Can’t wait to hit the slopes? Check Meteorologist Chris Tomer’s North America snow forecast before you pack the car to find out what the weather will be and how it’ll affect ski conditions. Plus, find out which ski resorts will have the best snow for the weekend. After your trip, leave a resort review here.
Snow Before You Go | Twice-Weekly North America Snow Forecasts
by Meteorologist Chris Tomer
December 4, 2024
Tomer’s Take
The most active weather stays in the Northeast early in the period. Out West, a large ridge of high pressure keeps the ski areas dry until 12/7 then a storm system with colder air races through 12/8-12/9. Ski the Northeast 12/5-12/6. Ski Interior British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest on 12/7. Ski the Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming on 12/8. Ski Colorado or the Northeast on 12/9.
Utah & Colorado
Expect light snow accumulation in Utah late 12/8 into 12/9. Totals of 1-5 inches across the Wasatch. I’m forecasting moderate snow accumulation in Colorado on the afternoon of 12/8 through 12/9. Totals of 3-8 inches in Central and Northern Mountain Zones. Slightly less accumulation in the Southern Mountains.
Pacific Northwest & Whistler
I’m forecasting heavy snow accumulation in the Pacific Northwest late 12/6 through 12/7 and heavy snow accumulation 12/12-12/13. Totals of 1-2 feet at Whistler Blackcomb, Mt. Baker, Crystal/Rainier, and Timberline.
Wyoming, Idaho & Montana
Expect light to moderate snow accumulation in Wyoming 12/8-12/9 and moderate accumulation 12/13. Totals of 6-10 inches at Jackson Hole and Grand Targhee. I’m forecasting moderate to heavy snow accumulation in Idaho 12/7-12/8 and heavy accumulation 12/12-12/13. Totals of 5-14 inches at Sun Valley, Brundage, and Schweitzer. In Montana it’s looking like heavy snow accumulation 12/8-12/9 and light to moderate accumulation 12/12-12/13. Totals of 6-14 inches at Big Sky, Bridger Bowl, Discovery, Whitefish, and Snowbowl.
California
Expect moderate snow accumulation at Mt. Shasta on 12/12-12/13. Otherwise, my forecast is dry for Lake Tahoe and Mammoth.
Banff and Interior British Columbia
I’m forecasting light snow accumulation for the Banff area late 12/6-12/7 and light accumulation 12/10. Totals of 3-8 inches. Expect heavy snow accumulation for Interior British Columbia late 12/6-12/7 and heavy accumulation 12/12-12/13. Total snow accumulation of 6-16 inches at Revelstoke, Kicking Horse, Red Mountain, and Fernie.
Northeast
I’m calling for moderate snow accumulation in the Northeast through 12/5, plus lake-effect snow accumulation through 12/6. Then, expect light snow accumulation 12/7-12/8, and moderate accumulation 12/9. Total snow accumulation of 4-12 inches at the major ski areas of Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and New York.
December 1, 2024
Tomer’s Take
High pressure keeps the West very dry through 12/7. It’s a waiting game for the pattern to change. A cold front dives south from Canada with a chance for accumulating snow in Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, Colorado, and New Mexico on 12/8-12/10. Heavy lake-effect snow continues for the Northeast early through 12/2. Then a storm system races in from 12/4-12/6 with moderate to heavy snow accumulation at many of New England’s major ski areas. Ski the Northeast 12/2 and 12/5-12/7. Ski Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah 12/8-12/10.
Northeast
Expect heavy accumulation across the favored lake-effect areas on 12/2. Then expect moderate to heavy snow accumulation 12/4-12/6 with 4-12 inches of total accumulation in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
Utah & Colorado
Expect light to moderate snow accumulation in Utah 12/8-12/9 with 2-6 inches. I’m forecasting moderate snow accumulation in Colorado 12/9-12/10 with 3-8 inches. Possibly 4-10 inches in Southern Colorado.
Pacific Northwest & Whistler
Expect light snow accumulation in the Pacific Northwest 12/5, and heavy accumulation 12/6-12/7 at the highest elevations. There will be a high-elevation rain/snow line.
Wyoming, Idaho & Montana
Expect light snow accumulation in Wyoming 12/8 with 1-4 inches of snow accumulation. Idaho is looking at light to moderate snow accumulation 12/7-12/8 with 1-4 inches. I’m forecasting light to moderate snow accumulation in Montana 12/8-12/9 with 1-5 inches.
California
I’m forecasting light snow accumulation in California late 12/7 into 12/8 with 1-3 inches.
Banff and Interior British Columbia
Expect a mostly dry stretch for the Banff area, except for light snow accumulation on 12/7. Total accumulation of 1-4 inches. For Interior British Columbia I’m calling for light snow accumulation on 12/5 and moderate to heavy accumulation 12/6-12/8. Total snow accumulation of 4-8 inches.
November 27, 2024
Tomer’s Take
The final storm system of the atmospheric river storm cycle exits Utah and Colorado 11/27. Then this storm system moves into the Northeast with moderate to heavy snow accumulation 11/28-11/29. On 11/27 ski Colorado or Utah after Tuesday and Wednesday’s snowfall. On 11/28 and 11/29 ski the Northeast. On 11/30 ski Colorado, the Northeast, or high latitudes of British Columbia.
Northeast
Expect moderate to heavy snow accumulation at the major ski areas 11/28 into early 11/29. Total snow accumulation of 6-14 inches in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and New York. Lake-effect snow is likely at Snowridge.
Utah & Colorado
Expect light snow accumulation in Utah the morning of 11/27 before turning drier. High pressure builds 11/28-12/1. Total additional snow accumulation of 1-4 inches. In Colorado expect moderate snow accumulation the morning of 11/27 before it turns drier as high pressure builds 11/28-12/1. Total snow accumulation of 4-10 inches across all mountain zones.
Wyoming, Idaho & Montana
Wyoming and Idaho could see light snow on 11/27, but then it’s a mainly dry forecast with high pressure building the afternoon of 11/27-12/1. In Montana it’s a mainly dry forecast with high pressure building 11/27-12/1.
Pacific Northwest & Whistler
It’s a mainly dry forecast for the Pacific Northwest 11/27-12/1.
California
It’s a mainly dry forecast for California 11/27-12/1.
Banff and Interior British Columbia
Interior British Columbia could see some light snow, but it’s a mainly dry forecast 11/27-12/1 for the region.
November 24, 2024
Tomer’s Take
The pattern this week starts active across California, Utah, and Colorado with heavy snow accumulation. Then the stormtrack shifts East with a storm system developing in the Midwest for Thanksgiving and possibly moving into the Northeast with heavy snow accumulation and lake-effect snow. On 11/28, Thanksgiving Day, ski Colorado or the Northeast as the big storm system approaches. On 11/29 ski the Northeast, Interior British Columbia, or Banff. On 11/30 ski Mammoth, Northeast ski resorts, or Snow Ridge, New York. On 12/1 ski Snow Ridge, New York, which could see significant accumulation due to lake-effect snow.
Pacific Northwest & Whistler
Expect light snow accumulation on 11/25 with totals of 1-4 inches at Baker, Whistler Blackcomb, Crystal, Stevens Pass, and Timberline.
California
Expect heavy snow accumulation 11/25-11/26, and light to moderate on 11/29. Total snow accumulation of 8-12 inches across Lake Tahoe’s ski resorts and Mt. Shasta, with up 2-3 feet at Mammoth.
Utah & Colorado
Expect heavy snow accumulation in Utah late 11/25-11/26. Total snow accumulation of 1-2 feet across the Wasatch, with snowfall that’s closer to 2 feet at Alta, Snowbird, Solitude, and Brighton. In Colorado I’m forecasting moderate snow accumulation 11/24-11/25 and heavy accumulation 11/26 into early 11/27. Total accumulation of 1-2 feet for all mountain zones with some localized 3 foot totals.
Wyoming, Idaho & Montana
I’m calling for moderate snow accumulation in Wyoming 11/26 with totals of 4-10 inches at Jackson Hole, Grand Targhee, and Teton Pass. Expect light snow accumulation in Idaho 11/25-11/27, and 11/29. Totals of 1-4 inches at Brundage and Schweitzer. I’m forecasting light snow accumulation on 11/26 with totals of 1-3 inches at Big Sky, Snowbowl, Bridger Bowl, Discovery, and Whitefish.
Banff and Interior British Columbia
Expect light snow accumulation in Banff on 11/25 and 11/28-11/29. Totals of 3-6 inches. I’m forecasting light snow accumulation for Interior British Columbia 11/25, 11/28-11/29, and 12/1. Totals of 3-8 inches at Revelstoke, Red Mountain, and Kicking Horse. Up to 12 inches at Fernie.
Northeast
I’m forecasting mainly rain on 11/26 (mix or some snow at highest elevations), then heavy snow accumulation 11/28-11/29. Total snow accumulation of 1-2 feet at the ski areas of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Over two feet is possible at Snow Ridge with the addition of lake-effect snow between 11/29-12/2.
November 20, 2024
Tomer’s Take
A moderate to strong intensity atmospheric river (AR), the first of the season, runs through 11/23. It’s targeting the Sierra, Cascades, and high volcanoes with feet of snow accumulation and hurricane force wind gusts. Then, some of this moisture gets carried into Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, and Colorado through 11/28. On 11/22 and 11/23 hit the Sierras, the High Cascades and volcanoes of Oregon and Washington, British Columbia, and Idaho. On 11/24 and 11/24 ski the Sierra, Tetons, Wasatch, and Central & Northern Mountains of Colorado.
Pacific Northwest & Whistler
Expect moderate to heavy accumulation in the Pacific Northwest 11/20-11/21, heavy accumulation 11/22, light to moderate accumulation 11/23-11/24, and heavy accumulation 11/28-11/29. Total snowfall of 10-20 inches at Whistler Blackcomb, Stevens Pass, Baker, Rainier, and Crystal. Less accumulation at Timberline.
California
Expect light snow accumulation in California the afternoon of 11/20-11/21, heavy snowfall 11/22-11/23, and heavy snowfall 11/24-11/25. Totals of 2-3 feet at Mt. Shasta, Mammoth, and Lake Tahoe.
Utah & Colorado
Expect moderate to heavy accumulation in Utah 11/23-11/24, and light snowfall 11/25. Total accumulation of 10-20 inches at Alta, Snowbird, Solitude, and Brighton. I’m calling for 8-16 inches at Park City, Deer Valley, Powder Mountain, and Snowbasin. I’m forecasting heavy snow accumulation in Colorado the afternoon of 11/24-11/26. Total accumulation of 1-2 feet across the Central and Northern Mountain zones. The Southern Mountain zone is looking at 5-10 inches.
Wyoming, Idaho & Montana
Expect light to moderate accumulation in Wyoming 11/23, light accumulation late 11/25-11/26, and moderate accumulation 11/28-11/29. Total accumulation of 8-16 inches at Jackson Hole and Grand Targhee. In Idaho expect moderate to heavy accumulation 11/20-11/23, and moderate accumulation 11/28-11/29. Total accumulation of 10-20 inches at Sun Valley, Brundage, and Schweitzer. I’m forecasting light accumulation in Montana 11/21-11/22, moderate to heavy accumulation 11/23-11/24, and moderate accumulation 11/28. Total snow accumulation of 8-16 inches at Big Sky, Bridger Bowl, Discovery, Whitefish, and Snowbowl.
Banff and Interior British Columbia
I’m forecasting light snow accumulation in the Banff area 11/21-11/23, and moderate accumulation 11/28-11/29. Total accumulation of 6-12 inches. Expect light to moderate accumulation for Interior British Columbia 11/21-11/22, moderate accumulation 11/22-11/23, light accumulation 11/24, and moderate accumulation 11/28-11/29. Total accumulation of 8-16 inches (or more) at Revelstoke, Fernie, Kicking Horse, and Red Mountain.
Northeast
There are two chances for snow in the Northeast but only at higher elevations above 3,000 feet. Expect light snow accumulation the afternoon of 11/21-11/22 and heavy accumulation late 11/22-11/23. The higher elevations of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine could see 3-12 inches. Mount Washington is the bullseye with 1-2 feet.
November 17, 2024
Tomer’s Take
The pattern will be dominated by an atmospheric river setup between 11/20-11/23 that targets the Sierra, Cascades, and high volcanoes. Feet of snow accumulation is possible. A piece of this moisture gets blown into Interior British Columbia, parts of Idaho, the Tetons, and Northwest Montana.
Pacific Northwest & Whistler
Expect heavy snow accumulation in the Pacific Northwest from 11/17 into 11/18. A large storm system then comes through 11/20-11/22 with heavy snow accumulation. Total snow accumulation of 1-3 feet at Whistler Blackcomb, Mt. Baker, Crystal Mountain, Stevens Pass, Timberline and Mt. Hood, and Mt. Bachelor.
California
A moderate intensity atmospheric river is possible 11/20-11/23 in California. Expect light snow accumulation late 11/17 into 11/18, heavy snow accumulation late 11/20-11/21, heavy accumulation late 11/22-11/23, and heavy accumulation 11/25-11/26. Totals of 2-4 feet at Mammoth and Lake Tahoe. There’s the possibility of much more snow at Mt. Shasta.
Utah & Colorado
In Utah expect light snow accumulation 11/18, moderate accumulation 11/23-11/24, and heavy accumulation late 11/25-11/26. Totals of 6-14 inches at Alta, Snowbird, Solitude, Brighton, Park City, Deer Valley, Powder Mountain, and Snowbasin. I’m forecasting light snow accumulation in Colorado late 11/18-11/19, and moderate to heavy accumulation late 11/24-11/26. Totals of 4-12 inches across the central and northern mountain zones. Less accumulation in the Southern Mountains of Colorado.
Wyoming, Idaho & Montana
Expect moderate to heavy snow accumulation in Wyoming on 11/18, moderate accumulation 11/23, and moderate to heavy accumulation 11/25-11/26. Totals of about two feet at Grand Targhee and Jackson Hole. In Idaho I’m forecasting moderate to heavy snow accumulation 11/17-11/18, light to moderate accumulation 11/20, and moderate to heavy accumulation 11/22-11/23. Snow totals of 10-20 inches at Sun Valley, Brundage, and Schweitzer. In Montana it looks like moderate to heavy snow accumulation on 11/18, light accumulation 11/21-11/22, and moderate to heavy accumulation the afternoon of 11/23-11/24. Totals of 8-14 inches at Big Sky, Discovery, Whitefish, Snowbowl, and Red Lodge, with less snowfall at Bridger Bowl.
Banff and Interior British Columbia
Precipitation overrun generates light to moderate snow accumulation in the Banff area 11/17-11/18 and moderate accumulation 11/20-11/23. Total accumulation of 5-14 inches. Expect light to moderate snow accumulation in Interior British Columbia on 11/18, light accumulation on 11/20-11/21, and moderate to heavy accumulation on 11/22. Totals of 8-16 inches at Revelstoke, Red Mountain, Kicking Horse, and Fernie.
Northeast
Snow is possible the afternoon of 11/21-11/22 at higher elevations. I’m forecasting 1-3 inches at most ski areas in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and New York. Mount Washington could see a foot.
November 13, 2024
Tomer’s Take
The pattern through 11/20 continues to favor the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana for the highest chances of accumulating snowfall. Ski the Pacific Northwest, Banff, or Idaho resorts that have opened for the season.
Pacific Northwest & Whistler
Expect moderate to heavy snow accumulation across the high Cascades and volcanoes on 11/14 and the afternoon of 11/16-11/18. Total snow accumulation will range from 1-3 feet at Whistler Blackcomb, Mt. Baker, Mt. Rainier, Stevens Pass, and Timberline. Oregon is your best bet, where Timberline opened earlier this month, and Mt. Bachelor opens Friday. Mt. Hood Meadows is having a preview weekend Friday to Sunday.
California
I’m forecasting light accumulation 11/14-11/15 and light accumulation late 11/17-11/18. Snowfall totals of 1-4 inches at Mt. Shasta, Lake Tahoe resorts, and Mammoth, which opens on Friday. Note that Mt. Rose is currently the only ski resort open in the Lake Tahoe area.
Utah & Colorado
Ski areas are just starting to open in Utah. Brian Head was the first, opening in early November, while Solitude is opening this weekend for daily operations. Nevertheless, in Utah I’m forecasting light snow accumulation the afternoon of 11/15-11/16, and moderate snow 11/18-11/19. Totals of 6-8 inches at Alta, Snowbird, Solitude, and Brighton. Less accumulation at Park City, Deer Valley, Powder Mountain, Brian Head, and Snowbasin. Expect moderate to heavy snow accumulation in Colorado 11/19-11/20. Totals of 4-8 inches at Aspen Snowmass, Vail, Copper, Breckenridge, Steamboat, Loveland, A-Basin, Keystone, Winter Park, and Eldora. Less accumulation in the Southern Mountains. You can see Colorado’s open resorts here.
Wyoming, Idaho & Montana
Expect moderate snow accumulation in Wyoming the afternoon of 11/15-11/16 and moderate snowfall 11/18-11/19. Totals of 8-16 inches at Grand Targhee (opening November 22) and Jackson Hole (opening November 29). In Idaho I’m forecasting moderate snow accumulation from 11/13-11/14, heavy 11/17, and light 11/18. Totals of 6-15 inches at Brundage and Schweitzer with less at Sun Valley. Lookout Pass (open on weekends at the moment) is currently your best option in Idaho until later this month. Expect moderate snow accumulation in Montana the afternoon of 11/15-11/16 and moderate to heavy snow on 11/18. Totals of 8-16 inches at Big Sky, which opens November 27. Less accumulation at Whitefish, Bridger Bowl, Discovery, and Snowbowl, all of which will be opening in a few weeks.
Banff and Interior British Columbia
I’m forecasting moderate to heavy snow accumulation 11/14-11/15 and the afternoon of 11/16-11/17 for Banff and Interior British Columbia. Totals of 8-16 inches at Revelstoke, Red Mountain, Kicking Horse, and Fernie. Less accumulation at Sunshine Village and Marmot Basin (opening Friday) with 6-12 inches. The Banff area resorts are your best option this weekend.
Northeast
I’m not forecasting any snow accumulation through 11/20 for the northeast. The ski season is just getting underway in New England, with Sunday River opening on November 14.
November 10, 2024
Tomer’s Take
The pattern through 11/17 mirrors the weak La Niña pattern that will dominate this winter. The storm track favors the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, and northern tier for best snowfall thanks to two different storm systems. Head to the Pacific Northwest for the best accumulation through 11/17.
California
Expect moderate to heavy accumulation in California on 11/11 with 4-8 inches at Lake Tahoe resorts and Mt.Shasta. Expect light accumulation 11/14-11/15 with 1-3 inches. Overall there will be less accumulation at Mammoth Mountain, which opens on Friday.
Utah & Colorado
I’m forecasting light accumulation in Utah 11/10 with 1-4 inches and an additional 1-4 inches of light accumulation 11/15-11/16. Grand totals of 5-8 inches at Alta, Snowbird, Solitude, and Brighton. Expect less accumulation at Park City, Deer Valley, Powder Mountain, Snowbasin, and Brian Head. In Colorado expect light accumulation late 11/12-11/13 with 1-4 inches and light accumulation late 11/16-11/17 with 1-3 inches. The best accumulation will be across the Western Slope.
Pacific Northwest & Whistler
Expect heavy snow accumulation through 11/11-11/14 across the high Cascades and volcanoes with totals of 3-4 feet. I’m forecasting moderate to heavy snow accumulation 11/16-11/17 with 8-16 inches.
Wyoming, Idaho & Montana
Expect light snow accumulation in Wyoming on 11/12 with 1-2 inches. I’m forecasting moderate accumulation 11/15-11/16 with 4-8 inches at Jackson Hole and Grand Targhee. Moderate snow accumulation late 11/17 into 11/18 with 3-6 inches. Grand totals of 8-16 inches at Grand Targhee and Jackson Hole. Through Central and Northern Idaho I’m forecasting heavy snow accumulation 11/11-11/14 with 6-12 inches and moderate to heavy accumulation on 11/17 with 5-10 inches. Less accumulation at Sun Valley. Grand totals of 10-20 inches at Brundage and Schweitzer. For Montana I’m forecasting moderate to heavy accumulation late 11/11-11/12 with 6-12 inches. Expect moderate snow accumulation on 11/14 with 3-6 inches and heavy accumulation 11/15-11/16 with 8-16 inches. Less overall accumulation at Bridger Bowl and Whitefish.
Banff and Interior British Columbia
I’m forecasting light snow accumulation for the Banff area late 11/11-11/12, 11/13, and 11/16-11/7. Grand totals of 3-6 inches. Expect heavy snow accumulation for Interior British Columbia 11/11-11/14 with 1-2 feet of accumulation. I’m forecasting heavy accumulation 11/16-11/17 with 8-16 inches.
Northeast
I’m only forecasting light snow accumulation on 11/12.
December 04, 2024
