The National Weather Service has predicted the Inland Northwest will see a colder and wetter 2025 winter season, and regional ski resorts are expecting to have a particularly successful season as a result.

A La Nina winter is expected to bring cooler temperatures and above normal precipitation as high pressure builds in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in a cooler northwest flow of air and storms into the Pacific Northwest, according to the National Weather Service.

“No two La Nina winters are alike, so we have had La Nina winters in the past where Spokane had less than normal snowfall,” says Jeremy Wolf, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Spokane. “But the odds are tilted towards there being more snow than normal due to the cooler, wetter conditions.” 

The Inland Northwest typically experiences a La Nina winter every three to five years, Wolf says.

“Typically with the cooler, wetter winters, snowfall is above normal in the mountains and it already has been off to a good start this year as we’ve had several snow events,” he adds.

Spokane is located within two hours of five ski areas and resorts: 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort, near Chewelah, Washington, is about 60 miles north of Spokane; Schweitzer, near Sandpoint, Idaho, is about 90 miles northeast of Spokane; Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, near Mead, is about 30 miles northeast of the city; Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area, near Mullan, Idaho, is about 90 miles east of Spokane; and Silver Mountain Resort, near Kellogg, Idaho, is about 70 miles east of city.

Matt Sawyer, director of marketing for Lookout Pass, says regional resorts can expect to see good snow conditions despite an expectation that snow will arrive later in the season this year.

“We’re very fortunate that it seems that the temperatures and the moisture content coming off the Pacific Ocean is going to sit there and come through the upper area of Idaho and Montana, providing quality snow conditions,” he says. “The start of the season really isn’t hurt too much."

Lookout Pass opened for the season Nov. 8 last year, Sawyer says. He expects the ski area to open the first weekend of December this year.

Ski areas and resorts including Lookout Pass generally generate much of their yearly revenue on late winter holidays such as on Christmas, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Presidents Day. Sawyer declines to share revenue information, but says Lookout Pass expects to make 30% to 35% of its revenue just from those holidays.

The difference between revenue made during a good snow year and a bad snow year is significant, says Taylor Prather, communications manager for Schweitzer.

"We can take a look at the 2023-2024 season as an example of a really low snow year for us," Prather says. "In comparison to last season, which was a good snow year, we saw a 20% to 30% increase across the board when it came to visitation, revenue, all those economic indicators."

Schweitzer Mountain hasn’t turned on its snowmaking machines yet, which usually happens at the beginning of November, Prather says.

Schweitzer is scheduled to open Nov. 28, according to the company’s website.

Mt. Spokane ski and snowboard park is expected to open Dec. 6, says Jodi Kayler, assistant general manager at Mt. Spokane. 

Kayler notes that the park hasn't had snow on the ground yet.

“We plan for Dec. 6 as the average (date) we open on. Last year we got to open on White Friday, which is the Friday after Thanksgiving,” Kayler says. “That only happens once in a while."

Even during seasons with poor snowfall, Mt. Spokane has previously remained consistent economically, due to its proximity to Spokane, she says.

“We have such a loyal following and they are committed to their season passes. They know that buying a season pass up here is kind of a lifelong commitment and they’re here to support their mountain. They’re here all the time so we don’t see those big financial ups and downs that a resort focused on tourism does.”

Mt. Spokane experiences over 125,000 visitors a year on average, Kayler says. The nonprofit earned about $5.3 million in revenue last year, according to tax filing information by the organization.

At Silver Mountain Resort, standing snow isn't yet available on the mountain slopes, despite experiencing October snowstorms, but the resort expects enough snow to accumulate for an opening day on Nov. 28, says Gus Colburn, marketing coordinator at Silver Mountain.

“Snow is the life blood of a ski resort. We live by it, we die by it, so that’s why it’s important to get people excited for the season as early as possible,” Colburn says.

Most resorts aim to attract visitors as early as possible in the season, as skis and snowboards help pack down snow into a base that stays cold for longer and helps to extend the season, Colburn adds.

49 Degrees North Mountain Resort is scheduled to open Nov. 22. However, temperatures aren’t low enough yet to maintain snow on the slopes, says Sarah Walker, of 49 Degrees North.

“We are looking forward to another solid snow year, and we’re optimistic about both conditions and turnout for the upcoming season. … With continued interest in regional winter recreation, we’re expecting another strong season economically as well,” Walker says.

Spokane-area resorts can generally expect to receive 59 inches of snowfall during a La Nina winter, which is 123% above average, according to information from the National Weather Service. The Coeur d’Alene area is projected to receive 63 inches of snowfall, about 123% above average. Kellogg, Idaho, can expect about 67 inches of snow, and Sandpoint, Idaho, could get up to 81 inches, or 125% and 116% above average, respectively.