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As the 2025-2026 ski season approaches, there’s no doubt that we are all looking forward to an epic winter. But what makes for an epic winter? The most common answer is copious amounts of snowfall and powder days. With that in mind, OpenSnow recently took a look back at the deepest winters in the Western U.S. and Southern Canada since 1980.
To build the list, it focused on winters with widespread heavy snowfall, record or near-record totals at ski resorts, consistent storms, and colder-than-average temperatures that maintained high snow quality. Data came from resort snowfall records, press reports, and SNOTEL snowpack measurements, with April 1 snow-water equivalent used to compare depths across regions. Because reliable snowfall data before 1980 is scarce, earlier winters weren’t included, though many were undoubtedly memorable.
Here are the seven, and likely most epic, winters of nearly the last half century. For in depth analysis, see OpenSnow’s full report.
#7 Winter of 2016-2017
A weak La Niña winter brought above-average snowfall to much of the Western U.S., with snowpack exceeding 150% of average in California and parts of the Central Rockies. Several resorts, including Mt. Rose, Revelstoke, and Sun Valley, set all-time snowfall records, while many others logged top-five seasons. The Sierra and Rockies saw strong early and mid-season snowfall, the Pacific Northwest finished strong, and temperatures varied across the region, ranging from colder-than-average in the Northwest to warmer in the Southern and Central Rockies.
Significant resort snowfall totals:
- 866″ – Mt. Baker, WA
- 795″ – Sugar Bowl, CA
- 768″ – Mt. Rose, CA
#6 Winter of 2007-2008
A strong La Niña winter brought above-average snowfall across nearly the entire West, with snowpack over 150% of average in several regions including Oregon, Southern Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. Consistent snowfall and colder-than-average temperatures defined the season, with the heaviest snow falling in December and January before easing in late winter. Multiple resorts in the Central Rockies set all-time snowfall records, though the winter ranked slightly lower overall due to fewer extreme snowfall totals compared to other years.
Significant resort snowfall totals:
- 702″ – Alta, UT
- 605″ – Jackson Hole, WY
- 550″ – Silverton, CO
#5 Winter of 1998-1999
This strong La Niña winter produced record-breaking snow in the Pacific Northwest while Utah, Colorado, and much of the Southwest endured a poor, dry season. Mt. Baker set a world record with 1,140 inches of snow, and other resorts like Whistler, Brundage, and Timberline Lodge also logged all-time highs. Despite consistent cold and heavy snow in the Northwest and a solid season in the Sierra, the lackluster winter in the Central Rockies and Southwest kept this year from ranking higher overall.
Significant resort snowfall totals:
- 1,140″ – Mt. Baker, WA (world record)
- 643″ – Whistler, BC
- 606″ – Mt. Bachelor, OR
#4 Winter of 1982-1983
This strong El Niño winter brought exceptional snowfall to nearly the entire West, with California and Nevada reaching over 200% of average snowpack and Utah topping 175%. Sugar Bowl set its all-time snowfall record at 880 inches, and several other resorts across the region logged top-five seasons. With consistent snow from start to finish and the second-deepest average snowpack across all major Western ski regions, this winter stands out despite mixed temperature patterns.
Significant resort snowfall totals:
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- 880″ – Sugar Bowl, CA
- 700″ – Kirkwood, CA
- 671″ – Central Sierra Snow Lab, CA
#3 Winter of 1981-1982
The ENSO Neutral winter of 1981-82 delivered widespread snowfall across the West, with snowpack topping 150% of average in many regions by April 1st. It set numerous all-time snowfall records at the time, many of which stood for decades. With a strong December start, steady snowfall all season, and consistently below-average temperatures, it became the benchmark winter until more recent historic seasons.
Significant resort snowfall totals:
- 819″ – Mt. Baker, WA
- 748″ – Alta, UT
- 624″ – Central Sierra Snow Lab, CA
#2 Winter of 2010-2011
The strong La Niña winter brought above-average snowfall to most of the West, with snowpack over 150% of average in California, Nevada, and Utah, though New Mexico lagged behind. Several resorts saw record-breaking totals, including 606 inches at Mt. Bachelor, 600 inches at Crystal Mountain, and 595 inches at Loveland. Snowfall was consistent from start to finish, with especially heavy storms in December and March, and temperatures stayed mostly below average across the region.
Significant resort snowfall totals:
- 857″ – Mt. Baker, WA
- 783″ – Snowbird, UT
- 669″ – Mammoth, CA
#1 Winter of 2022-2023
Since it was only 2 winters ago, many of us remember the incredible season of 2022-23. This weak La Niña winter ultimately earned the top spot from OpenSnow as the snowfall data was too overwhelming to ignore. While parts of the Northwest and Northern Rockies were only average or below, most of the West saw snowpack between 200 and 300% of normal. Resorts across Utah and California shattered records, including Alta with 903 inches, Brighton with 861 inches, and Palisades Tahoe with 710 inches. The season featured frequent storms from November through April, consistently deep snowfall, and colder-than-average temperatures that preserved excellent snow quality.
Significant resort snowfall totals:
- 903″ – Alta, UT
- 870″ – Mammoth, CA (at the summit)
- 861″ – Brighton, UT
Looking back at these incredible winters, it’s clear that an epic season is about more than just one big storm—it’s a combination of widespread, consistent snowfall, cold temperatures that preserve snow quality, and record-breaking totals that define a season for years to come. From world-record snow at Mt. Baker to historic totals across Utah, California, and the Rockies, these winters show just how extraordinary conditions can shape the ski experience. As we head into the 2025-2026 season, there’s hope and excitement that new storms, deep snowpacks, and perfect powder days will add another memorable chapter to this ongoing story of epic winters.
