Hope you had a great holiday. Ours involved family time, cookies, sleepless excitement and one very big visit from Santa.
In this week’s show, we are sidelining the beer in lieu of some bourbon from Breckenridge, Colorado. Consider it an offering to the weather gods as we attempt to manifest cold, snowy vibes for our friends in the Rockies.
Because here’s the thing.We’ve been here before.
A little backstory: About ten years ago, we jokingly shipped snow to resort friends who were struggling early season. The Rockies were getting buried while the East was wondering if winter had taken the year off. The video took on a life of its own. A few years later, the pattern flipped and we shipped it back west.
This season feels eerily similar. And I loved seeing Stratton jump in on the mission to spread the snowy wealth.
For California… it worked.
California: A Full-Blown Christmas Miracle 🎄
California was the big winner over the holidays.
A powerful storm cycle delivered true mid-winter conditions to the Sierra, just in time for Christmas. Mammoth Mountain and Palisades Tahoe both picked up more than six feet of snow, completely transforming the snowpack and the vibe.
This wasn’t just a refresh. It was a reset.
What to expect:• Improved base depths across the Sierra• Excellent upper-mountain conditions• A strong foundation if storms continue into January
Key takeaway:Sometimes, you’re just down… not out. (Unless you’re the New York Giants. Then, you’re both.)
The Rockies: Package Delayed, But Not Lost 📦
As for the Rockies… my snow package appears to be delayed in transit. Porch pirates? Weather logistics? Hard to say.
The good news is that colder air is finally moving in.
Utah ski resorts are expected to pick up 10–20 inches between Friday and Saturday, while ski areas in Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, British Columbia, and Alberta could see a general 6–14 inches.
Baby steps.
Cold air matters just as much as snowfall this time of year, especially for snowmaking, surface quality, and preserving what’s already on the ground.
What to expect:• Colder temperatures improving conditions• Modest but meaningful snowfall• Better snowmaking windows
Key takeaway:Not a miracle yet, but finally some momentum. We’ll keep an eye.
Pacific Northwest: Hammered… or Not Hammered Enough? 🌧️❄️
Last week, I said the Northwest was going to get hammered.
That clip took off on Instagram and somehow found its way into a corner of the internet that does not ski or snowboard. The concern was… intense. Some were upset about snow. Others were upset it wasn’t enough snow.
Somewhere along the way, we all entered the upside-down and couldn’t decide if we were skiers, snowboarders, or Demogorgons who really don’t like shoveling.
There was one key takeaway: the Northwest does not “hunker” down.
(But they do cha cha real smooth.)
All jokes aside, some areas absolutely cashed in, especially at higher elevations. Mount Baker picked up around eight feet of snow during this stretch. While conditions have turned around quickly for many places, a few resorts remain closed or limited.
Looking ahead, additional storms are possible later next week.
What to expect:• Stronger totals at higher elevations• More storm chances ahead
Key takeaway:Elevation mattered, and patience is paying off.
Northeast: Active, Messy, and Very On Brand ❄️🌧️
The Northeast continues to ride the weather roller coaster in a mostly positive direction.
We’re staying in an active pattern with frequent systems moving through. That includes snow, followed by a brief warm-up Sunday into Monday, then more action behind it.
What to expect:• Quick shifts between cold and mild• Periodic snowfall opportunities• Continued snowmaking when temps allow
Key takeaway:Conditions have been money, and any short term warm-up is merely a blip on an otherwise very positive radar.
Final Thoughts
This season has been a reminder that winter doesn’t move evenly across the map. One region’s struggle can be another’s banner year, and patterns can flip faster than a chairlift conversation about snow totals.
Right now, California is finally smiling, the Northwest is snow-dancing, the Northeast is juggling, and the Rockies are waiting for their turn.
We’ll take cold where we can get it.We’ll celebrate snow wherever it falls.And yes… we’ll keep shipping it around when necessary.
Stay tuned.- Halley
