Abstract Aerial Art/Getty Images, Old Farmer's Almanac

"Get Your Snow Shovels Ready"—Old Farmer's Almanac Reveals Winter 25/26 Forecast

Originally posted on Powder | By Matt Lorelli | Last updated Aug 26, 2025 11:30 AM ET

Ladies and gentlemen, skiers and snowboarders, snow lovers and haters alike, the time has come—The Old Farmer's Almanac has released its Winter 2025/26 forecast map today, August 26, 2025.

Skiers look forward to this moment each late-summer/early-fall. The Old Farmer's Almanac isn't 100% accurate in its predictions, but the release of their annual forecast map is one of the first times we begin to think about snow.

We ask ourselves a never-ending string of unanswerable questions after reading The Old Farmer's Almanac—How much will it snow? How cold will it be? Will I have to travel to find powder? Is the Old Farmer's right? What did they say last year? Should I buy a new pair of skis? Should I move? Will it ever snow again?

The irony is that we're still two months away from ski season getting underway, but if there's one thing about humans, it's that anxiety, especially for the things we care about, is inherent.

Without further ado, take a look at the Old Farmer's Almanac's Winter 2025/26 Weather Map below. Keep reading after the map for a quick breakdown of how these predictions could dictate the upcoming ski season.

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The word' Mild' is the most noticeable trend on The Old Farmer's forecast map. The publication believes that mild temperatures will dominate the majority of regions across the country this winter, but there's a caveat:

“It will still be winter, so plan (and dress!) accordingly," writes The Old Farmer's. "[For] places that typically need it, keep the snow shovel handy!”. That's good news for skiers who were fearing the worst. Mild temperatures aren't ideal, but as long as the snow keeps falling throughout the winter at least somewhat regularly, we'll be fine.

The most interesting forecast region, for skiers at least, is the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina and West Virginia. These areas sport high elevations which allow for snowmaking, but natural snowfall is typically sparse. Skiers in the Southeast should be delighted that The Old Farmer's Almanac is calling for a "Cold, Snowy" winter.

Skiers in New England, California, Washington, and the Midwest are likely unhappy to see the "Mild, Dry" forecast, but fear not. The Old Farmer's Almanac still believes that "near to below normal" snowfall will stack up across the country.

Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana skiers on the other hand, are looking forward to a "Wet" winter, as long as it's cold enough for precipitation to fall in the form of snow, and not rain.

Lastly, our friends in Alaska are forecasted to have a "Mild, Dry" winter as well. You don't need me to tell you that Alaska's weather is wild, so take The Old Farmer's Almanac's forecast with a grain of salt. Alyeska, Alaska's largest ski resort, could consider a 500" season as "dry". Everything is relative.

We're watching winter weather all season long here at POWDER. Stay tuned in for future snow forecasts, powder chasing missions, and more. We've got you covered!

This article first appeared on Powder and was syndicated with permission.

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