Super El Niño Strengthens, Impacting Western Ski Resorts
Super El Niño Strengthens, Impacting Western Ski Resorts
US · Published Oct 2, 2026
• Meteorologists are closely monitoring the development of a Super El Niño, which is predicted to be one of the strongest on record, according to OnTheSnow and NOAA.
• This weather phenomenon, characterized by sea surface temperature anomalies exceeding +3.0°C in the eastern equatorial Pacific, is expected to influence the upcoming ski season across the western United States.

Impact & Risks

The strengthening Super El Niño could significantly impact ski resorts across the western United States, particularly in California, Colorado, and Utah. While southern resorts may benefit from increased snowfall, warmer temperatures associated with El Niño could lead to reduced snowpack in some areas. Historical data suggests that strong El Niño events can be unpredictable, with some regions experiencing record-breaking snow and others facing historically low snowfall. Skiers and resort operators are advised to prepare for potential variability in conditions, which could affect tourism and local economies reliant on winter sports.

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