Colorado's First "Real" Snowstorm Is Here

Originally posted on Powder | By Izzy Lidsky | Last updated Sep 23, 2025 2:25 PM ET

Growing up in Colorado, we used to say you had to plan your Halloween costume around a puffy coat.

Although there might not be tons of accumulation in September and October, and there are plenty of warm days, winter often peeks in to say hello, especially at higher elevations, throughout Colorado's Fall.

While Halloween is still more than a month out, Colorado has seen its first glimpses of winter over the last couple of weeks. What started with a powdered-sugar dusting at only the highest of elevations has turned into a few days of snow, and a bit of accumulation in the high country.

Ski areas closer to and around Summit County, such as Arapahoe Basin, Loveland, Winter Park, and Breckenridge, have all seen quite a bit of this wintery weather and most are looking well on their way to winter.

According to meteorologist Chris Tomer, as of September 23, the storm system that's been hanging out over Colorado's high country will continue to drop snow above 10,000 ft. until about 4-5 p.m.

After that, cold air and precipitation will start to move north towards Wyoming and any leftover precipitation will turn to rain at lower elevations. After the 23rd, things will dry out for a little before a chance of snow returns between September 29 and October 1.

Around September 29, a low pressure area will move into the US, however more towards the Pacific Northwest, but there's still a chance of precipitation in the interior. However, that low pressure system could move further inwards, giving Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah a better chance at snow in the first week of October.

Based on the webcams, it looks like this current storm has been a pretty fruitful one. Winter Park is showing around 3" of snow, and more coming, Loveland has just under 2", and even Crested Butte got a nice dusting.

Arapahoe Basin is also getting its fair share of winter, although there was a bit too much humidity in the air for them to fire up the snow guns just yet. In the meantime, A-Basin is busy with lift maintenance, patrol training, and more to get ready for their ASAP opening date.

It seems all the snow dances we keep saying to do are working, at least for Colorado skiers!