Skiing and Snowboarding Forecast for the Winter of 2025 - 2026

Last week's Arctic blast was the first taste of winter for a large swath of the country. While many Americans would prefer that Old Man Winter stay far away, skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts are welcoming the wintry conditions with open arms. Where will the snow pile up this year, and what ski resorts may struggle to keep the conditions perfect for winter sports? Here is a look at this winter's early snow forecast.

Where and When You Will Find the Best Skiing and Snowboarding Conditions

The latest long-range forecast offers quite the dichotomy for ski conditions across the U.S. Although some parts of the nation will enjoy perfect powder most of the season, other resorts may have to fire up the snow-making machines to keep the slopes up and running. The timing will also have a lot to say about your success on the slopes.

In general, the most ideal conditions will be found early and late in the season. For example, an active storm track early in the winter in the Northeast will keep the flakes flying from the Great Lakes and into the Appalachians and New England. Frequent bursts of cold air in late November and December will help area ski resorts build a robust snow pack.