Winter 2025 2026-Snowfall Predictions for Colorado

A Wet & Mild (But Powder-Possible) Ride Ahead

As all of us at Base Mountain Sports have started eyeballing those fresh dustings on the mountain tops and we’re keeping our stoke high going into winter 2025–26. We’re taking the most positive outlook from the Old Farmer’s Almanac predictions which optimistically slots Colorado into a zone of “mild” + “wet” conditions. While it might not scream huge dumps every weekend, it absolutely hints at a season with plenty of moisture, spring-like density, and storm cycles that reward the patient and prepared.

Let’s unpack what that means for your skis and snowboards — and why you should already be mentally planning your laps.

What the Almanac Says: Mild Temperatures, Higher Moisture

So, what does it all mean? Here’s what we took from the prediction:

• Above-average precipitation (in all forms)
• Warmer snow cycles, particularly at lower elevations, meaning more mixed precipitation and wet snow
• Storm rhythms that may come in waves rather than steady cold and dry stretches

The Almanac's full forecast predicts "mild" domination nationwide, but with "deep snowfall and strong winds" still hitting in certain regions. High elevations in Colorado can still get a lot of snow from those wet systems. How weather systems move into Colorado can be shaped by storm track north and west coast ridging, which influence when cold fronts and precipitation arrive.

Another local take, from 9News, notes that western Colorado (the side we care about) is expected to see “mixed precipitation and fluctuating snow amounts” under a generally mild winter setting. This outlook can differ from neighboring regions such as the southern Rockies, northern Wyoming, New Mexico, the Southwest, and the Inland Northwest, where neutral conditions or La Niña phases often create distinct regional snowfall and temperature patterns.

Central and south central U.S. regions, as well as areas to the east and Alaska, may experience different winter patterns due to these large-scale climate drivers. Additionally, weather systems originating from the Pacific Northwest and Washington can impact Colorado's winter, especially when interacting with other climate signals.
So yes — there’s some mixed opinions for this season. But what we’re taking away from all of this is: wet weather systems will be in the mix, giving us opportunities to gear up and shred another year.

The Science Behind the Snow: Factors Affecting Colorado’s Winter

Colorado’s winter weather is shaped by a complex mix of climate drivers that set the stage for every snowstorm, cold snap, and bluebird day. Understanding these big-picture patterns—like La Niña, the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, and the polar vortex—can help you anticipate what the season might bring, especially when planning for powder days. Let’s break down the key players influencing the upcoming winter season.

La Niña, and Its Impact on the Rockies

For the 2025–26 winter, it looks like we're heading into a La Niña pattern, which should really kick in by late November and early December. When La Niña's around, it usually pushes the jet stream north. That means storms tend to hit the northern Rockies, bringing us more precipitation than usual, especially in Colorado's high country. So, expect more storms and generally higher overall snowfall, particularly at higher elevations and in northern spots.

On the flip side, El Niño years usually mean drier conditions and less consistent snow for the Rockies. But with La Niña on the way, Colorado has a much better shot at early and mid-season storms. This is awesome because it helps build a solid base for all our ski areas and backcountry zones. As winter goes on, keeping an eye on the forecasts will be super important. We usually head over to Meteorologist, Chris Tomer's YouTube channel to check the radar for new snowfall. If La Niña gets even stronger throughout the season, we're looking at even more chances for above-normal precipitation and those epic Colorado powder days!

Why “Wet & Mild” Is a Good Thing (For Skiers & Riders)

At first glance,the “mild and wet” headline doesn’t sound like the most promising winter headline. But it’s actually a good thing and again, we like to focus on the positive.
Fast forward to March which often brings a final round of storms or transitional weather, which can extend the ski season and impact snowpack stability.

1. Dense, consistent snow when cold air locks in
When wet weather hits cold air up high, you get seriously heavy, dense snow that sticks around and builds up the base quickly. Late January often brings the cold needed for a sturdy snowpack. That's when you get deep, endless snow, not that fluffy stuff – perfect for a solid base and smooth turns.

2. Fewer dramatic warm-ups that wreck snowpack
Extreme freeze-thaw cycles can wreck a base. Milder weather reduces the extremes — less baking in sun, less thaw-refreeze. That means a more stable snowpack, fewer melt-freeze crusts, and more continuous skiing.

3. More frequent storm windows
“Wet and mild” implies more opportunities for moisture to roll in. Storm sequences may stack, giving you multiple windows for fresh tracks. Even if not every storm dumps mega powder, consistent snow cycles help maintain base and keep your gear hitting fresh coverage.

The Snow Stoke is Real

Here’s what excites us most: mild + wet doesn’t mean no powder — it means different powder. As Colorado riders, we’re used to chasing the light, fluffy powder and we’re not so used to the heavy wet stuff that falls on the west coast. However, we’re excited for this upcoming season, regardless of the snow type. When it snows, we’ll be on the mountain and reporting back to our customers.
So whether you’re locals or visitors, keep your tuning sharp, your gear ready, and your snow-sense on alert. When the weather maps line up, we’ll be right there — skis waxed, boards ready — to send perfect laps.

Stay stoked. Stay frosty. Get your ski and snowboard rentals at Base Mountain Sports — we’ll help you ride through whatever winter 2025–26 brings.