Winter Wonderland - Rocky Mountains
Winter photography forecast for the Rockies. Track fresh snow and clearing conditions.
Upcoming Opportunities
When all conditions match, PhotoWeather marks an opportunity window.
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.
Location status
0 of 10 locations currently active
Estes Park
InactiveGateway to Rocky Mountain National Park
Estes Park, Colorado, United States
Right now: Snow Depth too low (0.1, ≥ 0.1m)
Aspen
InactiveIconic mountain town with alpine scenery
Aspen, Colorado, United States
Right now: Snow Depth too low (0.1, ≥ 0.1m)
1 opportunity in next 10 days
Vail
InactivePremier ski resort winter scenes
Edwards, Colorado, United States
Right now: Blue Hour: Outside time window
Breckenridge
InactiveHigh altitude ski town winter scenes
Silverthorne, Colorado, United States
Right now: Blue Hour: Outside time window
1 opportunity in next 10 days
Telluride
InactiveBox canyon surrounded by snowy peaks
Telluride, Colorado, United States
Right now: Blue Hour: Outside time window
1 opportunity in next 10 days
Steamboat Springs
InactiveFamous champagne powder snow
Steamboat Springs, Colorado, United States
Right now: Blue Hour: Outside time window
Crested Butte
InactiveMountain town with pristine powder
Crested Butte, Colorado, United States
Right now: Blue Hour: Outside time window
3 opportunities in next 10 days
Durango
InactiveSan Juan Mountains winter gateway
Pagosa Springs, Colorado, United States
Right now: Blue Hour: Outside time window
2 opportunities in next 10 days
Silverton
InactiveRemote mining town in deep snow
Creede, Colorado, United States
Right now: Blue Hour: Outside time window
1 opportunity in next 10 days
Ouray
InactiveIce climbing and box canyon winter
Ouray, Colorado, United States
Right now: Blue Hour: Outside time window
1 opportunity in next 10 days
What's blocking opportunities
72-hour view of conditions preventing matches across 10 locations
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