[VIDEO] Chris Tomer’s Winter 2025-26 Forecast: Meteorologist Pinpoints Which Resorts Will Win this Winter

Denver-based meteorologist Chris Tomer is one of the most accurate forecasters we know (other than our own team of meteorologists, of course!), and here he is with his winter 2025-26 forecast. Check out and subscribe to his mountain weather forecast videos to see where North America will get the most snow.

“A look at La Nina, storm track, atmospheric river thoughts, and which ski resorts and regions will get the most consistent winter precipitation.”

– Chris Tomer

Here are the main highlights from the forecast. Please check out the full video for a detailed forecast, more resort totals, and support for Chris Tomer.

• Related: SnowBrains Podcast Ep. 74 | Chris Tomer – Emmy Award-Winning Meteorologist & Avid Backcountry Skier and Mountaineer

Winter 2025-26 Forecast: Where Skiers Can Expect the Best Snow

This season is shaping up under the influence of a brief La Niña, and that means storm tracks will favor some regions more than others. Skiers and snowboarders eyeing consistent powder should pay attention to where the jet stream lines up over the West, as northern areas look to be in the sweet spot for storms and cold air.

• Related: Old Farmer’s Almanac Winter 2025-26 Forecast: When and Where to Expect the Most Snow This Winter

Pacific Northwest & Northern Rockies

From Washington through Idaho and into western Montana, forecasts point toward above-normal snowfall and colder-than-average conditions at times. Resorts in this corridor–stretching up through Schweitzer, Big Sky, Red Mountain, and Revelstoke–stand to benefit from frequent storms and northwest flow patterns that can deliver deep, blower powder.

Utah & The Wasatch

The Wasatch is looking very promising with above-normal snowfall projected for most of the range. Snowbird, Alta, Snowbasin, and Park City could all see consistent powder cycles thanks to storm energy tracking through the region. Southern Utah, however, looks drier, with Brian Head and other southern peaks trending below normal.

• Related: Farmers’ Almanac Winter 2025-26 Forecast: Cold and Snowy Winter Ahead. But Where?

Colorado Rockies

Northwest Colorado may sneak into the favored storm track, while many central and northern resorts look set for near-normal snowfall. Resorts such as Winter Park, Keystone, and Loveland are trending at the average, with Aspen-Snowmass and Vail potentially performing slightly better, depending on how storm tracks evolve. Southern Colorado, including Taos and Wolf Creek, looks less fortunate with below-normal snowfall on the cards.

California & The Sierra

The Sierra may see its best windows of snow in December and possibly into January, aided by a few atmospheric river events. These “pineapple express” storms could drop significant snow in the high Sierra, but forecasters warn the season may overall settle near average. Tahoe sits in the “too close to call” category, while Southern California resorts like Mammoth and Big Bear lean below average.

• Related: Fact-Checking the Winter 2025-26 Farmers’ Almanac: What Skiers Should (and Shouldn’t) Bank On

Northeast

Most of the Northeast appears to be on track for a near-normal winter, with snow and cold expected. Jay Peak, Stowe, and Sugarloaf could tip above average in northern Vermont and Maine, but for much of New York, New Hampshire, and central New England, a solidly “normal” ski season appears likely.

Bottom line for skiers and riders: the northern tier and Wasatch look most promising for above-average powder. Southern Rockies and parts of California may be more hit-or-miss, unless those atmospheric rivers hit just right. For the detailed breakdown resort by resort, watch the full forecast video.

• Related: NOAA Winter 2025-26 Forecast: Nor’easters and Pacific Powder—This is Where it Will Snow