While you turned back your clocks last weekend, winter’s first big storm started to move across the West, bringing snow to Canada, California, Wyoming, Montana and Colorado. Scroll down to see storm updates and new-snow photos from ski resorts in the Western U.S.
Note: Most ski resorts don’t post snow totals until after they’ve opened for the season. The following new-snow photos show the accumulations, and some resorts have posted official storm totals. However, we do not have comprehensive, accurate snow totals for every resort at this time.
The storm started in British Columbia, dropping 35 cms (almost 14 inches) at Whistler Blackcomb’s Pig Alley weather station. Their mountain ops estimates they received 50 cms (nearly 20 inches) at the top, and they’ve fired up the snow guns to fill in some areas with the man-made stuff.
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On the Powder Highway, Kicking Horse received 62 cms (almost 25 inches) of new snow during the last week, and Revelstoke’s Gnorm the snow gnome was buried by 99 cms (39 inches) of snow over seven days. In the Okanagan ski region, Big White’s young locals have taken to the slopes to stomp tricks on a nice base of natural snow, and Sun Peaks is looking like a winter wonderland awaiting its skiers.
Just east in Alberta, Banff and Lake Louise ski resorts received some of that dry, Canadian Rockies powder they’re famous for. Lake Louise is looking very ready for their opening day this Friday!
Update on Nov. 5: Whistler Blackcomb sent Mike Douglas and Robin Van Gyn up to the top via helicopter to test out the 35cm of snow that fell last weekend. The footage will leave you speechless and longing for opening day on Nov. 26.
First tracks at Whistler Blackcomb on Nov. 3, 2015
New snow photos at Canadian ski resorts
On Monday, the storm bore down on California resorts and has hammered Mammoth with 12 to 30 inches of new snow. Tahoe skiers’ snow dances are working, as most resorts, including Squaw Valley and Kirkwood, have received more than a foot of snow as of Tuesday morning, and it’s still coming down.
Update on Nov. 5: Mammoth Mountain opened today with a 30-inch base and bluebird skies!
New snow photos at California resorts
Farther east, Jackson Hole has been shrouded in clouds, and 10 inches has already fallen atop Rendezvous Bowl. More snow is in the forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday. Big Sky gets the brunt of the storm on Tuesday, and the webcams are showing a very wintery scene. Update on Nov. 5: Jackson Hole received 22 inches of snow as of Nov. 3, and this morning, Big Sky’s storm totals range from 12 to 24 inches.
New snow photos at Wyoming and Montana resorts
Colorado ski resorts expect the snow to start falling on Tuesday night. Most ski resorts are expecting between six and 10 inches, but resorts in Southwest Colorado, like Telluride and Crested Butte, may get up to a foot. Stay tuned for storm updates and photos from Colorado ski resorts. Update on Nov. 5: Colorado resorts are now in the middle of the storm. Telluride is the big winner so far with 15 inches of snow, and Vail has reported 10 inches in the last 24 hours. Winter Park is close behind with 9 inches overnight. Crested Butte hasn’t posted official numbers, but their photos show deep accumulations. Keystone and Breck are looking great for their opening days (Nov. 6 and Nov. 13). Aspen Snowmass ski areas received seven inches up top, and our office dog tested the goods at Aspen Highlands this morning. Check out the video below!
First tracks in Aspen Snowmass on Nov. 5
If you’re inspired by all this new snow, book your ski vacation soon! Shop deals at top resorts, or let our Mountain Travel Experts do the legwork for you. Request a free, custom quote or call 800-610-8911.
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