What the forecasters are saying
OpenSnow’s outlook is more nuanced than the headlines. It favors above-normal snowfall across the Southwest, including Southern and Eastern Colorado. That includes Telluride and the San Juans, while Vail, Aspen and other northern and central resorts west of the Divide show no clear signal either way, and northern Colorado leans warmer than normal. History backs up the caution: in past El Niño winters, Vail has landed right around normal, sometimes with a stronger start and finish to the season. The strongest snow window looks like January through March.
Why it matters for buyers and sellers
Snow doesn’t close deals by itself, but sentiment drives showings, and sentiment follows the snow report.
- Telluride and the San Juans have the strongest forecast tailwind. After a weak 2025-26, a deep winter could bring more buyer traffic and tighter inventory heading into spring.
- Vail, Beaver Creek and Aspen are a “normal winter” story. Their buyers are less snow-dependent, since these markets run on lifestyle, amenities and access. Reliable snowmaking and lift operations matter here, and Vail Resorts is already pairing its El Niño optimism with an aggressive snowmaking push.
- Early-season visits are a showing opportunity. Second-home shoppers who come out for a good December often start serious conversations right then, so sellers should have properties show-ready before the holidays.
- Warm spells are the risk. If northern Colorado runs warm, a thin early season could slow decision-making, even if the total snowfall comes out fine.
Our take
Don’t buy or sell on a forecast alone. Mountain property is a long-term lifestyle asset, and one winter rarely moves values. But good snow does help conversations start and showings fill up. If you’re thinking about listing this winter, or want to be positioned when a strong season brings buyers out, contact Hoffman West for a market-specific read on Vail, Telluride, Aspen or Beaver Creek.
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