Across much of the western United States, the 2025-2026 season has been marked by record warmth and a gutting “snow drought,” with states like Oregon and California reporting some of the lowest snowpack levels on record as precipitation falls as rain instead of snow. If your usual go-to mountains are struggling, you're probably asking the same question we are: where is winter actually showing up this year? We've studied current snowpack reports and ski resort data to find where the snow is stacking up deepest right now, because when conditions are this variable, knowing where to point your skis makes all the difference.
Before we dive into the resorts sitting on monster bases, it's worth understanding what "base depth" actually means and why it matters far more than yesterday's powder total. Base depth refers to the accumulated snowpack measured at the mountain, typically reported at both base and summit elevations. While a fresh storm dump gets all the social media glory, it's the base beneath that determines how long conditions stay good, how much terrain stays open and how confidently you can ski beyond the groomers.
A resort with a 100-inch base and no new snow will often ski better than one with 40 inches and a fresh foot on top, because that deep foundation provides stability, coverage over rocks and stumps, and protection against the inevitable warm spells and traffic that beat down the snowpack. Plus, knowing the base depth helps you pick the right trails and gear, guaranteeing a better day on the slopes. The resorts we're highlighting below are sitting on genuinely deep, confidence-inspiring snowpacks right now (but keep in mind that base depths vary significantly by elevation, aspect, and even how resorts measure and report their numbers).
These are the resorts sitting on serious snowpack right now – the places where winter has fully moved in and isn’t planning on leaving anytime soon – and their current base depth as of mid-January 2026.
If you're the kind of skier who lives for untracked pow stashes in the trees, who eyes every chute and side-country zone with glee or who simply wants to explore beyond the groomers without constantly scanning for rocks, then base depth should be at the top of your priority list when choosing where to ski this season. Plus, deep bases are a game-changer for powder hunters, freeride skiers who need coverage to safely access terrain, and for anyone planning a trip later in the season. Even if you're not charging the gnarliest lines on the mountain, a resort with serious base depth means more terrain open and better coverage across all ability levels (no one likes navigating an obstacle course on skis).
Ready to chase the deepest snow? Our Mountain Travel Experts can help. At Ski.com, we do more than just book trips – we match snow conditions to your skiing style, find lodging that puts you steps from the lifts, help you navigate the best timing windows to maximize your pow days and answer every question you have about conditions, terrain and what to expect when you arrive. Let us handle the logistics so you can focus on the skiing.
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