January 1, 2026: Ski Area–Specific Snowfall and Snowpack Update

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January 1st, 2026 Ski Area Specific Snowfall and Snowpack Update.

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Summary:

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The West has seen above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation in November and December. Colorado, for example, is currently tied for the record-low snowpack depth and snow water equivalent (SWE). However, British Columbia, Canada, has had one of its best starts in recent memory, despite above-average temperatures at lower elevations. Areas like Lake Louise and Banff have seen their snowiest December on record, with their season totals already pushing 200”, while Powder King Mountain Resort in coastal B.C. currently holds the deepest base in North America with 119” of settled depth. The warm and dry trend is coming to an end to some degree, as predominant snowfall returns to the west this week. However, some mountains in the Rockies are still seeing a warm snowfall trend and a lack of cold, dry powder.

Top 10 Resorts For Total Snowfall as of January 1st, 2026 (US, CAN):

*All information is drawn from each ski area’s websites and their ski patrol’s official measurements*

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Canada:

Revelstoke: 228”

Kicking Horse: 212”

Lake Louise: 198”

Fernie: 175”

Sunshine/Bnaff: 164”

Whistler: 148”

USA:

Jay Peak: 234”

Jackson Hole: 170”

Alyeska: 160"

Stowe: 148”

Below: Total Snow water equivalent map (SWE) as of January 1st, 2026, for the Lower 48 and interior British Columbia. The Northern Rockies in parts of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming have all rebounded and now sit around average or even slightly above average. California should return to average by the end of the first week of the new year. Utah, Colorado, and the four corners are well below average for snowfall and SWE, and have seen abnormally warm temperatures in December, with Denver setting a December daily high record of 76 degrees and running 12 degrees above average for the month, with an average of 43.4 degrees. The PNW has received above-average precipitation; however, it has also experienced above-average temperatures, resulting in copious rain rather than snow. Most of the West looks to break their dry spells this week, starting January 2nd.

Below: Total Snow water equivalent map (SWE) as of January 1st, 2026, for Alaska and Northern B.C. interior. Alaska hovers right around average or slightly above, while coastal ranges struggle with only 50% of average SWE on the current date. Northern coastal B.C. is just below average.

Top 10 Resorts For Settled Base Depths as of January 1st, 2026 (US, CAN):

*All information is drawn from each ski area’s websites and their ski patrol’s official measurements*

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Canada:

Powder King Mountain Resort: 119” @ Summit

Revy: 79” @ Mid Mountain

Kicking Horse: 67” @ Mid Mountain

Fernie: 67” @ Mid Mountain

Lake Louise: 65” @ Mid Mountain

Whistler: 64” @ Mid Mountain

Sunshine/Bnaff: 60” @ Mid Mountain

USA:

Mt. Baker ski area: 96” @ summit

Mammoth: 76” @ Summit

Jackson Hole: 71” @ Summit

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Forecaster: Mark Mazzatta @mmmazzatta (Insta).

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