When the first flakes fall at ski resorts, it’s typically a dusting that disappears after a few hours. That was not the case at Alaska’s biggest ski area, Alyeska Resort.
Alyeska received its first snowfall of the season last Thursday, October 1, and it was anything but a dusting. The resort got hammered by a moderately strong snowstorm that seemingly dropped multiple inches of snow across Alyeska — maybe even enough to ride down its slopes. In the higher elevations, the snow stuck around through the night into Friday. Even days later, as of October 5, some snow is still holding on in the highest peaks.
While warmer temperatures rolled in following the storms, Alyeska could be in for round two by the end of the week. National Weather Service forecasts for Girdwood, Alaska predict the temperatures to drop on Friday, bringing in a mix of rain and snow throughout the weekend. By Saturday night, forecasters predict temperatures to drop all the way down to 37°F (3°C).
With its first snowfall of the season, Alyeska joins a cluster of other resorts across the lower 48 that have also gotten their first flakes. Resorts like Taos, New Mexico; Arapahoe Basin, Colorado; Mammoth Mountain, California; Snowbird, Utah; Big Sky, Montana, and others have all seen snow, and more resorts are expected to soon follow.
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Alyeska is currently scheduled to open its slopes on November 28, 2026, conditions permitting.
While the significant snowfall does not mean an earlier opening date, it is certainly a positive sign as fall continues to march forward. Throughout the summer, climatologists have been tracking an El Niño event in the Pacific, and it is on pace to become one of the strongest El Niños on record. Across much of the lower 48, El Niño is expected to bring wet conditions and warmer-than-normal temperatures, which could leave ski resorts struggling for snow and battling the rain. However, some ski resorts could potentially end up with powder-filled seasons, with El Niño carrying moisture into higher elevation resorts. Thanks to its location, Alyeska could be one of the resorts that actually benefit from El Niño.
In past El Niño seasons, Alyeska has found success. According to Z Rankings, which has recorded Alyeska’s snow totals every season since 1986, the resort receives 10% more snow in El Niño winters and 22% more snow during strong El Niño winters. According to the United States Geological Survey, factors like Arctic dynamics, North Pacific and Bering Sea water temperatures, and sea ice formation all play a part in favoring snowfall in the region. While an unprecedented El Niño event could certainly go the other direction, if historical weather patterns hold, this season could be a good one at Alyeska.
Alyeska’s season is less than two months away, and a significant snowstorm has already hit the resort. With an El Niño season on the way, early snowfall could signal positive things to come for a resort that has historically benefited from the event. Ultimately, Mother Nature will have the final say on Alyeska’s season. But for skiers and snowboarders at Alyeska, this is definitely an exciting time.
In the past, Alyeska has received more snowfall during El Niño seasons. | Credit: Alyeska Resort