OpenSnow founding meteorologist Joel Gratz had good news for the U.S. ski industry this week.
After the West experienced one of its worst snowpacks on record last winter, forecasts suggest the 2026-27 ski season will be snowier with a strong El Niño pattern that could increase the odds of precipitation, especially in the spring, according to OpenSnow.
During a webinar Tuesday, Oct. 6, that included representatives from ski resorts around the country, Gratz broke down the hype around the El Niño and what it does — and doesn’t — mean for the coming ski season.
“This is a forecast — I’m not perfect — but I would say that last season was such a super anomaly in the other direction, right?” Gratz said. “And this winter has a high chance of being in the plus direction: A better base, more storms, more interest — more skiing.”
OpenSnow is a weather subscription service that is tailored to skiers, snowboarders and the winter sports industry. Representatives from Monarch Ski Area in Colorado, Vail Resorts’ properties, including Park City in Utah, as well as ski resorts on the East Coast attended the webinar, seeking insights on the upcoming season.
Read the full story from our partner at .
