Vail
CO · 11,570 ft summit · EGE
NWS Bias
2025–26 Season Snapshot
Storms This Season
3
storms tracked
Season Snowfall
3"
season total
Best Storm
45/100
Significant
Current Snowpack
0"
842:CO:SNTL
Avg Daily Rate
0.9"/day
storms with data
Season SWE
0.4"
snow water equivalent
NWS Forecast Accuracy
Accuracy grade pending, and it stays that way on purpose. We show the raw NWS forecast for Vail and do not grade or correct it. Six winters of NWS-against-SNOTEL checking found forecast accuracy here turns on an unresolved snow-measurement question (settled snow depth vs. fresh snowfall), not a fixed per-mountain bias anyone can honestly correct. So we show the number NWS publishes and tell you that is what it is.
SNOTEL ground truth (842:CO:SNTL)
Storm History — 2025–26 Season
Nov 4 – Nov 5
NWS Forecast
1.3"
Actual (SNOTEL)
Pending
Density: Dense
Rate: 1.3"/day
Nov 3 – Nov 3
NWS Forecast
0.2"
Actual (SNOTEL)
Pending
Density: Average
Rate: 0.2"/day
Nov 2 – Nov 3
NWS Forecast
1.3"
Actual (SNOTEL)
Pending
Density: Average
Rate: 1.3"/day
Local Knowledge
TGR Community IntelStorm Day Strategy
Monitor competing areas - when Summit County (Breck/Keystone) closes due to weather, Vail becomes mega-crowded. Weather patterns show rain up to 10k ft with snow above; expect rain-on-snow conditions during storms with elevation transition around 10k ft. Dense, heavy snow texture common. Consider alternative resorts (Purgatory, Copper, Wolf Creek, Telluride) during major storms to avoid Vail masses. Base layer structures essential for afternoon skiing as rain transitions occur. Back Bowls deliver consistent powder; East Vail offers less-tracked alternatives.
Terrain Opening Patterns
Back Bowls
Opens: Weather dependent - requires significant base
Low base years delay back bowl access significantly
Northwoods Lift Area
Opens: Variable
In low snow years, insufficient base for standard pole drilling
Powder Stashes
High Alpine/Upper Mountain
Upper elevation terrain
Wind creates natural powder preservation; refills available in right spots
Grouse Area at Beaver Creek
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Road & Access
No live DOT road data available for Vail.
Access Corridor
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