El Niño's Grip: Which Ski Resorts Will Get the Snow?

The upcoming ski season's outlook is heavily influenced by a strong El Niño forming in the Pacific, with NOAA favoring wetter conditions for the southern U.S. and warmer temperatures in the north. Resorts in New Mexico and Arizona, such as Taos Ski Valley and Arizona Snowbowl, are well-positioned to receive ample snowfall due to their location along El Niño's typical storm track.

Colorado's Wolf Creek Ski Area and California's Mammoth Mountain also show promising El Niño odds, though Mammoth's record shows variability. Utah's Alta Ski Area and Mt. Bachelor in Oregon present more mixed prospects, with potential for significant snow but also uncertainty.

Resorts in the Pacific Northwest, including Mt. Hood Meadows and Mt. Baker in Washington, may see near-normal to below-normal snowfall due to potential warmth, though higher elevations could still offer good conditions. Jackson Hole in Wyoming and Stowe Mountain Resort in Vermont are anticipated to have a less favorable El Niño impact, with warmer temperatures posing a challenge for snow.

Given the unpredictable nature of El Niño's effects, flexible lodging and travel plans are highly recommended for skiers. The strongest winter storms are often predicted to arrive later in the season, suggesting that a slow start does not necessarily indicate a poor overall winter.