Rocky Mountains Add 1‑3 ft Snow, Steamboat Hits 112‑inch Record
When Steamboat Resort, a premier ski area in Colorado, reported a staggering 112 inches (2.8 m) of summit snowfall on December 28, it signaled one of the snowiest Decembers in a decade for the Western United States. Across the broader Rocky Mountains, resorts are counting between one and three feet (30‑90 cm) of fresh powder each day, while temperatures have plunged to 20 °F (‑29 °C) overnight. Meanwhile, forecasters in western Europe are warning that the Czech Republic and Slovakia could see continuous snow through the week, provided a brief warm spell at lower elevations doesn’t melt the blanket.
Western Europe Snow Outlook
The latest World Snow Roundup #273Western Europe highlights a promising pattern for the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Model runs from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute show nightly lows hovering just above the freezing mark, with daytime highs flirting with 32 °F (0 °C). If the lower‑level air stays chilly, snow could stick around the clock for the next three days. The only wrinkle is a possible surge of milder air on Thursday, which could inch temperatures a few degrees above freezing in valleys, potentially swapping snow for a light rain.
"We're seeing a classic Atlantic front that will bring a narrow band of fresh snow," said Marek Novák, a senior forecaster with the Czech institute. "The key will be how quickly the warm air fragments. If it holds, the ski areas in the Krkonoše Mountains could see up to 12 inches of new snow this weekend."
North American Snow Surge
On the other side of the Atlantic, the Pacific Coast has been hammered by a series of vigorous low‑pressure systems. Storms dumping 3‑5 inches of rain along the coast have been funneling moisture inland, where the terrain forces the air upward, turning rain into heavy snow across the Rockies. The National Weather Service in Denver logged an average of 2 feet (60 cm) of new snow at elevations above 8,000 ft between December 22 and December 27.
One particularly fierce system, dubbed "Storm Elliot," slammed the region over the Christmas weekend, delivering a rapid temperature dip to ‑20 °F in some mountain valleys. "Elliot was a textbook cold‑air outbreak," explained Laura Cheng, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. "It set the stage for the massive accumulations we're seeing now."
While the East Coast saw a mix of snow and rain as the system moved eastward, the Rockies kept the snow depth climbing. At Park City in Utah, base measurements sit at 43 inches (109 cm) and summit depths at 50 inches (127 cm). Up in Colorado, Alta reported 43 inches at the base and a whopping 87 inches (221 cm) at the summit, making it the deepest snow pack in the state for this time of year.
Record Snowfall at Steamboat
Steamboat's summit crossing the 100‑inch threshold is a milestone seldom reached. The resort logged 112 inches (2.8 m) on December 28, a figure that eclipses the previous record of 105 inches set in the 2014‑15 season. "We’ve never had a December like this," said Mike Roush, general manager of Steamboat Resort. "The snow quality is superb—light, dry powder ideal for both beginners and powder‑hungry experts."
That bounty, however, comes with a price. The avalanche danger ratings across the resort’s back bowls have climbed to the highest level (Level 5), prompting crews to close several high‑altitude runs. Tragically, a skier was caught in a slide on the closed terrain of Berthoud Pass on December 26, resulting in a fatality. The incident has reignited discussions about backcountry safety and the need for stricter avalanche education.
Avalanche Risks and Safety Measures
Authorities across Colorado are urging anyone venturing off‑piste to carry proper equipment—avalanche transceivers, probes, and shovels—and to check the latest stability reports from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC). "The snowpack is extremely volatile after such rapid accumulation," warned Dr. Elena Martinez, a snow science researcher at the University of Colorado Boulder. "Even a small change in temperature can trigger a slab avalanche.
Resort operators have responded by increasing on‑site patrols and offering free avalanche awareness workshops. At Steamboat, a nightly briefing for staff now includes a 15‑minute risk assessment drill. Park City has similarly expanded its terrain‑closure protocols, keeping the most exposed bowls shut until the CAIC lowers the danger rating.
Resort Conditions and Outlook for the Week
Despite the heightened danger, most ski areas remain fully operational. Park City’s lift system is running at 95 % capacity, while Alta reports a 98 % skier‑visit rate, thanks in part to the deep snow and limited crowds. "People love the fresh tracks," said a visitor at Alta. "It’s the kind of season we dreamed about when we bought our season passes."
Looking ahead, models from the European Centre for Medium‑Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) suggest the Rocky Mountains will stay below ‑10 °F for the next four days, with another 6‑12 inches of snowfall likely before the weekend. The Czech Republic and Slovakia, meanwhile, could see an additional 4‑8 inches of snow each night, assuming the warm air stays aloft.
- Steamboat Resort: 112 inches summit snow by Dec 28
- Park City: 43 inches base, 50 inches summit
- Alta: 43 inches base, 87 inches summit
- Rocky Mountain temps: down to ‑20 °F overnight
- Western Europe: 1‑3 ft new snow expected in Czech Republic/Slovakia
What This Means for Skiers and the Industry
The cascade of snow is a double‑edged sword. On one hand, the deep pack drives higher ticket sales, boosts local hospitality revenue, and fuels a surge in equipment rentals. On the other, avalanche threats can cap the number of open runs, forcing resorts to divert resources toward safety rather than entertainment. Analysts at SnowCo, a ski‑industry consultancy, predict a 5 % uplift in season‑pass renewals for the 2024‑25 season, citing the “once‑in‑a‑decade" snow depth as a key selling point.
In the long run, the pattern underscores the growing importance of climate‑adapted operations. Warmer lower‑elevation pockets are already seeing rain‑on‑snow events, which melt the surface and raise avalanche risk. Resorts that invest in real‑time snow monitoring and avalanche control technology will likely stay ahead of both safety concerns and the bottom line.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the recent snowfall affect ski conditions at major resorts?
Resorts like Steamboat, Park City and Alta now have deep powder layers, which means longer runs and better surface quality for skiers. However, the heavy accumulation also raises avalanche danger, leading some high‑elevation areas to stay closed until stability improves.
What safety measures are being taken after the fatal avalanche at Berthoud Pass?
Authorities have intensified patrols, issued daily avalanche‑risk bulletins, and mandated backcountry courses for anyone venturing off‑piste. Resorts are also keeping more terrain closed and urging skiers to carry transceivers, probes, and shovels.
Will the snowstorm impact travel plans for visitors to the Rockies?
Road conditions on passes like I‑70 and US‑285 are being monitored closely; several chains‑required alerts are already in place. Most major airports remain open, but flight delays are possible due to low visibility and snow removal operations.
Is the snow forecast for the Czech Republic and Slovakia reliable?
The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute and Slovakian Weather Service have both issued consistent models showing nightly lows just below freezing and daytime highs near 32 °F. Barring an unexpected warm surge, they expect 1‑3 ft of fresh snow across the Krkonoše and Tatry ranges through the weekend.
What does this snow season mean for the ski industry’s future?
Analysts say a strong snow year boosts ticket sales and equipment rentals, but the increased avalanche risk forces resorts to invest more in safety tech. Long‑term, the industry must adapt to variable weather patterns, balancing great snow with heightened safety protocols.
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