Top 10 Snowiest Cities in Colorado

This ranking of the Top 10 Snowiest Cities in Colorado is based on the annual snowfall in inches – on average per year – to demonstrate which mountain cities and urban areas actually receive the most winter snow in the Centennial State. When most of the travel guides describe places of interest based on their popularity, this article bases its experience using actual snowfall records that are proven to be true as documented by the official weather agencies such as NOAA and local weather stations in respect to the popular resorts snowfall levels.

In high altitude ski resorts such as Vail and Steamboat Springs, as well as historic mountain towns such as Leadville and Ouray, Colorado is blessed with some of the deepest, most consistent snow in the United States. Here, you can get specific snowfall data, winter travel tips, snow probability background, and useful winter travel advice. Whether you are going on a snowy mountain vacation, a ski and snowboarding weekend outing, or you are just curious to know where the snow falls most in Colorado, this ranking provides a concise, statistically informed comparison of the snowy places in the state.

While Colorado dominates snowfall in the Rocky Mountains, it is only one part of the bigger national picture. On a bigger picture, explore our full guide to the Top 10 Snowiest Cities in the United States to see which American cities receive the most snow overall.

1) Vail

Vail ranks highest among the Top 10 Snowiest Cities in Colorado, with an average yearly snowfall of about 354 inches, one of the highest per-year averages of any ski-oriented resort in the continental U.S. The amount of this figure is based on official resort snowfall data, reflecting snowfall in the Vail Mountain area rather than the town center. Vail is located in Eagle County and the Rocky Mountains, which makes it a perfect place to experience heavy, consistent snowfall during the months of late November and early April. Snow in this area is usually deep and fluffy, making fresh-powder skiing and snowboarding good.

The high ridges and the elevation of the base receive moisture from Pacific systems upon their collision with the Rockies, leading to a rapid buildup. If the probability of snowfall is below 30, on-hill and travel can be conducted using ordinary winter measures. Roads may become slippery, and delays of 40-60% are more likely. When the possibility of snowfall exceeds 70 percent, the route near Vail is usually severely affected for travel, particularly Interstate 70 during heavy snowstorms.

It is one of the best snowy winter resorts in Colorado because of its resort-town feel, which includes boutique hotels in Vail Village, apres-ski restaurants, and well-developed winter infrastructure. Vail is also a destination for winter tourism, and the snow cover can extend well into spring.

2) Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs is the second, with an average of 281-307 inches of snowfall per year based on the area data of the resort and historical records of the same. Steamboat Springs is the so-called Ski Town USA, and it always has one of the snowiest resorts in Colorado because of its position and the storm systems that prefer heavy snowfall up the mountain. Routt County has mountainous terrain and cold masses of air between the continents, which lead to early and prolonged snowfall in winter, from December through March.

During peak winter periods, snow events often accumulate 20+ inches in a single storm. Snowfall in the city may vary, though it is substantial compared to the plains of the region. The probability of snowfall is less than 30 percent. In this situation, winter recreation and travel are usually safe, but when it exceeds 30 percent (particularly over 50 percent), visibility and highway travel are reduced. Multi-day snow systems can cause temporary high winds and closures, and increase the risk of avalanches in adjacent backcountry locations by more than 70 percent.

The town itself offers traditional winter activities, such as hot springs, Nordic skiing, family-friendly winter vacations, and alpine runs. It is a picture-perfect snowy Colorado winter vacation spot with an average annual snowfall, a mix of diverse terrain features, and winter culture.

3) Telluride

Another typical snowy mountain town is Telluride, whose yearly average is approximately 280 inches, according to the resort’s historical data. In southwestern Colorado and the San Juan Mountains, Telluride is elevated and topographically, thereby attracting heavy snowfall when Pacific storms sweep the land and hit mountainous areas. The snowfall usually starts at the end of November and lasts through March, forming a deep snowpack that promotes skiing, snowboarding, and winter adventure activities.

The Victorian buildings of Telluride, combined with the area’s dramatic canyons, make it aesthetically pleasing when heavily coated in winter snow. Snowfalls of up to 10-15 inches may not be unusual during hard winter storms, and the problem of getting in and out of the region may be significant when the possibility of snowfall exceeds 50 percent. At a probability level above 70%, particularly during mid-season, delays and slow highway traffic are frequent occurrences on the roads leading to town.

As the home to world-class winter recreation, Telluride is an amalgamation of snowy mountain beauty and easy access to the San Juan National Forest’s winter scenery. Such a combination of the extremely deep annual snowfall and cultural charm has ensured that it ranks among the heaviest winter destinations in Colorado.

4) Aspen

Aspen also receives different amounts of snowfall by resort average (n= 295 inches) or town municipal weather data (n= 179 inches) in the winter seasons, although, in terms of winter recreation and snowfall reputation, the resort average best reflects the overall situation. The combined resort area of Aspen Snowmass is fortunate to enjoy long, lasting winters and regular heavy snowstorms in the Elk Mountains.

November is usually when snow starts in earnest and can last all the way to April, forming deep base layers that not only support skiing but also snowshoeing, winter hiking, and apres-ski culture. If the likelihood of snowfall is less than 30, community life and travel are usually predictable. Roads may get slick between 40 and 60, so winter tires or chains may be needed. Snowfall is likely to exceed 70%, resulting in a travel advisory on I-82 roads and Forest Service roads.

Aspen is a resort with a mix of luxury winter lodges and cultural sites, along with consistent snow cover, making it a draw for snow lovers and other winter tourists. The comparison between town snow and resort snow highlights the difference between local climatic data and snowfall in the mountains, a point that readers planning winter trips should consider.

5) Crested Butte

The resort data of 236 inches per year indicates the average amount of snow per year on Crested Butte, including every part of the mountain. The site of Crested Butte is steep and provides deep powder, which predisposes the site to frequent upslope snow occurrences due to its location along the Gunnison River valley and the Elk Mountains. The snowfall typically comes at the beginning of December and goes intermittently until March and the heavy storms leave massive amounts of snowfall.

The town itself tends to record smaller amounts as compared to the mountain areas but is still a snowy winter resort. In cases where the probability of snowfall is below 30, winter traffic traveling to Crested Butte is usually without delays. Mountain passes such as Kebler Pass may be snowbound and cautious driving is required between 40-60%. When the chances of snowfall are more than 70 percent, the travel and school timetables may be postponed due to prolonged storms.

The winter culture of Crested Butte, including cozy inns and backcountry ski access, is based on its steady snow cover, and hence, Crested Butte is a favorite destination for adventurous winter travelers.

6) Leadville

The highest incorporated city in Colorado, Leadville, has an average of 142.7 inches of snow per year, according to the data provided by municipal climate stations. Its elevation is high and is situated in the headwaters of the Arkansas River valley, which helps to make it colder and receive much precipitation during winter. Snow will come in November and within the same season, it will stay until March, but there are chances where the season may extend into late winter due to warm spells.

The snow at Leadville is usually thick and of the Continental Snowbelt type of high elevation, and the snowstorms are compacted regularly after a front has passed through. When there is low propensity of snowfall (less than 30%), commuting and outdoor traveling in town can be made with winter gear. Icy roads and snowpacks between 40-60% pose a risk to delay of travel. Multi-day storm systems may also cause abatement of transport and short-term conversion of US-24 and other roads leading in and out of the city above 70 percent.

Leadville has much of its winter charm due to its hard mountain setting and a rich historical relationship with Colorado mining and outdoor heritage.

7) Ouray

Annual snowfall, according to municipal and WRCC climate station measurements, measures about 138-165 inches per year, although the figures may differ by location of the station because our city is steep in canyons. Ouray is often referred to as the Switzerland of America and the cold Pacific fronts blow inland and shape the winters towards the San Juan Mountains.

The town receives an average seasonal snowpack as snowfall usually starts at the end of November and extends to the month of March. In cases where the likelihood of snowfall is low (less than 30 percent), there is no need to worry about the local roads, as these can be handled with usual winter driving safety measures. During 40-60, ice and compact snow can complicate the process of traveling, particularly in narrow roads in canyons. When the probability is more than 70 percent, the prolonged snowstorms tend to postpone traveling and local services until the plows can clear the roads.

Ouray winter activities such as ice climbing in Ouray Ice Park and visiting hot springs depend on winter seasons of snow and cold and therefore, this is a favorite to winter adventure sports persons.

8) Durango

According to the municipal climate data of Durango, it received an average of 71 inches of snowfall annually, which is very low compared to the ski resorts of Colorado that are on high altitudes. The position of the city on the southwestern of Colorado and the comparatively lower elevation of the city (as compared to the alpine towns) imply that winters are colder but less heavy in snow.

The snow normally comes in December and hangs till February or March, and is usually lighter than in the higher mountain towns. Daily life and commuting in Durango is not affected to much when the chances of snowfall are anywhere close to normal (less than 30%). Surface may get wet, and precautions against winter should be taken between 40-60%. When the likelihood of snowfall is greater than 70 percent, it is possible to have accumulation of snow on the local roads that affect school start times and travel, but usually melt faster than higher towns.

Durango attracts winter tourists because of its closeness to ski resorts such as Purgatory, but it is not so snowy in town, which is a good compromise since visitors enjoy winter but do not have to deal with excessive snow cover.

9) Boulder

There is considerably less snowfall than in mountain towns, and the municipal climate stations in Boulder have averages that are in the range of 60-70 inches of snow each year (normal values differ by source). The location of Boulder on the east side of the Rockies causes winter storms, which drop snow, but warm Chinook winds and melting cycles cause the total cumulative to be less.

Snows occur regularly, but usually light and the snow lying on the ground melts more quickly when there is a dip below the freezing point. Daily commuting and going to school is safe under a probability of less than 30 percent of snowfall. Roads and sidewalks get wet between 40-60 percent, and they need winter tires or drive attentively.

Severe winter storms may slow down travel when the likelihood of snowfall is more than 70 per cent, particularly on Highway 36 and Boulder Canyon. Even though Boulder is not one of the snowiest locations, its winter pattern still offers seasonal snow experiences that draw seasonal outdoor recreational activities and winter vacations in the city.

10) Fort Collins

Fort Collins is the least snowy in this list and averages of about 40-45 inches of yearly snowfall according to municipal records. Fort Collins is on the north Front Range of Colorado, and therefore, it can receive a significant amount of snow in winter; however, the temperatures usually stay close to 32 degrees Celsius, and thus, there are frequent periods of melting and freezing.

The snow season is usually late in November through to March, although the snow cover is not usually multiple days as in the case of the Alpine towns. In case of low snowfall prediction (less than 30 percent), commuting is normal. Travel can also be slow (between 40-60) because of the snow packed on roads and sidewalks. When the probability of a snowfall is more than 70, the chance of winter storms still derailing travel, but the occurrence is less frequent than in high elevation locations.

Though the totals of its snowfall are lower, Fort Collins possesses standard Front Range winter areas with close access to winter sites of the Rocky Mountains.

Colorado Snowfall Comparison Table (All 10 Cities)

Planning winter travel in Colorado with Snow Probability

The weather in Colorado during winter may shift very fast particularly in the mountain towns. Travel risk will increase as the probability of snowfall exceeds 40% according to the snowfall database modeling and past storm patterns. The mountain passes are likely to be delayed or even shut down when the chances of it are more than 70 percent like in the case of mountains like the ones around Vail or Aspen.

To predict the level of disruption risk before traveling to any of the snowiest cities in Colorado, you may use our Snow Day Predictor tool to analyze the forecast conditions of the snowfalls and the impact they may have on winter. It is particularly useful at the highest times of winter, such as in December and January, when snowstorms can gain intensity in a very short time in high elevation locations.

FAQ’s