When winter arrives, and the snow starts piling up, ski resort guests start using all available tools to determine the prime time to chase the best powder. Besides reading the snow report, calling the snow phone, or studying the telemetry, snow stakes, and snow-measuring devices placed around ski areas that visually measure the latest snowfall can be one of the best ways to determine snow conditions. Typically, they show how much snow has fallen in 24 hours and/or a current storm cycle. Not only are they practical tools—they’re symbols of anticipation and joy for skiers and snowboarders.

• Related: The Ski Area Snow Report: Fact or Fiction?

The best snow stakes combine style and function, offering accurate measurements while adding a touch of personality to their snowy surroundings. From bold colors to quirky designs, these stakes rose to the top to capture the magic of fresh powder and build excitement for those eagerly awaiting the next perfect powder day.

• Related: The 11 Best U.S. Ski Resort Logos According to SnowBrains Readers

Explore below the top snow stakes in North America, which measure snowfall and elevate the entire winter experience.

#11 Snowbird, UT

Snowbird’s snow stake is classic and effective, which is good for a place that receives so much snow. It contains the iconic Snowbird logo, and users can easily see the snow piling up.

#10 Grand Targhee, WY

Grand Targhee has some fun with its snow stake by rotating various characters at the base of its “Stick of Truth.” Visitors check the webcam to see how much light and dry powder has fallen and any new personalities that may have appeared.

#9 Snowbasin, UT

Snowbasin’s snow stake is well-built and provides the 24-hour snow total and the current storm cycle total. Complete with the resort’s sun logo, it is visually pleasing and easy to read.

#8 SilverStar, BC

SilverStar has several positive things going for it with its snow stake. First, the Silver Fox mascot immediately makes you smile. Second, as you go higher up the snow stake, it gives actionable recommendations such as “time to get a doctor’s note” and “Drop everything!”

#7 Steamboat, CO

The Champagne Powder® Cam at Steamboat is iconic. It is well-built, visually pleasing, and gives the 24-hour total and storm cycle total.

#6 Castle Mountain, AB

Castle Mountain also likes to have a little fun and provide applicable advice on its snow stake. At the top, it gets serious with text that reads “Knee deep,” “Call in sick,” and “Snorkel.”

#5 Vail, CO

Vail’s easy-to-read stake has text that reads “Fill the back bowls,” referring to the resort’s legendary back bowls. A clock and thermometer add to the functionality.

#4 Beaver Creek, CO

If you don’t understand why those cookies are there, you’ve never had Beaver Creek’s famous freshly baked cookies at the end of the day. If the cookies are covered, it’s going to be a good day. The resort also adds a clock and thermometer for additional benefit.

#3 Revelstoke, BC

Gnorm the Mountain Gnome is the simple, iconic, and whimsical guardian of the snow at Revelstoke. With his weathered hat and vibrant jacket, Gnorm diligently keeps track of the winter wonders that blanket the slopes. If Gnorm is covered, drop everything and head to the mountain.

#2 Copper Mountain, CO

With a clean black and blue finish, the SEND-O-METER at Copper Mountain is a stoke-filled touch for the snow stake. It also adds measures such as freshies, pow day, dumping, deep, and mega deep.

#1 Aspen Snowmass, CO

Aspen Snowmass cut zero corners when it came to its snow stakes. An incredibly professional, sturdy, and aesthetic look is combined with 24-hour snow totals, storm totals, and a clock. If that wasn’t enough, all four mountains (Aspen, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass) have the same style stake.

These snow stakes are a beloved feature for guests, offering a tangible connection to the magic of winter and a reliable measure of a resort’s snowfall prowess. While many resorts across North America showcase impressive and well-maintained snow stakes, other ski areas have room for improvement. A few destinations could benefit from modernizing their setups or introducing snow stakes altogether, ensuring transparency and adding to the excitement of their mountain experience. No matter where you find yourself this winter, a well-thought snow stake can elevate the joy of watching the snow accumulate and dreaming of the perfect powder day ahead.

Honorable Mentions

• Brundage, ID
• Winter Park, CO
• Whitefish, MT
• Alta, UT
• Fernie, BC
• Keystone, CO
• Powder Mountain, UT
• Loveland, CO
• Mount Sunapee, NH