Vail Snow Report and Forecast
Updated 17 May 2026 23:43 UTC
Snow Forecast for Vail
Snow and Weather from 18 May.
For Forecast detail, see below.
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Vail Snow Forecast Highlights
When will there be fresh snow in Vail?
| Next Snow Expected | 18 May |
|---|---|
| Next Snow Amount | 2cm 1in |
| Next 48 Hours | 2cm 1in |
| Next 7 Days | 4cm 2in |
Forecast for today in Vail
Max 9℃ 48°F
Min 1℃ 33°F
Valley temperatures from an overnight low of 1℃ 33°F to daytime highs around 9℃ 48°F
Freeze-thaw (spring snow) from mid-mountain up.
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Snowfall
Snow Line
Mon
18
up to 2cm up to 1in New Snow
Cloudy.
Snow Line from 2,629m 8,625ft to 2,559m 8,396ft , with rain below.
Forecast times for Vail are in Denver (US/Mountain) time zone.
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| Mon 18 | Tue 19 | Wed 20 | Thu 21 | Fri 22 | Sat 23 | Sun 24 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind | SW F4 | SW F2 | SW F2 | SW F2 | SW F2 | SW F2 | SW F3 |
| 3,530m 11,581ft | 1℃ 33°F
+2cm +1in
| 7℃ 44°F
 | 9℃ 47°F
| 7℃ 45°F
+1cm
| 8℃ 46°F
 +3cm +1in
| 12℃ 53°F
 | 13℃ 56°F
|
| SW F3 | W F2 | SW F2 | SW F2 | SW F2 | SW F2 | SW F3 | |
| 2,893m 9,490ft | 6℃ 42°F
+2cm +1in
| 10℃ 51°F
| 12℃ 53°F
| 11℃ 51°F
| 11℃ 52°F
+2cm +1in
| 15℃ 59°F
| 17℃ 62°F
|
| SW F3 | W F2 | SW F2 | SW F2 | SW F2 | SW F2 | SW F3 | |
| 2,255m 7,398ft | 9℃ 48°F
| 14℃ 57°F
 | 15℃ 60°F
| 14℃ 57°F
| 15℃ 58°F
| 18℃ 65°F
| 20℃ 68°F
|
| Snow Line | varying 2,629m 8,625ft | varying 3,079m 10,102ft | varying 3,189m 10,463ft | 2,839m 9,314ft | |||
| Max Town | 9℃ 48°F | 14℃ 57°F | 15℃ 60°F | 14℃ 57°F | 15℃ 58°F | 18℃ 65°F | 20℃ 68°F |
| Min Town | 1℃ 33°F | 0℃ 31°F | 1℃ 34°F | 2℃ 35°F | 1℃ 33°F | 2℃ 35°F | 6℃ 42°F |
This table shows the average forecast snowfall, the maximum temperature, and expected general weather at resort, lower and upper mountain levels. For daily forecast details, see below.
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Snow Forecast near Vail
| Ski Area | 48 Hr | 7 Day | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper Mountain | 12cm 5in | 15cm 6in | |||||||
| Keystone | 12cm 5in | 14cm 6in | |||||||
| Breckenridge | 9cm 4in | 12cm 5in | |||||||
| Beaver Creek | 7cm 3in | 11cm 4in | |||||||
| Arrowhead | 1cm - | 4cm 1in |
Snow Reliability
Vail is known for its reliable snow, typically receiving around 350 inches annually. Snow depth can vary, but with its high elevation, the area maintains good conditions well into the spring; check J2Ski for the latest snow reports.
Understanding and predicting Snow Conditions in Vail
Here are our tips for making the most of a trip to Vail, with the help of the J2Ski Snow forecasts and reports. You can find some great skiing in Vail, but like any mountain, snow conditions change throughout the season, from day to day, and even from hour to hour.
Whether you’re sticking to the marked pistes or venturing off-piste, here’s what you need to know:
Pistes (Groomers) or Off-Piste
These can be a world apart, regarding snow conditions, even ignoring the difference between the natural terrain features to be found off-piste and the generally controlled surfaces and slopes of a pisted (groomed) run.
- Piste Conditions can range from fresh powder to firm, icy surfaces, particularly after warm spells or a busy day on the mountain with the passage of many skiers.
- Off-Piste Conditions are far more variable. Wind and sun can quickly transform fresh snow into wind crust or slushy layers, whilst cold weather can preserve stashes of powder many days after a snowfall.
WARNING - skiing off-piste (out-of-bounds) at Vail is not always controlled (slopes made safe from avalanche risk) or patrolled. Always check local advice, ski with safety kit (and know how to use it), and never ski alone.
Analyzing Weather and Snowfall Forecasts
Whilst no forecast can tell you exactly how snow conditions in Vail will develop, checking the forecast regularly should give you an idea of what to expect.
New snowfall can bring fresh powder and refresh the surfaces of pisted runs. Powder can be tracked out quickly at busy times, but in less crowded and shaded areas, fresh snow can linger for days.
Changes in weather conditions, such as milder temperatures, rain or wind, can degrade snow quality. Conversely, cold, stable weather can preserve conditions for extended periods.
Predicting Future Snow Quality
Regularly check our snow and weather forecasts for Vail for changes that may affect snow quality. Forecast snowfall depth and recent snowfall are good indicators of what to expect.
Use historical data and recent snow reports to understand past snow conditions and anticipate future changes.