Today, we bring you a look at the snowiest ski resorts in North America based on the latest long-range forecasts.
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 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 big snowfalls for this winter.
1. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada
This coastal giant is set for a front-loaded barrage of atmospheric rivers and post-frontal powder days.
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.
3. Kicking Horse, British Columbia, Canada
Another BC interior standout, this resort’s steep chutes are primed for repeated northwest refreshers and deeper troughs.
4. Big White, British Columbia, Canada
Family-friendly but powder-packed, Big White benefits from the same stormy BC pattern.
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.
6. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson’s infamous Corbet’s Couloir should be primed for hero snow all winter.
7. Grand Targhee, Wyoming/Idaho
Weather experts predict classic powder stretches here, making it the unsung hero of the Tetons region.
8. Big Sky, Montana
Northern Rockies patterns favor steady accumulations, so it should be a good season.
9. Schweitzer, Idaho
This Panhandle gem rides the wave of enhanced storm tracks in the Inland Northwest, with above-normal odds for powder days.
10. Sun Valley, Idaho
Idaho’s iconic resort gets a boost from northern storm corridors and northwest flow.
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.
12. Mount Baker, Washington
The PNW’s snowiest pass is forecast for a stormy start with Gulf waves and post-frontal reloads.
13. Crystal Mountain, Washington
Washington Cascades are in for December storms building deep packs, with atmospheric rivers flipping to all-snow events.
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.
16. Snowbird, Utah
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.
18. Jay Peak, Vermont
The Northeast’s snowiest spot gets consistent natural snowfall from La Niña’s eastern trough.
19. Stowe, Vermont
Should be a snowy ski season for Mt Mansfeild.
20. Sugarloaf, Maine
Maine’s independent icon closes our list with upside from blocking patterns and northern jets.
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?
