* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 6 and 12 inches, with locally higher amounts on favored aspects. * WHERE...Northwest San Juan Mountains, Southwest San Juan Mountains, Gore and Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys, Grand and Battlement Mesas, and West Elk and Sawatch Mountains. * WHEN...Until 5 AM MST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday morning and evening commutes.
A fresh winter pulse is headed for Vail, Colorado, just in time to shake up the slopes on January 23, 2026. Vail Ski Resort is located in Colorado, United States, and is one of the largest ski resorts in North America.
Wind
Humidity
After a dry stretch that’s left the snowpack 50% below average with just 18 inches at the base, skiers and boarders can look forward to a welcomed refresh. The overnight temperature hovered around a chilly 20.7°F, setting the stage for a soft layer of new snow. With 3.26 inches forecasted over the next 24 hours and over 8 inches expected in the next three days, conditions are poised to improve dramatically heading into the weekend.
Despite the modest base and below-average snow water equivalent (4.6"), the incoming storm promises to reinvigorate the terrain. As anticipation builds, local buzz is growing not only around the weather but also the wider ski culture and community. Vail is in the spotlight with the U.S. Ski & Snowboard team naming athletes for the 2026 Winter Olympics, underscoring the region’s world-class pedigree. Meanwhile, adventurous visitors are turning to offbeat winter pastimes like skijoring, as covered in recent features. It’s a moment of renewal on the mountain—bring your powder skis and an appetite for fresh turns.
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Vail Mountain.
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Vail.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Vail impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
Vail Ski Resort in Colorado is located in the Rocky Mountains and specifically in the White River National Forest. The resort is surrounded by several mountain ranges, including the Gore Range, Sawatch Range, and the Holy Cross Wilderness. Some of the prominent peaks in the area include Vail Mountain, Beaver Creek Mountain, and the Gore Range peaks such as Mount Powell and Mount of the Holy Cross.
Vail Ski Resort offers a variety of terrain for skiers and snowboarders, with over 5,000 acres of skiable terrain, including groomed runs, moguls, glades, and backcountry areas. The mountain aspects at Vail include wide-open bowls, steep chutes, and tree-lined slopes, providing a diverse range of skiing and snowboarding experiences for all levels of ability.
It offers over 5,000 acres of skiable terrain with 195 trails, including some of the best blue and black diamond runs in the country. The resort also has a rich history, as it was founded by Pete Seibert, who served in the 10th Mountain Division during World War II and was inspired by the ski resorts in Europe. For beginners, a popular suggestion is to try out the Lionshead area, which has gentle slopes and a great ski school program. For après ski, the Garfinkel's bar is a popular choice, known for its lively atmosphere and affordable drinks.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 32 Lifts |
Base Elevation | 2475 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 5289 Acres |
Established | 1962 |
Run Count | 193 Trails |
Top Elevation | 3527 Meters |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, snow showers, mainly after noon. the snow could be heavy at times. high near 26. east southeast wind around 5 mph becoming west in the afternoon. chance of precipitation is 80%. new snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
Vail is expected to receive up to 8.61" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Colorado ski resorts are seeing a modest to strong uptick in snowfall over the next five days. Areas near Crested Butte and Schofield Pass are forecasted to receive the highest totals, with up to 12 inches expected. Resorts such as Crested Butte Mountain Resort and nearby Gothic are looking at 11 inches, supported by consistent snowpack depths around 23". Wolf ... Read more