The intensifying El Niño climate phenomenon is raising hopes for a record-breaking ski season in the western US, with resorts like Purgatory in Colorado urging visitors to buy lift passes early for a "potentially historic season." Ski Utah is even distributing lawn signs that read "Vote Super El Niño 2026-27. The Greatest Snow on Earth." However, meteorologists warn that while a "super" or "Godzilla El Niño" is likely—already breaking records with sea-surface temperatures over 3C above average—snowfall is not guaranteed. Professor Liz Stephens of the University of Reading explains that while precipitation may increase in states like California, Utah, and Colorado, warmer temperatures could mean more rain than snow, especially at lower altitudes.
The best bets for heavy snow include Mammoth Mountain, Heavenly, Kirkwood, Wolf Creek, and Taos. In contrast, Canada and Japan are expected to see milder, drier winters, with weaker Siberian winds reducing snowfall in Hokkaido.
Source: Financial Times Companies · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing