How to Read a Snow Report Like a Pro

Why Snow Reports Matter (And Why They're Tricky)

Snow reports are the skier's daily briefing: a snapshot of base depth, fresh accumulation, operational status, and surface conditions. They determine whether you wake up at 5 AM for first tracks or sleep in and go tomorrow. But reports can be misleading if you don't know how to interpret them.

A resort boasting "200 cm base depth" might have excellent coverage—or it might be 200 cm of compacted, icy snow that skis worse than 100 cm of fresh powder elsewhere. Similarly, "15 cm overnight" sounds amazing until you realize it came with 80 km/h winds that closed upper lifts and reduced visibility to 10 meters. Context matters.

This guide breaks down the key metrics resorts report, explains what they actually mean for your skiing, and teaches you to read between the lines. By the end, you'll evaluate conditions like a local, not a tourist trusting headlines.

Base Depth: The Foundation (Literally)

Base depth measures total accumulated snow from the ground to the surface, typically at mid-mountain elevations. It's reported in centimeters (metric) or inches (imperial). Resorts measure base depth at multiple stations and report an average—not the deepest or shallowest point.

What it tells you: Whether rocks, stumps, and other obstacles are buried. A deeper base generally means safer, more forgiving terrain. Early-season skiing on thin bases (under 50 cm) requires caution—unmarked hazards abound.

What it doesn't tell you: Snow quality. A 200 cm base of wet, heavy snow that's melted and refrozen skis worse than 100 cm of light, dry powder. Base depth also doesn't indicate recent conditions—that 200 cm might be weeks-old snow with no fresh accumulation.

Pro tip: Compare base depth to historical averages for the date. If Lake Louise typically has 150 cm by mid-February and reports 180 cm, coverage is above average. If it reports 80 cm, expect limited terrain and rocky patches.

24-Hour Snowfall: Fresh is Best (Usually)

This metric shows new snow accumulation since the previous day's report (usually measured around 7 AM). Resorts measure fresh snow on cleared boards to capture pure accumulation without compaction.

What it tells you: Whether powder is available. Anything over 10 cm (4 inches) is noteworthy; 20+ cm is a powder day by most standards. Fresh snow covers up yesterday's tracked-out runs and crud.

The catch: Heavy snowfall often accompanies poor visibility, high winds, and lift closures for avalanche control. A resort reporting 30 cm overnight might have upper lifts closed until noon while ski patrol mitigates hazards. You could spend the morning in lift lines and lower-elevation runs with marginal visibility.

Pro tip: Cross-reference snowfall with weather conditions. If reports show 20 cm with clear skies and light wind, it's a true powder day. If it shows 20 cm with ongoing storms and wind warnings, temper expectations—you might not access the best terrain.

7-Day Snowfall: The Bigger Picture

Cumulative snow over the past week provides context that 24-hour totals can't. A resort with 50 cm over 7 days likely has better overall conditions than one with 50 cm in a single dump followed by sun and freeze-thaw.

Why it matters: Consistent snowfall builds a strong base and refreshes tracked-out terrain daily. A single large storm creates deep powder initially but gets skied out fast. Multiple smaller storms sustain good conditions longer.

Pro tip: If planning a trip 1-2 weeks out, look for resorts with consistent storm cycles (multiple storms per week) rather than one big event followed by high pressure. Consistent snow means better odds of good conditions whenever you arrive.

Surface Conditions: What You're Actually Skiing

Resorts describe snow texture using terms like "packed powder," "hard pack," "powder," "variable," and "corn snow." This is where experience matters—these terms mean different things to different skiers.

Packed Powder: Snow groomed by machines overnight into a smooth, consistent surface. It's firm but not icy, predictable, and ideal for most recreational skiers. Fresh grooming (corduroy) in the early morning is the gold standard.

Hard Pack: Old, compacted snow that's firm to icy. Provides fast conditions and excellent edge hold if your equipment is sharp, but unforgiving for beginners or dull edges. Common in spring or after freeze-thaw cycles.

Powder: Fresh, ungroomed snow. The dream condition for advanced skiers but requires technique—more up-and-down motion, wider stance, and speed to stay on top. Deep powder is exhausting for intermediates.

Variable: Conditions change across the mountain—packed powder on groomers, ice in shaded spots, crud on windblown ridges, soft bumps in ungroomed zones. Variable days reward adaptability and terrain selection.

Corn Snow: Spring phenomenon where snow melts during the day and refreezes at night, forming granular pellets. Icy in early morning, buttery by late morning/early afternoon. Timing is everything—ski too late and it's heavy slush.

Operational Status: What's Actually Open?

Open lifts and trails matter more than snow depth if your preferred terrain is closed. Resorts report "X/Y lifts operating" and "X/Y trails open." Pay attention to which specific lifts and runs are affected.

Why closures happen: Wind (most common—chairs have max wind speed limits), avalanche control, mechanical issues, low visibility, or early/late season limited operations. Upper-mountain lifts close first; sheltered, lower-elevation lifts often remain open.

Pro tip: Check which lifts are closed, not just the total count. If a resort shows "30/35 lifts open," it sounds great—but if the 5 closed lifts serve your favorite expert terrain, your day is compromised. Resort apps and websites list specific lift status.

Putting It All Together: Reading Between the Lines

Let's decode two hypothetical reports:

Resort A: 180 cm base, 5 cm new snow, packed powder, 32/35 lifts open, clear skies.
Translation: Excellent conditions. Solid base, fresh grooming, almost full operations, good visibility. Ideal day for cruising groomers and exploring the mountain.

Resort B: 220 cm base, 25 cm new snow, powder/variable, 18/35 lifts open, ongoing snowfall.
Translation: Great snow but compromised access. Upper lifts likely closed for wind or avalanche control. Lower mountain will be crowded. Visibility may be poor. Could be amazing by afternoon if lifts open and weather clears—or frustrating if conditions don't improve.

The "worse" report (Resort A) might deliver a better day than the "amazing" report (Resort B) depending on what you value: access and visibility versus deep powder.