Where I’m Looking for Snow This Winter

An early look at winter 2026–27

I think we all know by now that this El Niño could shake things up at our usual mountains. I’ve been doing some research getting ready for the season of chasing powder.

There’s a lot of “super El Niño” talk from this summer. NOAA’s October assessment gives an +80% chance of strong to very strong El Niño conditions continuing through the ski season. So its best for us all to be prepared. NOAA’s October assessment

El Niños are notorious for disrupting weather patterns around the world. Unfortunately, that includes our snowstorms. They push the Pacific storm track farther south, changing which mountains get the snow. There’s good news and bad news here. We’ll start with the bad so we can finish on a good note.

If your usual spot is in western Canada, the Pacific Northwest, or the northern Rockies, I wouldn’t get too psyched as it might be a dry winter. Those regions have historically seen less snow during an El Niño, and western Canada often gets a milder winter too. That doesn’t mean your favorite mountain won’t have sick powder days. I would just keep an eye on conditions before locking in a trip months ahead. NOAA’s snowfall research, Canadian climate assessment

The good news? Some of the southern mountains could be in for legendary season. NOAA’s winter outlook is telling me to bring your snorkels to the southern resorts. If that moisture arrives with cold enough air, there could be plenty to get excited about. That’s where elevation starts to matter. NOAA’s winter outlook

A couple of resorts i’m eyeing for this season.

First up: Taos, New Mexico.

Taos is a legendary resort, and it has some serious elevation on its side. The base sits at a casual 9,350 feet, with the summit reaching 12,481 feet. New Mexico also tends to get more winter and spring precipitation during El Niño, which gives me a reason to be optimistic. If the storms line up, there could be a train of fresh snow worth making the trip for. For those of you who live around there, enjoy! Taos mountain stats, New Mexico’s El Niño history

One thing I’d keep in mind: if other mountains are struggling Taos might become the defacto southern resort, I’d expect more people to have the same idea. Just a hunch, but it’s something I’d factor into planning a trip. Shout out Ski Santa Fe, a solid alternate option.

The next is Mammoth. As a California native, this one is a personal favorite.

It’s hard to talk about Mammoth without thinking about the ridiculous 2022–23 season. The mountain recorded 715 inches at the Lodge nearly burying it, and close to 900 inches at the summit. I’d love to see another winter like that. Mammoth’s snowfall history

That season did begin under La Niña, though, so we’ll see what this El Niño will bring. California’s snowfall history during El Niño is mixed, and a wet forecast can still mean rain at lower elevations. Mammoth’s 11,053-foot summit and great town vibes gives me hope, but I’ll be watching snow levels and incoming storms before getting carried away. NOAA’s March 2023 ENSO update, USGS Southwest assessment

Wolf Creek and Arizona Snowbowl are worth watching too.

Wolf Creek has a base elevation of 10,300 feet and a spot in southern Colorado that makes it worth checking when storms come through the Southwest. Colorado’s El Niño history varies quite a bit by location and month, so I’d let the storm forecast guide the timing on this one. Wolf Creek mountain stats, Colorado El Niño research

And yes, Arizona belongs in this conversation. Snowbowl another high elevation resort starts at 9,200 feet and reaches 11,500 feet on the lifts. With much of Arizona historically leaning wetter during El Niño, it could be a fun option to rip if you can time a trip around a cold storm. Snowbowl mountain info, USGS regional assessment

For now, Taos and Mammoth are the two I’m most excited to keep an eye on, with Wolf Creek and Snowbowl close behind. I’m keeping my plans flexible and watching where the snow actually lands.

There’s a chance this winter gives us a reason to try a mountain we’ve been putting off for years. Hopefully, it comes with a few deep days to make the trip worth it.