2025/26 Season Outlook
Multiple Forecasts Agree: This Could Be One of Our Most Memorable Winters Yet
Get Ready to Shred
Winter is coming, and the 2025-26 season forecast for northern Michigan and the Great Lakes region is looking downright spectacular. Plus, the Victor Glacier is making its triumphant return to blow your mind once again.
The stars are aligning perfectly for an absolutely incredible 2025-26 winter season at Boyne Mountain. With above-average snowfall forecasts, colder temperatures perfect for snowmaking, our Super PoleCat snow guns dedicated to The Victor Glacier, and Mother Nature seemingly ready to cooperate, we're looking at what could be one of the most memorable seasons in recent history.
The Big Picture
This winter's weather pattern is being influenced by a developing weak La Niña. La Niña years typically bring enhanced lake-effect snow to west Michigan, thanks to stronger northwest flow across Lake Michigan.
Meteorologists are noting that "a lot of times these cold and snowy winters come in twos," and following last year's cold winter, this increases the odds of another snowy season.
Snow Belt Sweet Spot
The Great Lakes region has a 33-40% chance of above-normal precipitation, which could bring wetter conditions to Boyne Mountain.
Here's where it gets really exciting: Record-high lake temperatures will fuel intense lake-effect snow, benefiting resorts in Michigan, Wisconsin, and upstate New York.
When cold air masses pass over warmer, open water, they pick up moisture that condenses and falls as snow. With minimal ice coverage expected this winter, continuous moisture transfer is occurring, leading to more frequent and intense lake-effect snow events.
Let's Talk Temperature
A "significant" cold snap is forecast to occur mid-January and mid-February, while the latest winter forecast predicts colder-than-average temperatures, especially in January 2026, with an "arctic blast type pattern" and possible polar vortex influence.
Remember, snowmaking requires temperatures of 28 degrees Fahrenheit or lower to create that perfect artificial snow, and this winter's forecast suggests we'll have abundant opportunities to fire up those guns and build our legendary snow base.
A Triumphant Return
With sustained periods of temperatures at 28 degrees or below expected throughout the winter, conditions will be absolutely perfect for the Victor Glacier to make its spectacular return this season. Those extended cold snaps in January and February will create ideal snowmaking windows that will have us cranking out fresh corduroy for days on end.
What Does This Mean?
Early Season Excitement
La Niña conditions suggest an active start to winter, with more lake effect snow earlier in the season. This could mean earlier opening dates and longer seasons to enjoy!
Consistent Conditions
The Great Lakes region has a fourth layer of confidence for significantly above-average snowfall chances due to the combination of cold air temperatures and warmer-than-average lake temperatures.
Get Ready for Winter
Every major forecasting service from NOAA to the Farmers' Almanac to Direct Weather is painting the same picture: northern Michigan is positioned for an outstanding winter season. The combination of cold temperatures and increased precipitation creates ideal conditions for heavy snow in the Great Lakes region.
West Michigan's 30-year average for snowfall is 77.8" each winter, but all signs point to exceeding those expectations.
The Victor Glacier is coming back, the lake-effect snow machine is primed and ready, and Mother Nature appears to be setting the stage for the kind of winter that creates lifelong memories. We can't wait to welcome you to the slopes this season!