What’s New on the Slopes: Indagare’s Ski News Report 2026-2027

With snow on the ground at many of our favorite ski resorts and everyone chatting El Niño, this ski season is shouldering high expectations—especially after last year's slump. So without delay, let's jump into what we can expect of the snow this year, the new hotels and restaurants to know around the world and which ski resorts are best prepared to weather a low-snow year (plus, those that likely won't need to).

Anyone who's been following the weather has no doubt heard the predictions of the super El Niño likely headed for us—but what does this actually mean for your favorite ski resorts? First, let's set the scene. Two of the primary weather patterns that are the best predictors of snow in North America are La Niña and El Niño, the former characterized by cooler sea temperatures and the latter, the opposite, each generally benefitting a different area of the continent. Normally, these two weather patterns have switched off at two to seven years, but as anyone who's lived through the scorching heat waves these past summers can attest, "normal" and the weather have become strangers.

This season marks the fifth year of a one-to-two-year switch off, which means, for the foreseeable future, there's a fair precedent set for the snow pattern to continue changing semi-regularly, year to year (i.e. Palisades Tahoe is not likely to fall into another four-year drought like that seen in the early 2010s). And just as we saw an epic La Niña break snow records at American ski resorts in the 2022/23 season, it's time for El Niño to have its "super event."

The current El Niño has only been strengthening these past couple months and is expected to continue to do so through the end of the year, likely resulting in a ski season unlike any we've seen before. The problem with making location-specific snow predictions off this El Niño? A strong El Niño has only been seen three times in the last 76 years. But here's what we do know:

• El Niño typically generates major storm cycles in the Sierra Nevada and above average snow in the southwest and southern Rockies.
• The Pacific Northwest, British Columbia and New England typically see warmer, more variable winters, with New England likely suffering more snow-to-rain-conversion (a sad sight for the base layer, but it does not rule out the possibility of nor'easters rolling in).
• January and February are typically the strongest snow months in El Niño years.

With this in mind, here's the breakdown of what you can reasonably expect in terms of snowfall for the coming ski season (though always remember, the weather is fickle!):

North America

Most Likely Hits: Taos Ski Valley, Mammoth, Palisades Tahoe, Heavenly, Telluride

Maybes: Alta, Snowbird, Park City, Deer Valley, Aspen Snowmass, Vail, Keystone, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Steamboat

Most Likely Misses: Big Sky, Jackson Hole, Sun Valley, Revelstoke, Whistler, New England (Stowe, Sugarloaf, Loon, Killington, Hunter)

Disclaimer: Whistler is still well positioned to have periodic storms with large snowfall, but temperatures are likely to be volatile throughout the season, leading to unpredictable warms-ups and freezing levels, which means Whistler would be best for a last-minute trip.

Europe

As you may have read in my previous ski reports, unfortunately, El Niño and La Niña do not influence Europe in the same way, and without these weather patterns, snow conditions in Europe are incredibly challenging (borderline impossible) to predict. As always, when booking a trip to Europe, your best chance of good snow is to stick to high elevations and avoid early season (a December powder day is the exception, not the rule).

Important: Ikon Pass sales are expected to end mid-December. For the most up-to-date pricing, visit Ikon's website.

Alterra (Ikon's parent company) is not slowing down on their international expansion, paying special attention to Asia this year. New on the Ikon Pass is tree-skier haven Madarao Mountain Resort in northern Nagano, Japan, as well as two resorts in China: Lake Songhua Resort and Beidahu Ski Resort, home to one of Asia's largest vertical drops. For anyone hoping to check off another continent on their ski bucket list, Ikon is only making it easier.

Ikon Changes to Know

• After last year's plentiful snow disappointments, Ikon has extended its risk-free refund policy, meaning passholders have until January 15th to refund their pass if you have not scanned it yet.
• CMH Heli-skiing (Canadian Mountain Holidays—the world's largest operation) refreshed its Valemount Lodge in British Columbia—arguably its most luxurious heli-skiing option—and now houses 10 fully renovated, modern-style guestrooms.
• Silverstar in British Columbia has upgraded from being a Bonus Mountain to sitting comfortably on the pass, with the classic five days on the Base Pass and seven on the full. Joining it will be Snowriver in Michigan, Lutsen in Minnesota, Granite Peak in Wisconsin—all exciting news from the Midwest.
• To the delight of young adults and the dismay of locals, Arapahoe Basin in Colorado—now owned by Alterra—will be unlimited on the Base Pass for the first time this season (but weekend parking reservations are going nowhere, helping to mitigate new crowds).

Important: Epic Pass prices across all pass options will increase on November 15. For the most up-to-date pricing, visit Epic's website.

It's been a tough few years for Vail Resorts, with last year's abysmal snowpack playing a significant part in a company-wide 13.4 percent revenue drop, driven largely by the conditions in the Rockies. And after record-low pricing for the Epic Pass in the 2025/26 season, Vail predictably had to increase Epic Pass prices this year—but the jump was not made without careful consideration for Vail's clientele.

Epic Changes to Know

• Vail has instituted Young Adult Pricing, allowing anyone ages 13 to 30 to save 20 percent on their Epic Pass.
• Anyone who skied a Vail resort with a lift or friend ticket last year can save up to $175 on their pass this year.
• A new concierge-style experience is coming to Vail and Beaver Creek, called Epic Ascent. This means all private lessons at either resort will include Epic Ascent benefits, such as an upgrade to personalized instruction for up to six guests, a dedicated concierge, a private gear fitting with rentals and skip-the-line ski access.

Hotels & Dining: While the new Four Seasons and Waldorf Astoria are still two years away, Deer Valley East did see the opening of Canopy Deer Valley this summer, Hilton's first property in Utah located only steps away from the Jordanelle Express Gondola. This four-star property joins the Grand Hyatt with 180 rooms and, perhaps most exciting, four new dining concepts, including two sister Italian restaurants. Tavolona's menu has a "served from your Italian grandmother's kitchen" feel, with more rustic dishes like chicken parm, spaghetti al pomodoro and cacio e pepe—plus, a consultant on the project was Daniele Uditi, founder of the award-winning Los Angeles restaurant Pizzana. Fornetto is a more casual, lounge-style restaurant serving shareable bites with an Italian twist—think deep-fried ravioli, a meatball burger and pizzas.

On Mountain: Adding onto the seven new lifts and 2,300 new skiable acres from last year is the opening of the Hail Peak Express, which adds 200 acres and seven new trails to the Deer Valley ski map, bringing total skiable acres to 4,500. (For perspective, prior to the expansion, Deer Valley was ranked in the 40s for biggest ski resorts in North America and is now comfortably in the top 10.) One of these new trails, Hill Yeah—named after the Hill Air Force Base in northern Utah—was named in support of Deer Valley's Salute to Service program that began last year, which provides discounted lodging and lift tickets to military families. Also new on the mountain is a snow feature zone for young and beginner skiers, 1,200 new day-skier parking spaces at Deer Valley East and—what every Deer Valley skier should be excited about after last year's low snowfall—access to a new 10-million-gallon reservoir to support snowmaking, bringing the coverage up to 932 acres. (Bonus: 80 to 90 percent of the water will return to its source.)

Dining: Three Park City restaurants made the Michelin recommended list this August, including Handle, newcomer Matilda and The Nelson Cottage, a tasting-menu experience that kicks off with a guided whiskey tasting. And further boosting the Park City dining scene, Salt Lake City's Koyote ramen shop is opening soon in Kimball Junction.

Shopping: Philip Manghisi's WUNDERKIND Park City boutique is coming to Main Street permanently after running several successful pop-ups, marking the brand's first foray into Utah. The boutique stocks a curated selection of designer clothes, shoes, bags and jewelry from brands like Alaïa, Missoni and Chloé. (And for the kids, Canyons Village is getting its very own Build-a-Bear workshop.)

Events: Snow League, the competition founded last year by Olympian Shaun White, is coming to Park City for its second season, giving locals and guests alike a chance to watch snowboard and freeski halfpipe athletes compete over the course of three days (January 21-23). Note: For the first time since 1981, the Sundance Film Festival will not be hosted in Park City. It has officially been moved to Boulder, Colorado beginning in 2027.

On Mountain: Park City Mountain Resort implemented a new remote avalanche control system in Limelight Bowl, making it safer and faster to get that coveted terrain open post-snowfall. Also new on the mountain will be a S'mores Sleigh, which will travel around surprising guests with a sweet treat in unexpected places. This will join a new Kodiak Cakes Waffle Shack arriving at Park City (location is still unknown, but as a loyal fan, I'll be sniffing it out over the holidays).

On Mountain: After a year and a half of construction, Alta's Albion Day Lodge is reopening with a 3,400-square-foot-expansion making for an all around more comfortable lodge experience. It includes expanded dining space, patio seating, a lounge and a larger space for Alta Java, including new indoor space (a relief for morning coffee drinkers). Over at Snowbird, the two-person Chickadee in Snowbird Center's beginner area is being replaced with a quad, and the slope has been regraded to offer a better learning experience.

Flights: The American West's cushiest ski mountain is getting easier to access. After five successful years running a weekly flight between JFK and Bozeman, on December 19, Delta will be upping this service to a daily flight. On the same day, Delta will launch a new seasonal daily flight between Austin and Bozeman that will run until March 28.

Hotels: Privacy is getting an upgrade with Lone Mountain Ranch's brand-new accommodation offering, Bison Lodge. Opened this summer and located only 10 minutes from the slopes, Bison Lodge is a private residence that can accommodate 16 guests across its 7,700 acres of indoor and outdoor space. Families and bigger groups can spend time post-skiing enjoying the game room and vinyl listening lounge, cozying up around one of five fireplaces, swimming in the heated infinity pool or unwinding in the private sauna.

Dining: The Iglu bar at the base of the Lone Peak Tram will be returning after its first successful season—and it's getting an upgrade. Not only will the entirely snow- and ice-built structure be expanding, but now, no skis are required to reach it. Visitors can hop on the new Explorer Gondola and descend the just-added staircase to the icy hut for champagne and cocktails enjoyed on Arhaus furnishings. Another exciting returnee: Michelin-adored chef Grant Chatz decided his four-month residency last season wasn't enough, so he'll once again be taking the helm at M by Alinea in the village center. To add to the mountain's dining accolades, Montage Big Sky's Italian-Alpine restaurant Cortina recently received Wine Spectator's 2026 Best of Award.

Flights: United is launching a new nonstop service from Boston to Jackson Hole on Saturdays. (Of course, this may prove more beneficial in a year when both Jackson Hole and New England aren't sharing space in the "Most Likely Misses" category for snowfall—but it does make a last minute storm-based trip easier.)

Hotels: A mainstay in Jackson Hole town, the Snow King Resort Hotel is no more: it was bought, renovated and re-opened as the Trailborn Jackson Hole this past May. This four-star property is Trailborn's largest and comes equipped with a full-service spa and an American grill called Old Timer, an ode to Jackson's distinct mountain culture. For anyone seeking a chalet-style property in town instead of at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, this is one to keep in mind.

Hotels: Indagare's Kathryn Nathanson visited the new White Elephant Aspen shortly after opening and reports that its "sleek and contemporary architecture distinguishes it from Aspen's many historic hotels." Set a short shuttle ride from the base of Aspen Mountain, it's best for those seeking a slightly removed location that's within walking distance of town's main attractions. When it comes to ski in/ski out properties, one of our favorite Aspen hotels, The Little Nell, will be closing in April 2027 for a full renovation in line with the launch of Aspen Hospitality's new brand "Nell Hotels." But fear not, barring complications, it is expected to reopen for the 2027/28 season.

Dining: One of the most exciting dining additions came with the White Elephant, which brought the property's signature Lola 41 restaurant to Aspen. Here, sushi is served alongside crab rangoons, and Korean beef bao buns can be ordered alongside mac and cheese or a Mediterranean salad. An exciting reopening is the Golden Horn, an icon that occupied a basement on the corner of South Mill Street and East Cooper Avenue from 1949 to 1996. Now, it's back in its original space, serving as an ode to downtown's fallen business soldiers; inside, you'll find pool tables from Eric's Bar (closed 2022), a bar rail from an old silver mine, window shutters from the "shuttered" Mountain Chalet and even the exposed rubble in the walls from the building's original foundation. Intended as a space for all, the vibe is decidedly "sports bar," with comfort fare like smash burgers, pizza and my personal favorite, the "My Girlfriend's Not Hungry Chicken Tender and Fries"—a $12 add-on.

Leaning more upscale, this December/January should see the opening of new restaurant Le Cafe, replacing the popular après spot ZigZag (though it is yet unclear what role ZigZag's popular wood-fired oven will play, if any). Expected to open New Year's Eve is the first mountain-town iteration of Guest House, an Austin-originated concept that embraces the idea of dinner becoming a whole night out. Opening downtown, it will serve contemporary American cuisine and an extensive cocktail and mocktail menu, coupled with live music and other evening entertainment. Also new is a limited-time dinner series at the St. Regis's Velvet Buck from December 15 to January 19, and an exciting returnee is the property's Snow Lodge, back for a second season, yurts and live music intact.

On Mountain: Aspen is turning 80, and to celebrate, the mountain is hosting a kick-off weekend from December 12 to 14 with features like $3.75 throwback lift tickets on the 14th (expected to sell out fast), limited-run swag, giveaways and $80 rental packages. It coincides with the 75th annual Wintersköl, so anyone in Aspen starting on December 10 can also enjoy festivities like a drone show, holiday markets and a torchlight parade. As for what's new in facilities, the new high-speed quad, Nell Bell, is opening, replacing the Bell Mountain and Little Nell lifts to connect the base to the core of Aspen Mountain (Ajax). And at long last, Ullrhof restaurant will reopen after a $42-million renovation, with more than double its original capacity and four new dining concepts. It will be Aspen's first all-electric on-mountain restaurant.

On Mountain: It's a musical year for Vail. The Express Lift après scene is doubling its size with 50 performing artists Friday through Sunday throughout the season and a new partnership with local favorite Outer Range Brewing Company. Eagle's Nest rooftop and other on-mountain locations will have a new music pop-up, and in the village, the Dobson Arena, a 56,000-square-foot music and event venue, has just opened.

Dining: Slopeside, Vail is opening a brand-new Ice Bar, reviving a Back Bowls tradition that had a short rebirth during the mountain's 60th anniversary and now is here to stay. Bistro 14 and The 10th at Mid Vail have both gotten a refresh on-mountain, but it's the village that is generating more buzz. After 53 years, Los Amigos has closed and been replaced with a members club, The Sixty Two Society, which has a dining room open to the public and a wine program by Doug Frost, who holds both a Master of Wine and Master Sommelier title. This year also saw the opening of Colletta at the Westin, a family-style, American-Italian restaurant serving wood-fired Neopolitan pizzas and pastas—while over at The Sebastian, yet another iteration of the Japanese izakaya restaurant Zuma opened, replacing Leonora and its tapas.

Dining & Shopping: A new, limited-time après pop-up is coming to Mamie's at the top of Bachelor Gulch Express from March 19 to 21, with live music and specialty drinks and food. Spruce Saddle Cabin Corner, a chef-curated cabin experience, will also be debuting on select dates throughout the season (January 5 & 19, February 20 & 27, March 20 & 27, April 3 & 10—no tickets required), as will an exclusive 14-guest dinner paired with rare whiskeys called The Last Drop Whiskey Tasting. Tickets will be on sale in December or January. Plus, check out the new Snow Bunny boutique in the village, bringing more chic on-mountain and après attire to Beaver Creek.

Dining: After a soft launch in March, the 16-seat Forage officially opened in June with a 12-course tasting menu designed to take you through Colorado's history. Less upscale but no less exciting for après lovers, El Perro Negro will be open for its first full season this year. This basement bar leans into Mexican folklore, with a cantina aesthetic, agave-based drinks and snacks like tacos and chicharonnes. My favorite part—as befits the name, it's dog friendly. And don't miss the pastries and sandwiches at Threefold Bakery in town, which opened just before New Year's in 2025 and is helmed by James Beard award-winning chef Matt Vawter Sean, as well as Quail and Condor's Melissa McGaughey.

On Mountain: This year, the newly rebranded "Kingdom of Breck" has installed North America's highest remote avalanche control system to help open high-alpine terrain more quickly. This, coupled with the mountain's bid during this year's Ullr Fest (December 17-19) to retake the world's longest shotski record from Park City (which stole it in October with 550 conjoined skis and 1,430 participants), and Breck is poised to have a momentous year, snow or not. In honor of the shotski tradition, a so-called "Mega Shotski" will be available at the T-Bar on Peak 8 this year, but it won't be nearly as outrageous as the new hot dog tower at Ski Hill Grill at Peak 8's base.

Hotels: Keystone is finally joining the luxury portfolio with the opening of Kindred Resort this past May. Set right by the River Run Gondola, the property has 107 guestrooms and 95 residences, a year-round heated pool and spa—and it is the new home for Epic Mountain Rentals on the mountain.

New Luxury Ski Experience: In February, Indagare trip designer Samuel Doran was one of the first to test out the brand new luxury Taos Experience, open to the public for the first time this year. "This curated, end-to-end ski experience includes everything from bespoke dining setups to backcountry cat skiing in a safe, contained environment, as well as accommodation at the art-filled Blake hotel," says Samuel. "It's an amazing opportunity for families interested in an immersive ski trip or for families split between wanting days in the backcountry and the resort. There is one day of cat skiing on the Northside included in the price, an area that is otherwise closed off to all ski access, guaranteeing fresh tracks!"

On Mountain: This year, operations at Taos have benefitted from a hefty three-million-dollar investment—quite a way to kick off what is expected to be a banner snow year. These upgrades include more snow guns to support early and late season snowpack, glading for tree-skiers and a new satellite snow-depth mapping system that will support better grooming and snow-making strategy. Taos is also expanding their signature Ski Weeks, which consist of six-day programs dedicated to building on skills and confidence, with some available just for women. The mountain is also adding new full-moon uphill tours, as well as a new winter market on New Year's Eve.

Hotels: After 15 long years, plans were finally approved to expand the Palisades Tahoe base area. The project includes 896 new hotel or condo units (down 40 percent from the original proposition as a compromise with locals and environmentalists), 222,000 square feet of commercial space and new parking lots. Of course, the project in its entirety may take up to 25 years to complete. In more immediate news, Edgewood Tahoe, a chic lakeside hotel an hour away from Palisades, got a facelift this year, reimagining all 154 guestrooms with a lighter, more contemporary design. This follows the reopening of their fine-dining restaurant, The Edge, last season.

Passes & Experiences: Palisades Tahoe has introduced a new Beginner Progression Pass ($799) through which skiers will receive three group lessons (to be taken at any time during the season), plus lift tickets and rentals. But the real bonus: completion of all three lessons earns you a season pass for the rest of the year, as well as discounts on rentals, lessons and an Ikon Pass. And back for its second season, with upgrades based on member feedback, is the Apex Club, an exclusive membership that includes private lounge access at different lodges, food and drink, private member experiences and priority lift access to 12 lifts.

On Mountain: Despite promising snow forecasts this year, Palisades Tahoe isn't taking chances, heading into the season with enhanced snowmaking operations and three new diesel-electric snowcats, with added technology to optimize grooming coverage. The mountain has also upgraded their avalanche mitigation technology—likely to come in handy this year—to improve operations especially during challenging weather. And at the base, KT Bass Music Series is back with an upgrade, featuring enhanced sound and lighting for all 52 days of DJ performances this season.

Hotels: On October 30, the new five-star Observatory, A Viceroy Resort opened in Sun Valley, with 73 guestrooms and 12 penthouse residences—plus, as befits the name, a rooftop telescope to take advantage of this dark sky reserve. This is a major upgrade for a pretty laid-back ski resort.

On Mountain: A boon for families and new skiers, Sun Valley is debuting a new beginner learning area and expanding Sunny's Adventure Park. For the experts, there will be 40 new acres of gladed terrain across Christine's Silver, Leigh Lane and Upper Broadway, continuing ongoing glading efforts. The resort will also debut two new chairlifts: the high-speed, six-person Lookout Express and the high-speed quad Christmas, each replacing 30-year old lifts and continuing an ongoing project of upgrading lifts (which contributed to their recognition in SKI Magazine as the best resort for lift infrastructure).