What to Expect for This Year's Ski and Snowboard Season

While the lake-effect snow event took place this weekend and the incoming Alberta clipper is causing havoc for travelers, the wintry precipitation is good news for ski resorts across the region. Here is a look at where you can expect the best ski conditions in the U.S. this winter.

Western U.S. Forecast to See Most Ideal Ski and Snowboard Conditions

It has already been a snowy start to the winter season for some parts of the country, giving a preview of what winter sports enthusiasts may find out on the slopes in the months ahead. Skiers and snowboarders are looking forward to what is shaping up to be a promising season at some of the most popular resorts in the U.S.

A series of early-season storms sent the flakes flying across some of the ski resorts in the West. The Adirondack Mountains in New York also saw an early start to the season thanks to early snow events in this region.

Where should you expect the best ski and snowboard conditions this year? Meteorologists are predicting that the western half of the country will see an active storm track that should direct plenty of snow to the resorts located here. The Pacific Northwest, Colorado, and Utah are all expected to be in the bullseye of this active winter weather pattern over the next few months.

The only exception to the snowy winter for the West will be in the southern tier. For example, the higher terrains of Arizona and the southern edge of California's Sierra Nevada may miss out on persistent snow.

Heading farther east, good skiing weather is also predicted for the few resorts that call the Midwest home. However, forecasters are warning that a lull during the middle of the winter may disrupt some of the fun on the slopes. This is because the storms are forecast to move farther to the south as the winter lingers. The good news is that this is also the time of the season when the temperatures are the coldest, meaning that any snow that already exists will not be at a high risk of melting quickly.

The forecast is not as great for the East Coast. Like last year, frequent bouts of mild weather will mitigate the development of snow. In addition, the warmer temperatures will also hinder the ability of snow machines to crank out enough precipitation to stick.

The bright spot on the East Coast will likely set up across the northern tier of New England and the western edge of New York state. The last few weeks of December are anticipated to see an emergence of another active storm track for the eastern U.S., similar to what happened over Thanksgiving week when several snow events threatened the region.

Several ski resorts in the eastern U.S. feature snowmaking equipment, making it easier to open up for the season and remain that way. However, the mild spells expected at various times this winter will likely result in significant snowmelt. The problem with melting snow is that it then refreezes when the temperatures do drop, creating unfavorable icy conditions on the slopes.