A storm tracking across the Central Rockies is projected to bring the first widespread snow of the season to many ski areas in Utah and Colorado, according to an October 12 report from OpenSnow. The system is expected to bring colder air and significant snowfall to the region between Monday, October 13, and Thursday, October 16, 2026.
In the Wasatch, snow levels are expected to dip to approximately mid-mountain at Snowbird, Alta, and other Wasatch ski resorts during the day on Monday, October 13, 2026. These levels are projected to lower to near the base areas on Monday night and Tuesday morning, October 14, 2026. The Wasatch is forecasted to receive between 10 and 20 inches of snow. As the heaviest part of the storm tapers off, additional showers are expected on Wednesday, October 15, 2026, with snow levels rising to mid-mountain.
Colorado is expected to see snow totals generally ranging from 4 to 10 inches at ski areas, with higher amounts possible in parts of the San Juans near Silverton. Telluride is projected to see snow levels between mid-mountain and the summit on Monday, October 13, and Tuesday, October 14, 2026, before dropping below the base area on Wednesday, October 15, 2026. In the Front Range, Arapahoe Basin is expected to see snow levels close to mid-mountain on Monday and Tuesday, with levels dropping below the base area on Wednesday, October 15, 2026, when heavier snowfall is expected. By Thursday, October 16, 2026, snow levels could dip to around 8,000 feet in the Front Range foothills.
The upcoming weather follows a weekend storm that produced significant accumulating snow across parts of Montana and Southern Alberta. While Utah received significant rainfall this past weekend from the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Rachel, snow levels remained high. A strong cold front is also expected to move across the East on Friday, October 17, 2026, potentially bringing snow showers to Quebec and New England.
The next weather update from OpenSnow is scheduled for Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
