Featured image: Early-season snowfall at Arapahoe Basin. Photo courtesy of Ikon Pass.
From the Wasatch to the Rockies and European peaks, early snowfall signals the approach of the 2026–27 ski season.
Winter is beginning to show itself across Ikon Pass country, with October storms bringing fresh snow to destinations throughout the western United States, Canada and Europe. Snowbird reported 10 inches and Big Sky received 6 inches, while several other mountains saw their first snowfall of the season, according to an October 14 release from Ikon Pass.
The storms arrive as resorts prepare for the 2026–27 season, with colder temperatures and additional snow in the forecast for parts of the West. For skiers watching opening-day announcements, the fresh snow offers an encouraging sign as mountains prepare their slopes and snowmaking systems for winter.
Snow Falls Across Utah and Colorado
In Utah, Deer Valley, Solitude, Alta, Snowbird, Snowbasin and Brighton received their first measurable snow of the season on Monday, October 12. Snowbird reported 10 inches, with more snow expected in Little and Big Cottonwood canyons throughout the week.
Colorado also saw fresh snow at Steamboat, Winter Park, Arapahoe Basin, Eldora and Aspen Snowmass. According to Ikon Pass, colder air moving into the region could bring another 10 to 12 inches in parts of the state this week, adding to the early snowfall.
At Arapahoe Basin, snowmaking preparations are in place as the resort works toward opening as soon as conditions allow. The mountain typically opens in October, although a confirmed opening date was not included in the release.
California and the Northern Rockies Get a Taste of Winter
Mammoth Mountain, Palisades Tahoe and Sierra-at-Tahoe received dustings of snow in California, with additional accumulation reported on October 13. The snowfall comes ahead of their anticipated November openings, as each resort prepares for the start of winter operations.
In Montana, Big Sky reported 6 inches on the mountain, with more snow expected. Jackson Hole’s Rendezvous Mountain received its first snowfall of the season, while Crystal Mountain in Washington picked up another round of snow and Schweitzer in Idaho saw its first flakes.
Early Snow Reaches Canada and Europe
Le Massif de Charlevoix received its first snowfall of the season on October 13, bringing an early glimpse of winter to Québec. Ikon Pass destinations in Alberta and British Columbia also received additional snow after storms brought early-season snowfall to the region a few weeks ago.
Across Europe, weekend snow covered high peaks at Grandvalira Resorts in Andorra and Valle d’Aosta in Italy. The fresh snow adds to preparations for the coming season, although the release did not announce opening dates for either destination.
Valle Nevado Extends Its Season
While Northern Hemisphere mountains prepare to welcome skiers, Valle Nevado in Chile is extending its season following substantial late-season snowfall. According to Ikon Pass, the resort plans to remain open through November 8, offering more time on snow as the Southern Hemisphere season winds down.
With more than 70 destinations worldwide, Ikon Pass connects skiers and riders to mountains across the Americas, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Passes for the 2026–27 season are currently on sale at ikonpass.com, where skiers can also find scheduled opening dates and begin planning their winter.
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