Five Best North American Ski Resorts for January Pow

Featured Image: Nate Berenson, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

You're not chasing groomer laps this time of the year. No, you're here because you want a trip to the deep end. You want the snorkel zone, that over-the-head-blower, the cold smoke, trenchtown—whatever you want to call it, we're here for it. It's time to score some pow.

At this point in the season, resorts across North America are filling in and many of our favorite chairs are spinning. With that being said, some regions have just had it better than others. Not all winters are created equal, and a few ski areas through the heart of the Rockies have had tremendous seasons thus far. We've crunched the numbers and scoured the weather radar so you don't have to. It's time to plan that storm chasing trip. Here are FREESKIER's five ski resorts with the best conditions at the start of January 2026.

5. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming

What started as a slow winter for Jackson has turned into one of consistent storms. Through much of December, JHMR was stuck in a brutal cycle that brough moisture and warm temps. The result was a mix of snow, sleet and rain that left the conditions sub-par. In typical Jackson Hole fashion, skiers didn't give up hope, and the snow prayers worked.

Conditions shifted as 2025 came to a close. A cold front came sweeping through the Tetons like a breath of fresh air. Santa brought snow, snow and more snow. Jackson Hole has logged 58 inches of snow in the last 15 days, bringing the season total to over 200 inches as of January 7. Consistent snow can be seen in the forecast and temps are expected to remain around 25°F or lower.

Nearly 85% of the resort terrain is open and backcountry conditions have improved as well. Of course, it's always necessary to review data from your local avalanche forecast center and assess field conditions on your own before venturing beyond the resort boundary.

4. Whitewater Resort, British Columbia

The home of Sam Kuch, Whitewater is often regarded as one of Canada's most underrated resorts. It usually sees ample snow in any given year, as the mountains around Nelson, BC are famous for copious pow. But this winter has been especially kind to WhiteH2O and much of the interior of British Columbia.

If you've been watching the trail cams, you've noticed that the resort has been in a cloud for what seems like an eternity. Unlike other Canadian resorts that sit primarily above treeline, Whitewater is famous for its glades and steep trees, making storm skiing outrageously good. They've picked up 53 inches of snow over the last 15 days, and with pow stashes staying fresh for days given the cold temps, the riding is as good as it gets right now.

3. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, British Columbia

As one of the most famous steep skiing destinations on the planet, Kicking Horse usually sees a flock of skiers gather in Golden, BC to sample its technical terrain every year. But sometimes the resort can get caught between storm tracks, leaving it more chalky than fluffy. We'll never complain about firm snow and fall-line skiing, but ample pow laps are always welcome, too.

The latter has been the case at KHMR this year. The ski area announced that it recorded its snowiest December on record last month. With over 230 inches of snow for the year and more expected to arrive later in January, it's safe to say Kicking Horse is steep and deep! Make sure you bring your backcountry gear and strong legs, as the best skiing here requires more than a couple steps to access. Trust us, it's worth it.

2. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia

The British Columbia hype train keeps on rolling, as Whistler Blackcomb takes our number two spot on this list. But can you blame us? This coastal BC gem has been caught in the eye of the storm for weeks, with some of the best freeriders in the world sampling the goods day in and day out as over 275 inches of snow has fallen this winter.

While other mountains are anticipating low snow totals in the coming days, Whistler is slated to see even more snow if the temps cooperate. Expect tricky visability in high alpine regions as clouds settle in. For more reasons than one, Whistler should certianly be on your list if you're looking to crack into big terrain and deep snow this winter.

1. Revelstoke, British Columbia

FREESKIER's top resort for deep turns in the new year should come as no surprise; Revelstoke takes the cake. However you define the Revelstoke allure, it's clear that pow is part of that formula. With nearly 40 inches in the last five days, the gettin' has been damn good at Revy.

Part of the reason we think this mountain deserves the top spot is thanks to its terrain, which caters heavily to fall-line skiing through some of the best glades on Earth. It's hard to imagine a better mountain for continuous pow laps and days packed with free refills.

Snow elevation levels are expected to rise in the coming days, but fear not. The upper reaches of the mountain will be skiing well for the coming weeks thanks to an upcoming shift to cooler temps, so if you've been eyeing an escape to the great white north, Revelstoke is the place to go!