Updated Dec 1, 2025
Winter storms are finally dropping real snow across the Northwest. Ski areas from the Cascades to the Tetons are firing up snow guns, packing trails, and getting ready for opening weekend. Some mountains already have chairs spinning. Others need another storm or two.
Here’s a clear look at what’s open, what’s next, and how much snow has actually piled up in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.
Fresh Snow Is Finally Building a Base
Cold storms this week gave the Northwest its first solid foundation of winter. Snow levels dropped, nights froze hard, and summit zones across the region picked up steady accumulation.
NOAA is calling for more shots of cold moisture as we head into early December. That means good news for skiers and riders who’ve been waiting for the first real turns.
This update focuses on what’s open now and what to expect from the next few storms.
“If you want a full look at the weather pattern behind these early storms, read our Northwest winter forecast update.”
Washington: Baker Leads the Charge
Washington is off to a mixed but improving start. The Cascades picked up solid snow, especially north of Stevens.
Mt. Baker
Projected Opening: TBA
Snowfall is coming in waves, but Baker has not announced an official date yet.
https://www.mtbaker.us
Crystal Mountain
Projected Opening: TBD
Cold nights and natural snow are helping build an early base.
https://www.crystalmountainresort.com
Stevens Pass
Projected Opening: December 5, 2025 (projected)
Higher terrain is filling in, but lower slopes still need coverage.
https://www.stevenspass.com
Summit at Snoqualmie
Projected Opening: TBA
Snowmaking is active, but the mountain needs more natural snow.
https://www.summitatsnoqualmie.com
White Pass
Projected Opening: On average, WP opens during the first 10 days of December
Good early snow up high, but still waiting on more storms.
https://www.skiwhitepass.com
Mission Ridge
Projected Opening: December 4
Cold temps and strong snowmaking set up a limited early-season opening on Chairs 1 and 2, plus Pika Peak. Terrain will expand as coverage improves.
Oregon: Mt. Hood Leads the Pack
The Oregon Cascades are cooling down fast.
Mt. Hood Meadows
Projected Opening: TBD
Upper mountain snowpack is improving as colder storms continue.
https://www.skihood.com
Timberline Lodge
Projected Opening: TBD
One of the earliest openers thanks to elevation and snowmaking.
https://www.timberlinelodge.com
Mt. Bachelor
Projected Opening: TBD
Still waiting for a bit more natural snow.
https://www.mtbachelor.com
Willamette Pass
Projected Opening: TBA
Needs more consistent storms for an opening call.
https://www.willamettepass.com
Idaho: Strong Start for Lookout and Silver
Idaho mountains benefited from colder systems dropping across the northern Rockies.
Lookout Pass
Projected Opening: TBD
Frequent snow and cold nights help Lookout lead the region.
https://www.skilookout.com
Silver Mountain
Projected Opening: December 5, 2025(projected)
Natural snow is improving, but no date yet.
https://www.silvermt.com
Bogus Basin
Projected Opening: TBD
Snowmaking and colder weather support an early opening.
https://www.bogusbasin.org
Sun Valley
Projected Opening: TBD
Cold nights and snowmaking are building a strong base.
https://www.sunvalley.com
Montana: Big Sky and Bridger Getting Snowy
Montana’s cold November nights are helping snow stick fast.
Big Sky Resort
Opened: 8/40 Lifts Open, 9/319 Trails Open
Upper mountain snow is improving, but no date announced yet.
https://bigskyresort.com
Bridger Bowl
Projected Opening: TBA
Snowfall is steady, but not enough to set an opening.
https://www.bridgerbowl.com
Lost Trail
Projected Opening: TBA
Watching storms closely.
https://losttrail.com
Discovery Ski Area
Projected Opening: TBA
Cold pattern is good, but still needs more storms.
https://skidiscovery.com
Wyoming: Teton Region Looking Strong
Wyoming usually kicks into winter earlier than the Coast. This year is no different.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Projected Opening: December 4, 2025 (projected)
Good early-season conditions at higher elevations.
https://www.jacksonhole.com
Grand Targhee Resort
Projected Opening: TBD
Often one of the first in the Rockies to open.
https://www.grandtarghee.com
Snow King Mountain
Projected Opening: December 5, 2025 (projected)
Snowmaking continues as colder weather settles in.
https://snowkingmountain.com
Snowpack Overview: Which States Are Ahead?
Here’s a simple snapshot of where snowpack stands so far:
| State | Early Snowpack Outlook | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | Moderate but rising | Best in North Cascades |
| Oregon | Moderate | Mt. Hood strongest |
| Idaho | Strong | Lookout/Silver leading |
| Montana | Strong | Cold nights helping |
| Wyoming | Strong high-elevation base | Teton region in great shape |
Most ski areas need one or two more storms to fully open, but the trend is finally positive.
What To Expect From the Next Storms
Models show:
- A cold pattern holding
- Snow levels near pass elevation
- More Pacific moisture arriving next week
- Increasing avalanche danger as layers stack
If the forecast holds, early December could be the real start of ski season across the Northwest.
“If you want a deeper look at the storm pattern setting all this up, check out our When Will the Snow Stick? Northwest forecast report.”
Takeaway
The first real winter storms have finally arrived. Mt. Baker, Timberline, Lookout Pass, Big Sky, and Grand Targhee are leading the early-season charge. The rest of the Northwest is only one good storm away from opening more terrain.
Winter is here. Grab your gear, check conditions, and get ready for those first turns.
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