El Niño Predicted to Bring Exceptional Snowfall This 2023-2024 Ski Season

Brace yourself for an exciting Winter ahead! A weather phenomenon known as El Niño, is forecast for the 2023-2024 Winter ski season—meaning longer and wetter Winters for many parts of the Western United States.

With the increased snowfall, skiing and other Winter sports enthusiasts can expect an excellent season.

Snow is already falling in many of our Natural Retreats ski destinations!


EL NIÑO MEANS SNOW

After three consecutive La Niña winters, experts are 95% confident that El Niño will stick around for the 2023-2024 Winter ski season. This phenomenon, characterized by warmer-than-average Pacific Ocean waters, has far-reaching effects on global weather patterns, including snowfall in the United States.

The last El Niño of 2015-2016 brought abundant snowfall to the U.S.—delighting Winter sports enthusiasts. And this year’s El Niño won’t be any different! With an increase in precipitation in the West and along the California coast, the mountains of this area will see higher-than-average snowfall. More snowfall means, MORE POWDER DAYS ON THE SLOPES!

SNOW IS ALREADY FALLING

Many mountain towns and resorts throughout the Rockies have already registered their first snowfall—from Taos and Park City to Big Sky and Breckenridge! With the promise of fresh powder and a longer Winter, it's important to start planning your trip to the mountain now.

SKI DESTINATIONS, OPENING DATES, TICKETS & PASSES

Don't risk getting stuck in long lines or missing out on the fresh powder, book your lift tickets in advance!

SKI RESORTS
Deer Valley Resort - Park City
  • Opens Dec. 2
  • Tickets and Passes


  • Park City Mountain - Park City
  • Opens Nov. 17
  • Tickets and Passes


  • Big Sky Resort - Big Sky
  • Opens Nov. 22
  • Tickets and Passes


  • Breckenridge Ski Resort - Breckenridge
  • Opens Nov. 10
  • Tickets and Passes


  • Keystone Ski Resort - Breckenridge
  • Opens in October (depending on snow)
  • Tickets and Passes


  • Mammoth Mountain - Mammoth Lakes
  • Opens Nov. 10
  • Tickets and Passes


  • Palisades Ski Resort - Lake Tahoe
  • Opens Nov. 22
  • Tickets and Passes


  • Northstar Ski Resort - Lake Tahoe
  • Opens Nov. 17
  • Tickets and Passes


  • Sun Valley Ski Resort - Sun Valley
  • Opens Nov. 17
  • Tickets and Passes


  • Taos Ski Valley - Taos
  • Opens mid-November
  • Tickets and Passes


  • BOOK EARLY

    With the holidays just around the corner, it’s time to book your accommodations. Handpicked for prime mountain access and high-end amenities, our luxurious rentals include private homes with ski-in/ski-out access to the slopes, mountain chalets with sweeping alpine views, secluded ski lodges, and cozy condos.

    Don’t miss out on the perfect mix of powdery slopes and sun-kissed days—book now with Natural Retreats!

    Check out other great snow and Winter activities here!

    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

    For more destination-specific information, check out our Ultimate Ski Guides:

    Part 1: Summit County, Colorado>>>
    Part 2: Lake Tahoe & Park City>>>
    Part 3: Big Sky & Sun Valley>>>

    And to learn more about our newest ski destination:

    Whitefish, Montana>>>