In mid-November the Pacific Northwest was hit by a string of storms that delivered strong winds, heavy precipitation and significant snowfall in higher-elevation areas. Those mountain snowfalls were a welcome change after a winter with far below-average accumulation, when many ski runs either opened late or remained closed entirely.
This season appears to be off to a more promising start. Recent systems brought several feet of snow in parts of the Cascade Mountains, improving conditions and prompting some resorts to prepare lifts for opening. Still, travelers should exercise caution before purchasing plane tickets, lift tickets or season passes for Northwest ski areas.
Forecasters continue to expect a pronounced El Niño pattern this winter, which typically leads to warmer and drier conditions across much of the region. When El Niño dominates, snowfall tends to be limited to higher elevations, often above the altitude of many popular ski runs, leaving lower mountain terrain thin or bare.
Weather forecasts can shift as the season progresses, so staying flexible is prudent. If this winter verifies the warm, dry El Niño signal, consider postponing a ski-focused trip or planning a visit for early summer instead. In a year like 2015, many trails that are usually snowbound into July were clear by June, offering late-spring hiking and mountain recreation opportunities without deep snowpack.
Before making travel plans, check current snow reports and resort updates for lift status and open terrain, and watch official forecasts as conditions evolve.