What's the Best Weather for Skiing? (Poll)

Skiers love to talk about the weather. How could they not? 

Yes, snowmaking creates some guarantees, but the atmosphere, ultimately, is what decides how our time in the mountains looks.

Given that an ongoing heat wave is bringing unusually early spring-like conditions to resorts across the West, we thought now was a good time to ask about the weather in this week’s POWDER Poll.

Each option, we think, caters to a different kind of skier.

While we expect the bluebird powder day category to take home the bacon, surely there are some who’d rather hunt for fresh snow while a storm is still raging. When the visibility is bad and the winds are howling, the crowds tend to stay at bay—or, at least, take earlier lunches to get out of the cold.

Then, there are the spring fanatics. The warmer and slushier part of the season might be seen as bonus time, but for some, this is when the skiing really gets good. As the temperature climbs, snow gets pliable, the lift lines thin, and rather than a ski coat, you can wear your finest Hawaiian shirt while working on your tan. It’s like a beach day, but in the mountains. 

Does any of this resonate with you? Chime in below, and let us know what your thoughts are in the comments section. 

The 2026 POWDER Photo Annual is here! Look for a print copy on a newsstand near you, or click here to have a copy shipped directly to your front door.

POWDER Weekly Poll:

About the POWDER Weekly Poll

We launch our weekly polls at 3 p.m. Eastern Time every Monday. They remain open until 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time the following Friday, with the results dropping on Sunday at 9 a.m. Eastern Time. You can participate and see the results right here on our website or by visiting our Instagram page.

While you’re at it, drop us a line or leave an Instagram comment if there’s a poll you’d like to see next. Skiers have plenty of opinions and preferences, and we want to know which ones might land on top of the heap.