Fort Collins knows the hype is building for a big powder season this year and the rumors are true. Meteorologists have predicted what some are calling a “super El Niño”, with the possibility of record-breaking snow and weather events across the globe.
A projected early-season snowfall means grabbing the best pre-season gear and season rental packages from Outpost Sunsport. When the first powder day of the season hits, you’ll want to be ready to start shredding and kick off what could be a record-breaking year of snow.
What makes this El Niño historic?
El Niño is a natural climate pattern that occurs based on warmer than average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
While the region where El Niño occurs may be thousands of miles away from Colorado, it still has very real impacts to the local weather phenomena. The vast amounts of extra ocean heat pumps moisture and energy into the atmosphere which bends the jet stream of fast-moving air that controls storms across North America.
In June of 2026, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) declared that El Niño had already formed in the tropical Pacific and is predicted to greatly intensify over the next few months.
Specifically, this El Niño has nearly a 70% chance of reaching a record-breaking strength from October through December and has a 97% chance of lasting all the way through Spring 2027. The season of El Niño’s impact on Colorado is approaching and the time to prepare is now.
What does this El Niño mean for Fort Collins specifically?
Colorado is large, and that means a great deal of variety in how El Niño will impact areas across the state. While Southern Colorado may experience more extreme weather, Fort Collins has historically seen bigger snow totals in past super El Niño winters.
For perspective, this El Niño could pass the benchmarks of the following past historic El Niño’s:
- Winter of 1982-83: 68 inches of snowfall in Fort Collins
- Winter of 1997-98: 55.3 inches of snowfall in Fort Collins
- Winter of 2015-16: 72.8 inches of snowfall in Fort Collins
Colorado’s mountains and distance from the coast mean no single weather pattern controls our snow outright, so while the signs point to an exciting season, we always recommend staying flexible and prepared for whatever actually shows up.
More than just a few more inches of snow, the historical El Niño points to a season of frequent, intense storm cycles that create heavier upslope snow perfect for base-building on the mountains of Northern Colorado.
The change in seasonal weather patterns is guaranteed to create an unforgettable season of fun that looks different across your favorite canyons and passes. For example, locals can drive to Cameron Pass for fresh powder directly from the strongest of the storm fronts or visit Eldora Mountain, which is favored for above-average snowfall this season.
How to gear up for this type of snow season
With weather predictions that could bring both cycles of wet and heavy and mild and dry snow, it is important to have gear that prepares you for both. At Outpost Sunsport, we carry a wide selection of gear from the best brands so you can go into any winter activity feeling confident.
Layering will be one of the most important gear tactics for Fort Collins locals this season to create gear that is ready for the predicted mild stretches mixed with huge storms pattern.
Some simple ways to layer and the accessories you may need for the mountains include:
- Base Layers: Having simple and lightweight base layers for the mild stretches will keep you from overheating whilst staying protected.
- Midweight insulating layer: This layer is great for easy additional heat and weather protection with a fleece or synthetic puffy jacket.
- Strong shells: Potentially the most important layer, having a breathable, waterproof shell will keep you prepared for the projected wet, heavy El Niño snow.
- Grab bag of accessories: Keeping your slope accessories in an easy to grab bag keeps you prepared for whatever this season brings. We recommend stocking it with durable goggles, gloves, neck gaiters, and hand warmers.
At Outpost Sunsport, we not only carry every El Niño season essential but our top-notch services and season rental packages will keep you feeling secure and ready for any activity.
Are you ready for what could be our best snow season yet?
Whether this record-setting El Niño delivers Fort Collins a season for the history books or a more mixed bag of mild stretches and sudden upslope blasts, one thing is certain: this winter is shaping up to be unpredictable in the best way.
The NOAA will give their next update on El Niño on October 15, 2026 so, grab your gear and rentals now so you can be prepared before the next weather update arrives.
