This list measures mountain ranges of North America and ranks them by average snowfall.
Note: this list only includes ranges with ski areas. Sorry, no chic chocs on this list.
1. Chugach Mountains, Alaska
Snowiest resort: Alyeska
Yearly average: ~669"
It’s no shocker that Alaska gets a lot of snow, but despite this, Alyeska remains a hidden gem and holds the average snowfall record for North America.
2. Cascade Mountains, Washington/Oregon
Snowiest resort: Mount Baker
Yearly average: 400"-663"
The Cascades are well known for “Cascade concrete”, but when it comes to numbers, they are hard to beat. Most ski areas in the Cascades receive between 430" and 500", but Mount Baker receives a very impressive 663" yearly average.
3. Wasatch Range, Utah
Snowiest resort: Cottonwood Canyon resorts (Alta, Snowbird, Solitude, Brighton)
Yearly Average: 300"-550"
It’s no secret these days that some parts of the Wasatch receive absurd amounts of snow. Alta and Snowbird might just receive the most consistent high quality snow in the world. They also got a mind-boggling 743" of snow in 2011.
4. Teton Range, Wyoming/Idaho
Snowiest resort: Grand Targhee
Yearly average: 400"–500"
Resorts like Jackson Hole and Grand Targhee are known very well in part due to their enormous snowfall. Even in the drought year of 2017–18 where some Colorado ski areas saw under 200", Jackson still maintained a respectable 330" snowfall.
5. Sierra Nevada Range, California/Nevada
Snowiest resort: Squaw Valley
Yearly average: 300"-450"
Although many non-skiers or casual skiers may not believe that there is skiing in California, anybody who has skied Squaw on a powder day knows that not only does it exist, but it can be incredible. In the record breaking 2018–2019 season, Squaw clocked in a final season total of 719". Squaw received 313" (the amount that many Colorado ski areas get in an entire year) in February alone. Tahoe’s only problem is consistency. Snowfall in the region is very much feast or famine, as demonstrated by several mild winters in the mid 2010s. Still, if you can get out to the Sierra in a good year, you’ll have the trip of a lifetime.
