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Rule First Tracks

Fresh Snow Forecast - Rocky Mountains

Rocky Mountains, United States

Fresh snow forecast for Colorado. Track powder conditions at Rocky Mountain NP, Maroon Bells, Aspen for pristine winter photography.

This forecast identifies the magic window after fresh snowfall: when the snow has stopped, skies are clearing, and pristine powder covers the landscape. We track snowfall accumulation, clearing patterns, and visibility to predict optimal conditions.

Colorado's Rocky Mountains receive over 300 inches of annual snowfall in many locations, creating world-renowned winter photography opportunities. The key is timing—fresh snow transforms the landscape, but you need clearing skies and light to capture it at its best.

What makes the Rocky Mountains special for winter photography:

  • Champagne powder - Colorado's dry, light snow drapes landscapes in photogenic detail
  • High altitude - Many locations above 10,000 feet receive consistent, quality snowfall
  • Dramatic peaks - The Maroon Bells, Crested Butte, and countless fourteeners provide stunning backdrops
  • Clear post-storm skies - Colorado's 300+ sunny days often follow snowstorms with brilliant light

The best fresh snow conditions occur November through March. Our forecast tracks the critical window: snow has accumulated (5+ cm in 6 hours), current snowfall has stopped, and clearing is underway. This is when you get pristine, untouched landscapes with good visibility. Move quickly—wind and sun begin transforming fresh powder within hours.

Next potential opportunity
Aspen
Aspen, Colorado, United States
Starting in ~2 hours
Medium confidence

Location status

0 of 10 locations currently active

Estes Park

Inactive

Gateway to Rocky Mountain NP winter landscapes

Estes Park, Colorado, United States

Right now: Not enough recent snow (0.8cm, needs ≥ 2cm in past 12h)

View forecast

Aspen

Inactive

Mountain town with fresh powder and Maroon Bells

Aspen, Colorado, United States

Right now: Not enough recent snow (1.1cm, needs ≥ 2cm in past 12h)

Next opportunity in ~2h

4 opportunities in next 14 days

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Vail

Inactive

Premier ski resort winter scenes

Edwards, Colorado, United States

Right now: Not enough recent snow (0.0cm, needs ≥ 2cm in past 12h)

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Breckenridge

Inactive

High altitude ski town winter scenes

Silverthorne, Colorado, United States

Right now: Not enough recent snow (0.1cm, needs ≥ 2cm in past 12h)

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Telluride

Inactive

Box canyon surrounded by snowy peaks

Telluride, Colorado, United States

Right now: Not enough recent snow (0.2cm, needs ≥ 2cm in past 12h)

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Steamboat Springs

Inactive

Famous champagne powder snow

Steamboat Springs, Colorado, United States

Right now: Not enough recent snow (0.3cm, needs ≥ 2cm in past 12h)

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Crested Butte

Inactive

Mountain town with pristine powder

Crested Butte, Colorado, United States

Right now: Not enough recent snow (0.0cm, needs ≥ 2cm in past 12h)

View forecast

Durango

Inactive

San Juan Mountains winter gateway

Pagosa Springs, Colorado, United States

Right now: Not enough recent snow (0.0cm, needs ≥ 2cm in past 12h)

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Silverton

Inactive

Remote mining town in deep snow

Creede, Colorado, United States

Right now: Not enough recent snow (0.0cm, needs ≥ 2cm in past 12h)

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Ouray

Inactive

Ice climbing and box canyon winter

Ouray, Colorado, United States

Right now: Poor visibility (1km, needs ≥ 3km)

Next opportunity in ~7h

2 opportunities in next 14 days

View forecast

Upcoming Opportunities

When all conditions match, PhotoWeather marks an opportunity window.

Times shown in America/Denver
Next opportunity
First Tracks
Aspen
Tomorrow · 02:00–06:00 · 4h window
Medium confidence
50%
First Tracks
Aspen
Tomorrow · 06:00–07:00
Medium
First Tracks
Aspen
Tomorrow · 07:00–09:00
Medium
First Tracks
Ouray
Tomorrow · 07:00–09:00
Medium
First Tracks
Aspen
Tomorrow · 09:00–10:00
Medium
First Tracks
Ouray
Tomorrow · 09:00–15:00
Medium

What's blocking opportunities

72-hour view of conditions preventing matches across 10 locations

Top 3 blocking conditions across 10 of 10 locations
Some blocked
Most blocked
8 Thu
9 Fri
10 Sat
11 Sun
24
06
12
18
24
06
12
18
24
06
12
18
Accumulated Snowfall (12h) (≥ 2cm in 12h)
97% blocked
Visibility (≥ 3000.0m)
3% blocked
Snowfall (≤ 1.0cm)
0% blocked
How to read: Each row shows when a condition blocks opportunities. Stronger red means more locations are affected. These are the top 3 conditions preventing matches across the 72-hour forecast.

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