Colorado Just Had a Tough Winter—How Bad Was It Really?

It's no secret that the western US had a tough winter, with many resorts reporting below-average snowpack and experiencing warmer-than-normal temperatures.

While Wyoming and Utah seemed to fare okay in the end, especially towards the end of the season (anyone else seen those late winter storms in Jackson & Alta this past week?), Colorado had a particularly tough year.

As climate change continues to impact winters, the different microclimates around the Cenntenial State seem to have varying degrees of resilience. Annual precipitation is only one metric to consider. Even if a ski area got somewhere in the ballpark of normal precipitation, warm temperatures, rain events, and prolonged high-pressure periods all play a part in the quality of a season. However, it is a place to start that can paint a bigger picture of the season.

It's also important to remember that low-snow winters can have lasting impacts on an area's ecosystem and economy. In Colorado, many ski towns are also summer destinations, relying on activities like whitewater rafting and mountain biking to fuel a significant portion of the local economy. Without enough snowmelt to keep river levels runnable through the summer season and quell Colorado's wildfire season, bad winters often have a domino effect into the following season.

Here's how Colorado's ski resorts fared in comparison to their average annual precipitation. Resorts whose 2025/26 season snowfall total or average annual total could not be verified have been left off this list. Seasonal snowfall totals pulled on Monday, April 27, 2026.