The Weather Company’s 2026-27 winter outlook says El Niño should deliver frequent, reliable snowfall from Lake Tahoe through the Wasatch to the Colorado Rockies, marking a sharp improvement from last season.
December 2026 through February 2027, the same pattern is expected to push the jet stream north, leaving the Midwest, Northern Rockies and Cascades warmer and drier than average.
East Coast resorts face a weaker start: early-season storms in the Northeast are likely to bring more rain than snow because cold air may be too limited, especially in December and January.
February 2027 could bring a colder finish for the Northeast as cooler air returns, but the Great Lakes and Midwest are still forecast to stay relatively warm, dimming prospects for some ski areas there.