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September 16, 2025

2025/26 Season Outlook

Multiple Forecasts Agree: This Could Be One of Our Most Memorable Winters Yet

Get Ready to Shred

Victor Glacier Mascot

Winter is coming, and the 2025/26 season forecast for northern Michigan and the Great Lakes region is looking stellar. Plus, the Victor Glacier is making a return to blow your mind all over again.

The stars are aligning for an incredible 2025/26 winter season at Boyne Mountain. With above-average snowfall forecasts, colder snowmaking temperatures, 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.

La Niña Sets the Stage

The Big Picture

Mountain Express at night during a snow storm

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 particularly excited because these cold and snowy winters often come in pairs, and following last year's chilly conditions, all signs point to another fantastic season ahead.

Lake Effect

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.

NOAA Seasonal Precipitation Outlook

Skiers on Hemlock

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.

Cold Snaps on the Way

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.

snowmaking at boyne mountain

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.

NOAA Temperature Forecast
Victor Glacier

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 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.

Victor Clacier Meter Logo

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.

The Bottom Line

Get Ready for Winter

skiers toasting at the eagles nest

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 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.

2025/26 Snowfall Forecast | Direct Weather

Kyler Philips Boyne Mountain's content creater
Kyler Phillips Digital Content Manager
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