Colorado’s Ski Season May Begin Later Amid Warming Pacific Trends
Colorado’s iconic ski season may not arrive as early as usual this year. Climatologists point to unusually warm ocean temperatures and the growing influence of La Niña as key factors behind the potential delay. With warmer air pushing inland and altering circulation patterns, the first major snowfalls across much of the Rockies could come later than skiers hope.
Key Points
Pacific Ocean temperatures remain higher than average, contributing to atmospheric changes across the Northern Hemisphere.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts a 71% chance of La Niña between October and December 2025.
Early-season snowfall in Colorado may be below average, while Northern Rockies and Pacific Northwest regions could see better early conditions.
Warmer inland temperatures may postpone the start of snowmaking and natural snowfall until December or later.
While the season’s start may be delayed, forecasters note that conditions could improve by midwinter as temperatures drop and high-elevation resorts benefit from colder mountain air. For now, early-season skiers may need to look north or wait a little longer for prime powder days in Colorado.
By: Andrea Teres-Martinez | The Aspen Times | October 4, 2025
Photo: Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times