Don't Miss Out: Multiple Feet of Snow To Blast Ski Resorts Across the West

Yahoo

11-02-2025

Big snows are lining up across the West as multiple cold troughs and moist Pacific flow team up to deliver rounds of fresh powder, with California's Sierra poised for the biggest multi-day dumps followed closely by Utah, then the Northern Rockies, the Pacific Northwest, and Colorado. If you're looking to chase the deepest turns, focus on the late-week and weekend windows in the Sierra and Wasatch for significant totals, though the Northern Rockies won't be far behind. Additional storms look primed for early next week in many areas, so if you miss the first round, you'll have another shot at quality snowfall. Keep an eye on snow levels and potential warmer surges mixed in, but overall, confidence is high in a busy stretch of frequent refills.
Chase Advice: If you can target Thursday or Friday at Mammoth or the Tahoe-area resorts, you'll likely score deep turns — especially from Thursday afternoon into Friday morning. Kirkwood and the higher summits of Palisades Tahoe and Sugar Bowl are prime for the best coverage by Friday. Roads and travel in the Sierra can be challenging during these storms, so plan accordingly and aim for first-chair powder laps during breaks in the heaviest snowfall.
A cold trough will move ashore late Wednesday into Thursday, setting the stage for heavy Sierra snowfall. Initial energy moving inland Wednesday night will rapidly increase precipitation across the region, with snow levels generally near 4000-5000 feet initially. Gusty southwest winds will accompany the front, and snowfall will become heavy at times, especially above 5500 feet.
The Thursday-into-Friday Storm will continue bringing significant snow accumulations, particularly across the Sierra crest and favored western slopes. Periods of moderate to heavy snow should linger through Friday, with totals of over two feet in some high-elevation locations. Some resort access roads and passes will likely be impacted, with whiteout conditions possible in bursts of heavier snow.
The Friday Afternoon-Saturday Taper may see the main bulk of snowfall wind down, but showers could persist across higher terrain. Snow levels could inch up slightly late Friday, so keep that in mind if you plan to chase bigger upper-mountain totals. Conditions should begin improving midday Saturday, though lingering instability can still create snow showers in spots.
By late weekend into early next week, another weaker wave may clip Northern California. Right now, it doesn't look as potent, but it could bring light additional accumulations to round out the holiday weekend. Winds will also stay gusty at times, which might keep drifting snow in play on exposed slopes.
Medium/Long-Range Outlook: A generally active pattern remains possible into next week, though ensembles suggest slightly milder weather for California by Sunday into Monday. Another system may sneak inland late Sunday or Monday, especially targeting the northern Sierra, so keep tabs on updated forecasts.
Mammoth – 28-48' Wed night (02/12)-Fri night (02/14)
Kirkwood – 25-43' Wed night (02/12)-Fri night (02/14)
Sugar Bowl – 21-36' Wed night (02/12)-Fri night (02/14)
Palisades Tahoe – 19-34' Wed night (02/12)-Fri night (02/14)
Mt. Rose – 11-19' Wed night (02/12)-Fri (02/14)
Heavenly – 11-19' Wed night (02/12)-Fri (02/14)
Northstar – 14-24' Wed night (02/12)-Fri (02/14)
Chase Advice: Consider hitting Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, or Solitude Thursday afternoon through Friday for some of the deepest powder. Park City and Deer Valley will also see impressive totals — look to mid and upper mountain areas. Southwest winds can create drifting and localized wind holds, so watch for updates and be flexible. Saturday morning may hold leftover powder if you want to avoid storm-day chaos.
A deep, moisture-rich system arrives Thursday and drives heavy snow, especially in the Cottonwoods and northern mountains. Conditions remain cold Wednesday into Thursday morning, with a wave of warmer but wet southwest flow overtaking the region Thursday afternoon. Snow levels will initially be relatively low, favoring most ski terrain.
The Thursday-Saturday Storm looks potent. Heavy mountain snow breaks out Thursday, intensifying overnight into Friday. The storm taps into a robust atmospheric river, bringing snowfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour in the Wasatch. Winds will be gusty from the southwest, potentially affecting upper-mountain lift operations. Accumulations will pile up quickly for the Wasatch Range, including the Cottonwood Canyons and up north toward Powder Mountain.
Saturday Evening Into Sunday may offer a brief lull in the central and northern Wasatch, although residual showers will linger. The southern Wasatch could see additional light accumulations if any bands shift further south, but overall intensities should back off for most of Sunday.
Sunday Night-Early Next Week features another wave in the pipeline. Flow turns more west or northwest, reintroducing snow showers to the Wasatch crest. Totals appear lighter than the main event but could refresh surfaces for Monday turns, especially at upper elevations.
Medium/Long-Range Outlook: The weekend into early next week remains somewhat active, especially for the northern mountains, with additional moderate snow possible. Temperatures could inch up slightly, but no major warm-up is expected into midweek.
Alta/Snowbird – 27-46' total (19-32' Thu (02/13)-Sat (02/15) + 8-14' Sun (02/16)-Tue (02/18))
Solitude/Brighton – 25-44' total (18-31' Thu (02/13)-Sat (02/15) + 7-13' Sun (02/16)-Tue (02/18))
Powder Mountain – 22-39' total (16-28' Thu (02/13)-Sat (02/15) + 6-11' Sun (02/16)-Tue (02/18))
Park City/Deer Valley – 20-36' total (15-26' Thu (02/13)-Sat (02/15) + 5-10' Sun (02/16)-Tue (02/18))
Eagle Point – 12–22' total (11-20' Thu (02/13)-Sat (02/15) + 1-2' Mon (02/17)-Mon night (02/17))
Chase Advice: Grand Targhee, Jackson Hole, and Brundage look prime for robust accumulations from Thursday onward. Sun Valley and Big Sky catch moderate amounts, especially higher up. The best windows for consistent powder appear Friday through Sunday. If you like storm riding, plan accordingly for late-week or weekend lines.
Much colder air is entrenched early this week, but moisture streaming in from the west will fire up rounds of snowfall starting late Wednesday or Thursday. Temperatures remain well below seasonal norms through midweek, with ongoing patchy light snow. A stronger wave moves in late Wednesday/Thursday to begin piling up more widespread mountain accumulations.
The Thursday–Saturday Wave brings moderate to heavy snowfall to western Montana, northern Idaho, and western Wyoming. The main axis of moisture will favor the high terrain of Idaho (e.g., areas near Brundage and Bogus Basin) and western Wyoming (Teton Range and Grand Targhee). Mountain valleys will see a bit less, though overall coverage should be decent. Gusty winds are possible in some passes and ridgelines.
The Saturday Night–Monday Reinforcement arrives as flow turns west-northwest. This prolonged period of unsettled weather should maintain occasional snow showers over the mountains of central Idaho, southwestern Montana, and western Wyoming. Heavier bursts remain possible near the Continental Divide. Valley floors may mix in some brief warmer breaks, but overall, temps stay wintry.
By Monday night into Tuesday, additional impulses could keep the storm train rolling in favored orographic areas (e.g., Targhee or the West Central Mountains of Idaho). Look for lingering light accumulations and possibly steady coverage if the main moisture axis stalls.
Medium/Long-Range Outlook: Confidence is growing in a continued active pattern, with repeated waves of moisture. Marginally warmer air could sneak in early next week, but ensemble forecasts still point toward predominantly colder-than-normal conditions and continued snow potential.
Grand Targhee – 27-46' Thu (02/13)-Tue (02/18)
Jackson Hole – 16-28' total (8-14' Thu (02/13)-Sat (02/15) + 8-14' Sun (02/16)-Mon night (02/17))
Brundage – 10-20' total (3-7' Thu (02/13)-Fri night (02/14) + 7-13' Sat night (02/15)-Mon night (02/17))
Bogus Basin – 11-21' total (5-9' Thu (02/13)-Fri night (02/14) + 6-12' Sun (02/16)-Mon night (02/17))
Big Sky – 7-15' total (1-4' Fri (02/14)–Sat (02/15) + 6-11' Sun (02/16)-Tue (02/18))
Sun Valley – 4-9' total (3-7' Thu (02/13)-Fri (02/14) + 1-2' Sun (02/16)-Sun night (02/16))
Bridger Bowl – 6-12' total (1-3' Fri (02/14)-Fri night (02/14) + 5-9' Sun (02/16)-Tue (02/18))
Schweitzer – 5-10' total (1-2' Thu night (02/13)-Fri (02/14) + 4-8' Sat night (02/15)-Mon night (02/17))
Whitefish Mountain – 1-3' Sun (02/16)-Sun night (02/16)
Chase Advice: If you want the most consistent snow, target Timberline and Mt Bachelor from Friday onward. Washington areas like Crystal and Stevens will see decent refreshes, but might have to watch fluctuating snow levels. The weekend should offer incremental pow days, with Sunday potentially delivering a sneaky mid-storm jackpot for portions of Oregon's Cascades.
A cold, stable pattern early this week yields to milder onshore flow and increasing snowfall over the Cascades starting Wednesday night into Thursday. A relatively weak midweek system may drop light to moderate snow on the higher Cascades of Oregon and Washington, with fairly modest accumulations. However, a stronger, moister push arrives late in the week into the weekend.
The Friday-Saturday Surge brings a transition to a more robust onshore flow. Snow levels will gradually climb from around 3000–4000 feet up to nearer 4500–5000 feet in some spots, which means the deepest snow should stick to higher lifts. The Washington Cascades near Snoqualmie and Stevens Pass will see moderate accumulations. Timberline and Mt Bachelor in Oregon could pick up heavier totals from late Friday into Saturday night.
The Sunday-Monday Wave continues the unsettled pattern with additional moisture funneling in. Snow showers will persist for the Cascades, likely heaviest in Oregon. Temperatures might hover near the rain-snow boundary at pass elevations, so the best chance for quality powder remains at mid to upper mountain. Winds from the west or southwest may be blustery at times.
The Monday Night-Tuesday Lingering sees the system shift inland, with slowly tapering showers. Some brief bursts of orographic snow could still deposit fresh inches at top elevations. Lower slopes may see diminishing accumulations or a change to drizzle if snow levels spike higher.
Medium/Long-Range Outlook: Guidance suggests the pattern remains somewhat progressive, with occasional drier breaks, but overall more storms are likely next week. Confidence is moderate that the PNW will stay on the cooler side in the extended, which bodes well for preserving mountain snowpack.
Timberline – 20-37' total (5-10' Thu (02/13)-Fri night (02/14) + 15-27' Sat (02/15)-Tue (02/18))
Mt Bachelor – 15-29' total (6-12' Wed night (02/12)–Fri night (02/14) + 9-17' Sat (02/15)-Mon night (02/17))
Stevens Pass – 10-20' total (1-3' Thu (02/13)-Fri (02/14) + 9-17' Sat (02/15)-Tue (02/18))
Snoqualmie Pass – 12-21' total (1-2' Thu night (02/13)-Fri (02/14) + 11-19' Sat (02/15)-Tue (02/18))
Crystal Mountain – 8-18' total (1-4' Thu (02/13)-Fri (02/14) + 7-14' Sat (02/15)-Mon night (02/17))
Mt Baker – 7-13' Sat (02/15)-Tue (02/18)
Whistler – 1-4' Sat (02/15)-Sun (02/16)
Chase Advice: Wednesday morning might offer fresh cold snow around Steamboat or along the I-70 corridor, but expect suboptimal travel conditions. Bigger accumulations likely come Friday into Saturday, especially targeting the southern zones like Wolf Creek and Telluride. The central mountains around Crested Butte and Aspen/Snowmass should also see decent refreshes during that timeframe.
Frigid Arctic air settles in this week, reinforcing occasional snow rounds across the Front Range and high mountains. Light snow is ongoing across northern Colorado with sub-zero or single-digit overnight lows in the forecast. The next stronger wave will swing in from the northwest tonight (Tuesday night) into early Wednesday, distributing moderate snow across the northern and central mountains and providing less but still impactful accumulations along I-25 from Denver northward.
The Wednesday-Thursday Arctic Cold keeps highs in the teens or lower. Snow diminishes by Wednesday afternoon for many areas except the higher peaks. Travel remains slick, especially over mountain passes and along portions of the Front Range foothills. Thursday sees limited new snow, but bitter temps persist.
The Late-Week/Weekend Storm arrives Thursday night into Friday for the western slope, with heavier snowfall likely for the central and southern mountains (e.g., the San Juans). Though many valleys may start cold enough for snow, some southwestern valleys might briefly mix with or turn to rain if mild air intrudes. Snow totals will be healthy on favored slopes of Wolf Creek Pass and portions of the West Elk/San Juans by Friday night or Saturday.
Sunday-Monday Outlook looks somewhat unsettled, as additional impulses bring fresh snow to the central and northern mountains, though coverage and intensity appear lighter than Friday's event. Temperatures should moderate slightly each day, but remain on the cool side of normal.
Medium/Long-Range Outlook: Several ensemble members keep an active storm track into next week, with a potential next wave around Monday or Tuesday. Mountain areas should retain below-normal temperatures and periodic light to moderate snow showers.
Steamboat – 21-38' total (3-7' Tue (02/11)-Wed (02/12) + 11-19' Thu night (02/13)-Sat night (02/15) + 7-12'Sun night (02/16)-Tue (02/18))
Wolf Creek – 18-34' total (2-4' Tue (02/11)-Tue night (02/11) + 15-27' Thu night (02/13)-Sat night (02/15) + 1-3' Mon night (02/17)–Tue (02/18))
Snowmass – 16-30' total (3-6' Tue (02/11)–Wed (02/12) + 10-18' Thu night (02/13)-Sat night (02/15) + 3-6'Sun night (02/16)-Tue (02/18))
Crested Butte – 16-33' total (1-4' Tue (02/11)-Tue night (02/11) + 12-22' Thu (02/13)-Sat night (02/15) + 3-7' Sun night (02/16)-Tue (02/18))
Vail/Beaver Creek – 15-29' total (3-7' Tue (02/11)-Wed (02/12) + 8-14' Thu night (02/13)-Sat night (02/15) + 4-8' Sun night (02/16)-Tue (02/18))
Telluride – 13-27' total (1-4' Tue (02/11)-Tue night (02/11) + 10-18' Thu night (02/13)-Sat night (02/15) + 2-5'Mon night (02/17)-Tue (02/18))
Monarch – 5-11' total (1-3' Tue (02/11)-Tue night (02/11) + 3-6' Thu night (02/13)-Fri night (02/14) + 1-2'Mon night (02/17)-Tue (02/18))
Copper Mountain/Breckenridge – 7-14' total (1-2' Tue night (02/11) + 4-7' Thu night (02/13)-Sat night (02/15) + 2-5' Mon (02/17)-Tue (02/18))
Loveland/Arapahoe Basin – 9-19' total (1-3' Tue night (02/11) + 5-10' Thu night (02/13)-Sat night (02/15) + 3-6' Sun night (02/16)-Tue (02/18))
Winter Park – 12-24' total (2-5' Tue (02/11)-Wed (02/12) + 6-11' Thu night (02/13)-Sat night (02/15) + 4-8'Sun night (02/16)-Tue (02/18))Be the first to read breaking ski news with POWDER. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of skiing. From ski resort news to profiles of the world's best skiers, we are committed to keeping you informed.