2024-2025 Snowfall Predictions
As snowmobile enthusiasts across North America gear up for another riding season, they’re crossing their fingers that this year’s season makes up for what the 2023-2034 season lacked. With last year’s season starting a little later and warmer than riders would have liked, resorts and riders everywhere are hoping for a bit more snow cover this year. As we anticipate the 2024-2025 season, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the highlights of seasons past and prepare for what Mother Nature has in store.
Looking Back at Past Snow Seasons
While last year’s season left riders wanting more, it will undoubtedly be hard to beat the 2022-2023 season, when North American resorts saw the sixth-highest snowfall season since 1976. Let’s look at this epic snow season from a couple of years back and see which states got the most fluff.
States With Record High Snowfalls
Utah and California saw record-breaking snow levels, and nearby states, including Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Arizona, and western Colorado, also saw higher-than-average levels. Let’s take a closer look at some of the highest snowfalls and a few resorts that fell short of expectations.
California & Arizona
In California, the snow came in heavy and fast in early November and just kept falling, reaching 177% of snowfall averages, with the following resorts far hitting impressive records (as of May 2023):
Palisades Tahoe saw 172% of its average, with 720 inches of snow falling throughout the season. The biggest snow dump came late in the season; March was the snowiest month, with 191 inches of snowfall.
Heavenly received 591 inches of snow, 158% of its average. January was the snowiest month, with 171 inches falling.
Kirkwood hit 159% of its average snowfall, beating out Palisades with 725 inches of snow. January was the snowiest month for this resort, with 191 inches.
Mammoth saw the snowiest start to the season, with 60.5 inches of snowfall in November, followed by the highest month of snowfall of all the California resorts—217.5 inches—in January. Overall, Mammoth reached 203% of average snowfall levels, totaling 714 inches.
Southern California resorts received 198% of their average snowfall levels, reaching 248 inches that season.
Arizona Snowbowl snowfall levels hit 168% of the average, at 399 inches.
Utah
It may be an understatement to say that the 2022-2023 winter season was good to Utah. Thirteen resorts reached record-high snowfall levels, leading to the longest seasons for multiple resorts and 44 powder days (well above the average of 19).
Alta led the pack with the highest snowfall levels that season, reaching 903 inches by the end of the season, for 175% of its average.
Solitude wasn’t far behind, with 809 inches (174% of average snowfalls). Both Solitude and Alta saw 2229 inches in March alone.
Park City received 518 inches of snow, 180% of its average. March had the city’s biggest snowfall month, with 138 inches.
Snowbasin almost doubled its average, at 195% of the previous year, with 613 inches of snow, 187 inches of which fell in March alone.
Snowbird received an impressive 838 inches of snow, far exceeding its previous snowfall record from 2011, which was 783 inches.
Deer Valley measured 606 inches, well over the previous record of 484 inches set in the 2016-2017 season.
Brighton more than doubled its snowfall levels, reaching 832 inches, compared with 323 in the 2021-2022 season.
Colorado
Northern and Central Colorado had pretty average snowfalls, while Southern and Western Colorado had slightly higher-than-average snowfalls.
Vail reached 96% of its average, with 337 inches of snow.
Copper hit just above the average snowfall, at 292 inches.
Loveland reached 83% of its average, with 283 inches.
Winter Park came in at 373 inches, reaching 107% of its average snowfall.
Aspen Highlands reached 116% of its average at 299.4 inches.
Crested Butte got dumped on, with 132% of its average, totaling 333 inches.
Monarch hit 100% of its average, with 283 inches.
Wolf Creek exceeded its average, at 495 inches, 128% of its average snowfall.
Just south of Colorado, Taos, New Mexico, almost reached its average, with 246 inches (97%).
U.S. Northern Rockies
The U.S. Northern Rockies had an average season, with a few exceptions:
Jackson Hole received a little extra snow–121% of its average—for a total of 448 inches.
Big Sky came in with 329 inches that year, 114% of its average.
Brundage came in at just over its average at 309 inches (104%).
Whitefish didn’t quite fulfill expectations that year, reaching only 65% of its snowfall averages, getting a total of 212 inches.
Canadian Rockies and Interior British Columbia (B.C.)
There’s no other way to say it but that the Canadian Rockies and Interior B.C. had a dry season that year, except for Lake Louise, which received 96% of its average snowfall, totaling 167.4 inches.
Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest was mixed; Crater Lake and Mt. Hood Meadows saw 560 inches (133%) and 516 inches (114%), respectively, while Whistler and Crystal Mountain each received 89% of their average snowfalls, totaling 371.3 and 367 inches respectively.
Northeast
The Northeast wasn’t all bad, with Sugarloaf seeing 101% of its average (173 inches) and Le Massif with 101% (239.4 inches). However, Stowe and Killington came in under average, with 221 and 197 inches respectively. Whiteface got close to its average, with 160 inches for the season.
Early Snowfall Predictions for 2024-2025
As we peer into the future, early indications suggest that the 2024-2025 snowmobile season will be heavily influenced by a La Niña climate pattern, which typically affects snowfall and temperature distributions across North America. Early forecasts suggest heavier snowfalls in many areas this year, particularly in the northwestern regions of the U.S. (the Northern Rockies, the Northeast, the Great Lakes Region, and the Pacific Northwest) along with much of Canada, except for some southern and southeastern areas.
Here’s what to expect in a few regions across the nation:
Northeast and New England Area
The Farmer’s Almanac is predicting above-normal amounts of winter precipitation expected throughout the interior and mountainous areas of the Northeast and New England, while coastal regions will see more rain and sleet. Bring on the snow!
Pacific Northwest
Get ready for a wet and snowy winter, bringing a mix of snow and rain, likely to create slushy trails at times. Gear up with waterproof layers to make the most of the season and try to stay dry on the trails. Check your sled for any repairs or maintenance needs before the fun begins.
Great Lakes Region
Get your sled ready; it’s expected to be a very snowy and wet winter in the Great Lakes Region. With frigid temp expected in late January into February, make sure you’ve got the right level of insulation and wind protection to stay warm while you ride.
Southeast Region
These areas will likely have more moderate snowfall, with a mix of snow and rain expected, making conditions in higher elevations a bit slushy. Make sure your sled is in excellent condition before heading out on the trails, so you’re ready for whatever the season brings.
As always, monitor evolving weather patterns closely before heading out on the trails to stay alert and safe.
Get Your Snowmobile Ready
In anticipation of another potentially record-setting season (fingers crossed), now is the perfect time to prepare your snowmobile to get the most out of the season, whatever the weather brings. Before you head out on the trails, check that your vehicle is in top condition by performing necessary maintenance such as engine checks, fluid replacements, and track inspections.
Additionally, sharpening your skis and carbides and equipping yourself with the best tools will enhance your riding experience and ensure your safety throughout the season. Visit Biteharder.com to gear up and get ready to enjoy another epic winter on the trails. Let’s make the most of the snowfall predictions!
