Snow reports are the skier's weather forecast—a daily summary of snow depth, fresh accumulation, operational status, and surface conditions. But numbers alone don't tell the full story. A resort reporting 200 cm base depth might have icy groomers if temperatures fluctuated, while another with 100 cm could offer better skiing after fresh snowfall and cold temps.
This guide explains how reports are compiled, what terminology means in practice, and how to use data to make informed decisions. Whether you're planning a trip weeks in advance or deciding between two mountains this weekend, understanding snow reports helps you set realistic expectations and choose the right day to go.
How Snow Reports Are Compiled
Ski resorts gather snow data through a combination of automated sensors, manual measurements by ski patrol, and weather station monitoring. Here's the typical process:
1. Overnight Measurement
Ski patrol measures fresh snowfall on cleared boards (flat surfaces wiped clean after each storm). This provides an accurate reading of new accumulation without compaction from old snow beneath. Measurements are taken at multiple elevations to account for variation.
2. Base Depth Reading
Base depth is measured from the ground (or a fixed reference point) to the snow surface at mid-mountain locations. Automated sensors (ultrasonic or laser) track depth continuously. Resorts typically report the average across monitoring stations—not the deepest or shallowest point.
3. Operational Assessment
Ski patrol inspects lift operations, trail conditions, and avalanche hazards. They determine which lifts and runs will open, accounting for wind, visibility, snow quality, and safety. This information feeds into the operational status portion of the report.
4. Surface Condition Evaluation
Patrol skis representative runs across the mountain to assess surface texture: packed powder, hard pack, powder, crud, or variable. They note grooming status and provide a qualitative description (e.g., "excellent conditions," "variable snow," "icy in spots").
5. Report Publication
The compiled report is published on the resort website, app, and third-party aggregators (like PowderDash) by 7-8 AM local time. Some resorts update multiple times per day as conditions or operations change. Webcams provide real-time visual confirmation.
6. Interpretation & Context
Numbers need context. A 30 cm dump sounds amazing, but if it falls on a thin base with rocks exposed, or if winds blow 80 km/h closing upper lifts, the experience won't match the hype. Use reports as one input among many: webcams, weather forecasts, and recent skier feedback.
Snow Report Glossary
Resorts use specific terminology to describe conditions. Here's what those terms actually mean:
- Base Depth
- Total accumulated snow from ground to surface, measured at mid-mountain. Reported in centimeters or inches. Deeper bases cover obstacles and generally indicate better coverage, but depth alone doesn't guarantee quality—compacted or icy snow at 200 cm can ski worse than fresh powder at 100 cm.
- 24-Hour Snowfall
- Fresh snow accumulation in the past 24 hours, measured from the previous morning's report. This number excites powder hunters but remember: heavy snowfall can reduce visibility, close lifts for avalanche control, and create challenging conditions for beginners.
- 7-Day Snowfall
- Cumulative new snow over the past week. Provides context for storm cycles. A resort showing 50 cm over 7 days likely has better overall conditions than one showing 50 cm in a single storm followed by sun and freeze-thaw.
- Packed Powder
- Snow groomed by machines into a smooth, consistent surface. Soft but not deep, firm but not icy. This is the ideal condition for most skiers: forgiving, predictable, and fast. Look for "fresh grooming" or "corduroy" to find the best packed powder.
- Hard Pack
- Older snow compacted by skier traffic, grooming, or freeze-thaw cycles into a firm, sometimes icy surface. Provides fast skiing and excellent edge hold if your skis are sharp, but unforgiving for beginners or those with dull equipment.
- Powder
- Fresh, ungroomed snow—typically light and dry. The holy grail for advanced skiers. Requires different technique than groomed runs (more up-and-down motion, wider stance). Deep powder can be exhausting and challenging for intermediates.
- Crud / Chop
- Irregular, chopped-up snow created by skier traffic on ungroomed runs. Can be fun for experts but exhausting and unpredictable for less experienced skiers. Develops quickly on powder days after initial tracks.
- Corn Snow
- Granular spring snow formed by repeated melt-freeze cycles. Hard and icy in the morning, softens to a buttery, carvable surface by late morning/early afternoon on sunny days. Timing is critical—ski too late and it becomes heavy slush.
- Variable
- Conditions change across the mountain. Expect a mix of packed powder, ice, crud, and soft snow depending on aspect, elevation, and traffic. Variable days reward terrain selection and adaptability.
- Wind Hold
- Lift closures due to high winds exceeding safe operating limits (typically 40-60 mph). Upper mountain and exposed lifts close first. Can last hours or all day. No refunds for wind closures—it's a weather-related safety protocol.
- Avalanche Control
- Ski patrol work to mitigate avalanche danger by triggering slides intentionally (using explosives or other methods) before opening terrain. This delays lift openings after heavy snowfall. Patience is required—it's for your safety.
- Grooming
- Overnight machine work to smooth and redistribute snow. Groomers create "corduroy" patterns—parallel lines from the tilling attachment. Groomed runs are typically listed in the morning report or resort app. Ski them early for best conditions.
Using Snow Reports to Plan Your Day
Here's a practical framework for interpreting snow reports and making decisions:
Scenario: Weekend Trip Planning (2-4 weeks out)
What to check: Historical snowfall patterns, average base depth for the time of year, and season-to-date snowfall compared to historical averages.
Action: Choose dates with historically reliable snow (January-February in most Canadian regions). Monitor forecasts 7-10 days out, but don't overreact to single predictions. Book refundable lodging if possible.
Scenario: Choosing Between Two Resorts (This Weekend)
What to check: Current base depth, 24-hour and 7-day snowfall, operational status (open lifts/trails), and webcam visuals.
Action: Prioritize the resort with fresh snow (if you're chasing powder) or better operational status (if you want access to varied terrain). Use webcams to verify reported conditions—look for snow on trees, visibility, and grooming patterns.
Scenario: Day-of Decision (Do I Go Today?)
What to check: Current weather conditions, lift status, road conditions, and avalanche forecasts (if backcountry skiing).
Action: If lifts are on wind hold, visibility is poor, or roads are dangerous, consider postponing. Poor conditions rarely improve mid-day. Conversely, if reports show fresh snow and clear weather, go early to beat crowds.
Live Resort Reports
View current snow conditions, operational status, and webcams for each resort. Click through to detailed profiles with travel info, FAQs, and more.
Whistler Blackcomb
British Columbia
Lake Louise Ski Resort
Alberta
Mont Tremblant
Quebec
Snow Report FAQ
Natural snow forms in clouds when water vapor freezes into ice crystals. Crystal structure, density, and moisture content vary by temperature and atmospheric conditions. Man-made snow (snowmaking) sprays water droplets into cold air, producing smaller, denser crystals than most natural snow.
Snowmaking creates consistent coverage on high-traffic runs and extends seasons when natural snowfall is insufficient. It feels harder and less forgiving than natural powder but grooms well and holds up under heavy use. Most resorts use a mix of both.
Snowfall isn't uniform. Windward slopes (facing prevailing storm winds) accumulate more snow than leeward slopes. Valleys collect drifted snow, while ridgelines may be wind-scoured to bare ground or ice. South-facing slopes receive more sun, causing melt and freeze-thaw cycles. North-facing slopes stay colder and hold snow longer.
Resorts report average base depth from multiple monitoring stations. The number you see is a mid-mountain average—actual depth on any given run may be significantly higher or lower.
Packed powder is snow that has been groomed by machines (usually overnight) into a smooth, consistent surface. It's not deep powder, but it's softer than hard pack and provides good edge hold. This is the ideal condition for most recreational skiers: forgiving, predictable, and fast.
Groomers use tracked vehicles (snowcats) with tilling attachments to break up crud, redistribute snow, and create corduroy patterns. Fresh grooming is best enjoyed early morning before crowds chop it up.
A wind hold is when lifts close due to high winds. Chairlifts and gondolas have maximum safe wind speed limits (typically 40-60 mph depending on lift type). Beyond those limits, chairs swing excessively, creating safety hazards for loading, riding, and unloading.
High-speed detachable chairs and gondolas are more wind-resistant than fixed-grip chairs. Summit and ridgeline lifts close first; lower-elevation and sheltered lifts often remain open. Wind holds are frustrating but necessary for safety. They can last minutes or all day depending on weather.
Resorts use a combination of automated sensors (ultrasonic or laser) and manual measurements by ski patrol. Sensors are placed at various elevations and aspects to capture variability. Measurements are taken from a fixed reference point (usually a stake or platform) to track accumulation over time.
New snowfall is measured on a board cleared after each storm. This provides a true reading of fresh accumulation without compaction. All measurements are subject to wind redistribution, compaction, and melt—so treat reported numbers as estimates, not guarantees.
Variable means conditions change across the mountain or even within a single run. You might encounter packed powder on groomed sections, ice in shaded spots, windblown crud on exposed ridges, and soft bumps in ungroomed zones.
Variable conditions require adaptable skiing. Terrain choice matters more on variable days—stick to groomers if you prefer consistency, or explore ungroomed terrain if you're comfortable with surprises.
Grooming, temperature changes, and wind redistribution can improve conditions without fresh snowfall. Overnight grooming transforms chopped-up snow into smooth corduroy. Warming temperatures soften hard pack into more forgiving conditions. Wind can redistribute old snow into fresh-feeling drifts.
Conversely, resorts can report significant new snow but poor skiing if it falls on hard pack, gets wind-scoured, or arrives with high winds that close lifts and reduce visibility.
Freshly groomed packed powder. It's soft enough to be forgiving for falls, firm enough for predictable edge hold, and smooth enough to practice turns without obstacles. Avoid icy hard pack, deep powder, and heavy crud as a beginner—they require advanced technique and strength.
Check grooming reports (often listed on resort websites/apps) to identify which runs were groomed overnight. Arrive early to ski fresh corduroy before crowds chop it up.
A powder day typically means 15+ cm (6+ inches) of fresh, light snow overnight with continued snowfall during the day. Check the snow report for '24-hour snowfall' and current conditions. Look for terms like 'powder,' 'light and dry,' or 'deep snow.'
True powder days are rare—most snowfall is modest (5-10 cm). Powder skiing requires technique and avalanche awareness if venturing off-piste. On-piste, fresh snow gets tracked out quickly on popular runs. Hike or ride less-trafficked lifts for untracked lines.
Corn snow (spring snow) forms when surface snow melts during the day and refreezes overnight, creating granular pellets. In the morning, it's hard and icy. By mid-morning to early afternoon, sunshine softens it into a forgiving, buttery surface that's easy to carve and fun to ski.
Corn snow is a late-season phenomenon (March-April+) on sunny days. Timing is everything: ski too early and it's frozen; ski too late and it becomes heavy slush. Optimal corn conditions last 1-3 hours in the late morning/early afternoon.
Generally, yes—but with context. Resorts have no incentive to lie, as disappointed customers complain and don't return. However, reports are optimistic by nature: base depth might reflect the deepest station, not the shallowest. '24-hour snowfall' measured at 7 AM might have fallen 30 hours ago.
Cross-reference official reports with webcams, independent weather sites, and social media posts from skiers on the mountain. PowderDash structures data to help you verify claims—but we always recommend checking the resort's live report immediately before traveling.
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