Well this Christmas forecast looks more exciting than any Christmas forecast I can recall in recent memory. The weather God’s have certainly conspired across the West to deliver a white Christmas at all of your favorite North American ski hills.
Fingers crossed that this jetstream delivering Pacific moisture continues at least for the next few days, however even if your favorite resort has already seen the best of snow from this system, you should have more than enough snow on the ground to keep you entertained over the festive season.
Squaw Valley has been hammered in recent days
In years gone by, Lake Tahoe resorts have definitely been on the losing end of snowfall totals. In fact, some of the totals from Tahoe resorts over the last few years have been nothing short of dismal. So when there is finally snow in the forecast for Lake Tahoe we tend not to get too excited until we are shoveling the white stuff from our driveway.
With that in mind, I have very good news for those of you that are heading to the California and Nevada border. Already with this storm between 3 and 5 feet of snow has been reported at every Lake Tahoe resort. With the promise of more to come, we may end up with another foot to two feet by Christmas morning. The best part is that the temperature will stay cold and the snow will stay in premium condition. I know I’ve said this 100 times, but for the resorts of Lake Tahoe “ it’s about time”.
Kicking Horse looking the goods!
In recent weeks the Pacific Northwest and coastal mountains of British Columbia in Canada have been getting absolutely pummelled with feet upon feet of snow. Yes, some snow has fallen wet and heavy and the village at Whistler has even received some rain. Despite all this, the net result is that of a very prosperous snow season so far. Further inland in British Columbia, resorts have not been left out with some of my personal favorites being Kicking Horse and Revelstoke also getting pounded for one of the best starts to the season this millennium.
Another two feet of snow is very likely before Christmas morning in the Pacific Northwest and about 6 inches to a foot should fall on the interior resorts of British Columbia. No matter which way you look at it, it’s going to be a great Christmas.
We know there’s a lot of snow enthusiasts who are desperate to find out about how resorts like Big Sky, Sun Valley and Jackson Hole will be doing leading up to Christmas and the news here is all good. Recent storms have provided a very sound base at these resorts and Santa has a sack full of snow to deliver up to Christmas.
I don’t want to get overly enthusiastic yet, however looking at the charts there is a great chance of 2 feet of snow at many of these resorts before Christmas morning. Jackson Hole especially should be in rare form for the holidays.
Yes, that’s 16 inches buried on the snow stake
It wasn’t exactly the most exciting start to a season in Utah this year given their reputation, however the last week or so has delivered epic champagne powder across the board resulting in some incredible footage and photos to make us all jealous.
The forecast around Salt Lake is very exciting and again we’re measuring in feet not inches over the coming days. If you are headed to Utah you will not be disappointed over Christmas.
It has been a bit of a mixed bag in Colorado so far this season. Just when it appeared as though opening days would be delayed everywhere, snow started to fall and has been pretty consistent ever since.
Despite many resorts missing out today, the southern resorts scored very well adding over a foot to the base and I can still see around a foot of new snow in the next 48 hours. Pack your powder skis or fat board for sure as it’s going to be a very White Christmas.
This is what it looked like TODAY at Steamboat!
In conclusion you can see why my forecast is pretty exciting. It has been a long time since we had such good news so close to the jolly fat man dropping presents under your tree. We’d love to hear where your heading and what your plans are for Christmas but be sure to play safe and stay safe with your whole family.
From the entire team at Snow Report TV, we wish you and your family a very merry Christmas and a safe, exciting and prosperous new year. Be sure to join the conversation on Facebook as we post almost daily updates and highlights from your favorite resorts.
Pete Kvist began skiing in Australia over 20 years ago and has been addicted to skiing and all things snow ever since. He has worked several seasons on the mountain as a lift operator and has also spent some time in ski resort media departments (so yes, he knows the tricks of the trade).
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