A record-setting El Niño is on the way. Here's what it could mean for your ski season.
After a rough winter out West, everyone wants to know if this year will be better. OpenSnow meteorologist and operations manager Alan Smith joins us from Jackson, Wyoming, to cut through the hype (sorry, moose videos) and break down OpenSnow's 2026-27 winter outlook.
In this episode:
El Niño explained in plain English, and why this one is so strong
Why warm temperatures and high snow levels are the big wild card
California and Utah: above-average snow indications
The Southwest sweet spot: the San Juans, Taos and Arizona Snowbowl
The Tetons and Colorado: a true coin flip
Tough signals for western Canada, New England and the upper Midwest
Bonus outlooks for the Alps and South America
How to plan around any forecast: stay flexible and watch 10 to 14 days out
Just remember: an outlook tips the odds, it doesn't guarantee anything. Mother Nature always gets a say.
🎿 Gear up for winter at backcountry.com with code WHERETOSKI. 🎧 Enjoyed it? Share it with your ski crew, and follow Where to Ski so you don't miss an episode.
Podden och tillhörande omslagsbild på den här sidan tillhör
John Morgan. Innehållet i podden är skapat av John Morgan och inte av,
eller tillsammans med, Poddtoppen.
