Shanty Creek and El Niño

Less snow

El Niño winters bring Shanty Creek about 11% less snow than a typical winter.

Based on 14 El Niño winters since 1986: 5 of them beat Shanty Creek's median snowfall. That's a clear, consistent pattern, not just noise. Ranks #58 of 68 Eastern & Midwestern resorts for El Niño snowfall.

El Niño winters (14) −11% snowfall vs. a typical winter 0.3°C (0.5°F) warmer 15 days fewer of natural ski season

Strong El Niño (4) −9% snowfall vs. a typical winter

La Niña winters (14) −0% snowfall vs. a typical winter About the same temperature 4 days more of natural ski season

Every winter since 1986

Snowfall each winter compared with Shanty Creek's 40-winter average, colored by what the Pacific was doing.

El Niño La Niña Neutral

Mid-mountain, November–April. Any single winter can buck the pattern; that's why we look at averages.

Right now NOAA's latest Oceanic Niño Index reading (Jun–Aug 2026) is +1.8°C: strong El Niño conditions. NOAA's outlook says how long it's expected to last.

El Niño speaks Hear what's in store from El Niño himself.

← All resorts: El Niño map & rankings Shanty Creek climate change profile →