The Second Coming of Winter
From the team that builds sound for storms
For a minute there, it looked like winter might be limping across the finish line. The West and much of the Rockies were riding a dry spell, like the worst in history kind of dry spell. Thin cover. Dust on crust. Patrol ropes staying up longer than they should.
Then February flipped the switch. This is the reset and we are so back baby!
Across the Rockies, Sierra, and parts of the Pacific Northwest, storm cycles have returned with consistency. What started as scattered refreshers has turned into stacked systems—bringing meaningful base rebuilds in zones that needed it most.
Below is a glimpse of what we’re seeing nationwide—and where we’d be loading up and heading out.
Rockies: From Dry Spell to Deep Days
After a concerning lull through parts of January, storm tracks have shifted back into Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming.
Central & Northern Colorado - multi-storm cycles rebuilding base depth at elevation. Finally!
Utah’s Wasatch - back to mid-season coverage levels in many zones after flirting with below-average conditions. LFG!
Wyoming’s Tetons are reporting improved off-piste coverage, especially above tree line.
The key here isn’t just snowfall totals but it’s frequency. Consistent systems mean terrain reopening, softer landings, and backcountry access stabilizing. If you wrote off a late-season trip to the Rockies a few weeks ago, it’s time to reopen that tab.
Sierra Nevada: A Late-Season Resurgence
California had pockets of solid early snow but hit uneven coverage mid-winter. Recent systems have dropped meaningful totals across many higher elevations.
Improved base rebuilding above 7,000–8,000 ft
Better tree skiing returning in protected zones
Storm riding back on the menu instead of survival laps, IF you can wait out the lines…
It’s not record-breaking, but it’s legit again, and we ain’t mad at it.
Pacific Northwest: Back in That Flow State
The Cascades are doing what they do best: stacking dense, durable snow when it counts.
Washington and Oregon resorts have seen healthy refresh cycles that are building depth fast. If you like steep lines, technical terrain, and heavier snow that fills in features quickly, this window matters for you.
Midwest & Northeast: Quietly Breaking Records
While the West dealt with drought anxiety, parts of the Midwest and Northeast have quietly posted standout totals.
Select areas in Upstate New York, Northern Vermont and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula… have seen snowfall numbers trending above seasonal averages in recent weeks, with lake-effect patterns delivering localized and intense bursts.
Shorter vertical. Less ego. Surprisingly deep days. Round of applause is in order!
Track for First Tracks
Conditions are changing fast. The riders who score aren’t guessing, they’re tracking.
We recommend watching NOAA regional snow reports, your local resort snow stake cams, SNOTEL data if you’re planning backcountry, and 10-day storm track forecasts. Storm cycles this time of year can be volatile, but when they line up, they line up big!
Where We’d Go Right Now
If we were chasing the rest of this season strategically (and have access to a van and no job):
1. Colorado High Alpine
Fresh cycles + elevation = extended prime window.
2. Utah Wasatch Front
Reliable refresh patterns returning.
3. NorCal Sierra Nevada
Dumped on with long-term expectations.
4. Washington Cascades
Feature-filling snowfall and strong March upside.
5. Northern Vermont
When lake-effect locks in, it’s sneaky good.
Gear for the Reset
This is the kind of stretch where: Cold-tested batteries matter, clear controls matter, durability matters.
Storm riding is different. Wind. Snow. Lift ice. Tree runs. Whiteout laps. You don’t want soft gear in hard conditions.
Since day one, we build snow helmet audio that cuts through wind shear, keeps gloves on, and frozen zippers out of the equation. Because when winter shows back up, you ride it loud. If you haven’t yet, now’s the time to get your hand on some Chips, we promise to keep your vibes high and season pumping with whatever mother nature has left in the tank.
Winter isn’t done. Not even close. The West rebuilt. The Northeast is firing. The Cascades are stacking. And the Rockies are back in rotation.
The second half of the season belongs to the rider’s paying attention. Track the storms. Charge the batteries. Rock out and get after it.
All love,
ODT
