold snaps, and consistent reloads. Grab your pass and get ready to shred!
1. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada
This coastal giant is set for a front-loaded barrage of atmospheric rivers and post-frontal powder days, thanks to La Niña’s favoritism toward the Sea-to-Sky corridor. Expect frequent storms keeping the upper bowls deep and preserved all season.
2. Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada
Interior BC’s big-vertical beast thrives on northwest flow and Gulf waves, with forecasts calling for above-normal storm frequency and classic cold dumps. Revelstoke’s endless lines should be buried under relentless reloads.
3. Kicking Horse, British Columbia, Canada
Another BC interior standout, this resort’s steep chutes are primed for repeated northwest refreshers and deeper troughs. Early and mid-season activity could push snowfall well above average, making it a heli-ski hybrid heaven.
4. Big White, British Columbia, Canada
Family-friendly but powder-packed, Big White benefits from the same stormy BC pattern, with enhanced odds for quality snow stretches. Forecasters see it as a reliable snow magnet in a La Niña winter.
5. Fernie, British Columbia, Canada
Known for its tree runs and alpine bowls, Fernie is in the sweet spot for Gulf of Alaska deliveries and cold flips behind warm fronts. Above-normal frequency means more days of that legendary “Fernie factor” snow.
6. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
The Tetons are a La Niña darling, with recurrent northwest flow and deep cycles forecast to deliver near-to-above-normal totals. Jackson’s infamous Corbet’s Couloir should be primed for hero snow all winter.
7. Grand Targhee, Wyoming
Targhee’s east-facing slopes catch the overflow from Jackson’s storms, plus its own northwest resets. Experts predict classic powder stretches here, making it the unsung hero of the Tetons region.
8. Big Sky, Montana
Montana’s biggest terrain playground is geared for frequent mid-latitude passages and colder biases. Northern Rockies patterns favor steady accumulations, turning Lone Peak into a deep-snow dream.
9. Schweitzer, Idaho
This Panhandle gem rides the wave of enhanced storm tracks in the Inland Northwest, with above-normal odds for powder days. Its expansive glades should glow under repeated cold shots.
10. Sun Valley, Idaho
Idaho’s iconic resort gets a boost from northern storm corridors and northwest flow, promising solid performance on synoptic troughs. Bald Mountain’s runs are set for above-average depth.
11. Brundage, Idaho
Tucked in the Payette National Forest, Brundage is primed for episodic snow levels and frequent quality dumps from the north-leaning jet. It’s a backcountry-access favorite with upside potential.
12. Mount Baker, Washington
The PNW’s snowiest pass is forecast for a stormy start with Gulf waves and post-frontal reloads. Baker’s massive base could shatter records again in this La Niña setup.
13. Crystal Mountain, Washington
Washington Cascades are in for December storms building deep packs, with atmospheric rivers flipping to all-snow events. Crystal’s high alpine should be a powder playground.
14. Stevens Pass, Washington
This central WA icon benefits from the same frequent frontal cycles, with northwest flow keeping it fresh. Expect enhanced early-season snow to kick off a banner year.
15. Alta, Utah
The Wasatch’s snow-sure legend shines on northwest flows and southern jet dips, with big upside from troughs. Alta’s groomer-free policy should pair perfectly with forecasted depths.
16. Snowbird, Utah
Neighbor to Alta, Snowbird’s Peruvian Gulch is set for streaky but potent storms in the northern Uinta. La Niña’s northern bias gives it an edge for midwinter reloads.
17. Steamboat, Colorado
Northern Colorado’s champagne powder haven leans near-to-above normal with northwest tracks. Steamboat’s tree skiing should be legendary under repeated northern storms.
18. Jay Peak, Vermont
The Northeast’s snowiest spot gets consistent natural snowfall from La Niña’s eastern trough, outpacing southern New England. Jay’s glades should be buried deep.
19. Stowe, Vermont
Vermont’s resort capital is favored for reliable nor’easters and cold snaps, delivering above-average totals to Smugglers’ Notch. Stowe’s 2,000+ acres beg for powder days.
20. Sugarloaf, Maine
Maine’s independent icon closes our list with upside from blocking patterns and northern jets. Sugarloaf’s 1,200-foot vertical should see enhanced snow quality and quantity.
There you have it—20 snow-sure sanctuaries where Mother Nature is stacking the deck in your favor. Of course, long-range forecasts have their wiggle room, so keep an eye on updates as winter unfolds. Whether you’re chasing steeps in BC or lake-effect laps in the Midwest, this season promises turns for days. What’s your top pick?
