According to the old saying, ‘Misery loves company’ and this ski season, almost all of North America is experiencing a slow start. While there are a few exceptions, most places are desperate for snow. To put things in perspective, we’re comparing this winter to the previous worst snowfall season in North America, which occurred in 2013-14. That year’s snowfall levels were on par with the historically low records set in 1976-77 and 1980-81.
A Word Of Caution
Before we delve into the comparison, remember that any data you get mid-season isn’t going to be perfect but at least it gives an idea of where we’re at for the 2023-24 ski season. All snowfall totals listed below are from November 1st. Huge thanks to Tony Crocker for allowing us to use his information. Curious about how other past seasons started? Be sure to visit our Ski Weather Facts & Phenomenon page where we highlight that and many more fun facts like what were the biggest snowstorms ever to hit a ski resort.
California
California winters can be extreme – it’s either feast or famine. Last winter was abundant with snow, but this year feels like a famine. If you remember the ski season of 2013-14, this winter might bring a sense of déjà vu. The snowfall this year is tracking very similarly to that previous winter. In 2013-14, an El Niño season brought high snow levels, benefiting resorts with a stronger base, and this year follows a similar trend. However, despite this, this winter marks the fifth lowest snowfall in the past 52 years.
Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest usually sees more consistent storms, yet this year, while they’ve had storms, they’ve been unusually warm. Even Whistler’s snowfall numbers come with a caveat. They’ve hit triple digits, but they’re only 38% open. It’s gotten so dire that this season ranks as the fourth lowest snowfall in November-December over the past 52 years.
Canadian Rockies / Interior BC
This area is usually renowned for its dependable snowfall, often referred to as the Powder Highway. Despite most of North America experiencing high snow levels, Lake Louise stands out with 80% open due to their cold weather preserving what they received. Despite this season ranking as the sixth lowest snowfall in 52 years, they’re managing better than most other places.
US Northern Rockies
This should sound like a repeat of the other areas above. High snow levels and plenty of rain which translates to below average snowfall. Both Schweitzer and Big Sky (41%) have record low terrain open at New Year’s over the past 25 years. Sun Valley has the second lowest and Jackson third lowest. But as usual, Mr. Consistent itself – Grand Targhee is nearly 100% open.
Utah
While not having an epic beginning compared to other regions, Utah is the clear winner. Alta received a whopping six feet of snow in early December, while the other Cottonwood resorts got 3-4 feet, giving them a good start. Although they might be leading in snowfall totals, the overall conditions remain a bit sparse, except for Alta’s four-foot base. Other areas in Utah, like Park City, are still facing challenges, with only half of their terrain open.
Northern And Central Colorado
Talk about a mixed bag. The perennial snowfall favorites like Steamboat, Vail, and Winter Park have received a bit more snow and have most of their terrain open, boasting 3-foot bases. However, the other ski areas in the region have less than half of their terrain available, with bases just over 2 feet. This November-December snowfall also ranks as the sixth worst in the past 52 years.
Southern And Western Colorado
Throughout November-December, the region has received consistent snowfall but it’s still the seventh worst in 52 years. And yet Aspen, Wolf Creek, Purgatory, and Monarch are more than ¾ open.
Northeast
November started off slow, but there was hope for a good start in Northern Vermont with 3 feet of snow in the first half of December, while the southern areas experienced rain. However, the week before Christmas brought not just rain but torrential downpours. This severely impacted the snowpack, and despite the holidays, there was little recovery as more rain continued.
There’s Hope!
Don’t let this gloom bring you down. There’s a shift in the teleconnections, and signs indicate that the Pacific storm train might roll in soon, bringing some much-needed snow to ALL ski areas across North America. Keep up those snow dances and get your gear ready — real snowfall could be just around the corner!
There’s no question that 2013-14 was the worst season that I’ve witnessed here in the Wasatch in my 40 years of skiing. I am surprised to read that 2013-14 was considered as bad as 1976-77. I didn’t discover skiing until 1984. But, the way old-timers describe ’76-77 it sounds like it was way worse than ’13-14. At least here locally.