Weather
Direct Weather’s 2025-26 winter snowfall forecast anticipates significant regional differences, but the overall pattern favors cold, snowy conditions for the northern and eastern US, with reduced snowfall in the Southwest and select western ranges. Below is a breakdown by region and mountain range with expected snowfall, but check out the 2025-26 winter snowfall forecast video for more details. Note, the forecast is not a skier-focused one, so the averages given are for whole regions, not just higher elevations.
- Related: NOAA Winter 2025-26 Forecast: Nor’easters and Pacific Powder—This is Where it Will Snow
- Related: Old Farmer’s Almanac Winter 2025-26 Forecast: When and Where to Expect the Most Snow This Winter
- Related: Old Farmer’s Almanac Winter 2025-26 Forecast: When and Where to Expect the Most Snow This Winter
Western US: Rockies, Sierra, Cascades
- Cascade Mountains & Northern Sierra Nevada: These areas are reliably the snowiest, seeing average annual snowfall of over 72 inches, with some spots exceeding 100 inches. Both ranges are expected to deliver abundant snow again, especially in the higher elevations of Washington, Oregon, and Northern California. However, expect fewer epic powder days in the far southern and southwestern sections as storm tracks shift north.
- Rocky Mountains: Northern and central Rockies (Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, northern Colorado, Utah’s Wasatch) should receive close to their annual averages (48–72+ inches) and likely slightly above-average powder days if temperatures remain below normal and precipitation is robust. Southern Rockies (southern Colorado, New Mexico) may see below-average snow due to suppressed storm tracks.
- Southwest (California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico): Despite high annual snowfall averages in mountain locales, the forecast calls for below-average chances of powder days this season, especially for southern areas. Even so, totals will remain good compared to much of the country.
- Washington and Oregon Cascades: Highest chance of deep snowfalls. These regions are forecasted to receive well above the national average, with frequent powder days, thanks to a favorable storm track and cold air.
Upper Midwest & Great Lakes
- Northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan: Expect 48–72 inches or more, with the Lake Superior/Great Lakes snowbelt zones seeing even higher totals due to enhanced lake effect snow. Overall, snowfall is projected to be above average, giving skiers plenty of powder days.
Northeast: New England & Appalachians
- Northern New England (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts): Expect frequent storms and some of the deepest snow totals (48–72+ inches), particularly in northern coastal Maine. Ski areas in the White Mountains, Green Mountains, and Berkshires will stand out, with high confidence in above-average snowfall and powder days.
Upstate New York & Pennsylvania: Adirondacks and western areas near lakes will score big on lake effect and elevation, falling into the snowiest forecast bands.
- Appalachians (PA, WV, VA, NC): High-elevation resorts should see healthy snow, but not at the extremes of New England—the farther north and higher the elevation, the better for powder.
Central States & Midwest
- Northern Plains (Iowa, northern Illinois, Indiana, Ohio): Expect above-normal snowfall. These regions are in the “powder-prone” band this winter, with a strong likelihood of more frequent snow events and better-than-average conditions.
- Southern Plains, Southeast: Only occasional snow events, mostly dustings or brief cover; best focus for powder is north of Kentucky and Missouri.
Summary: Best Regions for Snow (2025-26)
- Cascades, WA/OR/N. CA: Above average, frequent powder days (72″-100″+)
- Sierra Nevada (North): Solid season, but normal to slightly below average in the southern end (72″+)
- Rockies (ID, MT, WY, CO, UT): Slightly above to average snow; powder days likely (48″–72″+)
- Southwest (CA South/NV/AZ/NM): Below average chance; still good compared to lowland areas (48″–72″)
- Upper Midwest/Great Lakes: Above average, strong lake effect (48″–72″)
- New England (ME, NH, VT, MA): Above average, frequent powder days (48″–72″)
- Appalachians (PA, NY, WV, VA): Good snow, especially at highest elevations (36″–48″+)
Key Takeaways
- Top picks for powder days: Cascades, Northern Sierra, Northern Rockies, Northern New England, and Great Lakes regions.
- Storm track favors: Northwest, Rockies (north/central), Northeast, and Upper Midwest for above-average snow.
- Southwest and Southern Rockies: Below average, but high elevations will still deliver respectable totals.
Best strategy: Aim for resorts and backcountry zones in the upper bands—Washington/Oregon Cascades, northern Colorado Rockies, Vermont/New Hampshire/Maine, and Michigan’s Lake Superior snowbelt—for the most consistent deep powder in 2025-26.
