Colorado’s Snowfall Started Slow This Winter, But January Storms Could Change the Game
Colorado rolled into 2026 with a familiar winter question, where is the snow? December leaned mild and dry across much of the state, and the high country never quite built the early base that skiers, riders, and water watchers like to see by New Year’s.
Now, the first week of January is offering a different look. A more active pattern is bringing mountain snow back into the forecast, with multiple waves possible in the first half of the month. It will not erase a slow start overnight, but it can start rebuilding momentum in the places that matter most, high elevations, wind loaded terrain, and the resort zones that depend on a solid foundation.
Why December Felt More Like Fall
Early season snowpack is built one storm cycle at a time. When storm tracks miss Colorado, or arrive warmer than normal, the snow that does fall often compacts quickly, melts off sunny slopes, or struggles to stick at lower base areas.
By January 2, 2026, statewide Colorado snowpack was roughly 59 percent of the median for the date based on provisional mountain station readings. That number is important because it reflects snow water equivalent, the amount of water stored in the snow, not just fluffy totals that look good in a photo.
A thin start also tends to create uneven conditions. One drainage can look decent, while the next ridge over is still showing rocks and brush. That is why December can feel “fine” on a groomed run but still be underwhelming across the broader mountains.
What the Early January Pattern Looks Like
The encouraging change is not one headline storm, it is the idea of repeated systems. Several mountain zones are looking at periods of accumulating snow, with typical storm totals ranging from several inches to around a foot in favored areas. Wind can also play a major role, building deeper pockets in lee terrain while scouring exposed ridgelines.
If this pattern holds into the next set of systems, it can do two valuable things:
Build a more durable base on high traffic resort terrain
Start improving coverage in the trees and on natural snow trails
What This Means for Winter Recreation
For resort days, fresh snow usually improves surface conditions quickly, especially on groomed runs and higher elevation pods. Even a modest storm cycle can help fill in thin spots near the top of lifts, smooth out early season bumps, and make more terrain feel “wintery.”
For backcountry travel, a slow start can be a bigger deal. Thin snow often means more exposed hazards and a snowpack that varies sharply by aspect and elevation. It can also set the stage for persistent weak layers once storms begin stacking on top.
A few practical moves can help you enjoy the refresh without getting surprised by early season realities:
Prioritize higher elevations and north facing terrain for coverage
Expect wind effects near passes, ridges, and open bowls
Choose conservative lines if the base still feels thin
Treat new snow as a reason to reassess, not a green light
A Reality Check, Catching Up Takes Time
It is tempting to see a snowy forecast and assume the season is “back.” In reality, moving Colorado snowpack from well below median to near normal usually takes more than a couple of storms. Snow density varies wildly, and one foot of light powder does not equal one foot of heavy, water rich snow.
As a rough statewide concept, closing a large gap often requires multiple feet of additional snowfall spread across many basins, not just one favored range. The good news is that consistent storm frequency matters more than any single big day.
How to Plan a Colorado Mountain Getaway in Early January
If you are planning a trip now, the best strategy is flexibility. Conditions can improve fast, but travel and terrain can also change fast.
A smart early January plan usually includes:
A primary resort or zone, plus a backup option nearby
Willingness to ski higher elevation terrain first
Extra time for mountain driving during storm windows
A realistic expectation for off piste coverage early in the month
If you are traveling for powder, target the days just after a storm cycle, not during the windiest peak. If you are traveling for a relaxing winter weekend, midweek windows often feel calmer on roads, lifts, and in town.
FAQ
Is it still worth booking a ski trip if coverage has been thin?
Yes, if you prioritize higher elevation terrain and stay flexible. Resorts can ski well even in lean periods, especially after a fresh round of snow.
Will a few storms fix the backcountry base?
Not immediately. A thin early season base takes time to build, and new snow can increase avalanche risk in specific terrain. Conservative route choices remain important.
Does improving snow in January guarantee a normal spring runoff?
No. Colorado snowpack can change a lot between January and peak season. The most meaningful indicator is how conditions look closer to late winter and early spring.
The Bottom Line
Colorado’s winter started slow, but early January is finally delivering the kind of storm rhythm the mountains have been waiting for. If the next few systems add up, ski conditions should improve, coverage should expand, and the season can start feeling more like midwinter.
If you are planning a mountain getaway, consider booking dates with some flexibility, then time your travel around the most promising storm windows.