Farmers’ Almanac Reveals Where Skiers Could Find the Most Snow This Winter
Skiers are getting their first look at what the 2026–27 season could bring. The Farmers' Almanac's new winter forecast calls for a strengthening El Niño and a wetter storm track across the southern U.S., including Southern California.
For skiers, California is the region to watch. The Almanac expects an active storm track from Southern California and the Southwest through Texas and the Southeast. It describes the southern tier as potentially "wet and stormy."
NOAA is also tracking a powerful El Niño. The agency's Climate Prediction Center says El Niño is expected to strengthen through 2026 and continue into early 2027, increasing the chances that the familiar El Niño winter pattern takes shape.
Photo by Getty Images
Related: Skiers Vote for the Top 10 Snowiest Ski Resorts in the East
California Skiers Could Get a Boost
More storms could mean more opportunities for snow in California's mountains. The Farmers' Almanac says a strong El Niño typically "loads the dice toward a wetter California winter."
That doesn't guarantee a huge ski season. Temperatures still matter. A warm storm can bring rain at lower elevations while dumping snow higher in the Sierra Nevada.
But if the projected storm track develops, California resorts could have more chances for significant snowfall than some northern ski regions.
Related: How to Ski Stronger This Winter
Northern Ski Regions Face More Uncertainty
The picture isn't as promising farther north. El Niño winters typically favor milder conditions across parts of the northern U.S., including the Pacific Northwest, according to the Farmers' Almanac.
The Northeast could also be complicated. The Almanac says El Niño generally favors a milder winter there, meaning individual storms could fall as snow, rain, or a mix depending on temperatures.
That makes elevation especially important. Mountain resorts can still score major snowstorms even during an otherwise mild winter.
The Forecast Could Still Change
There is one important catch: A seasonal outlook cannot predict individual powder days months in advance.
NOAA's long-range forecasts deal in probabilities over large regions. El Niño can shift those odds, but it doesn't guarantee that any particular ski mountain will have a snowy winter.
Next: Is Working Out in the Cold Bad for You? Experts Explain the Real Risks
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Aug 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
