Vail vs Big Sky — Snowfall Comparison
Side-by-side snowfall comparison based on 10 years of historical data (2015–2025). See which resort gets more snow, the best months for powder, and how they compare on elevation and location.
Vail
Colorado, USA
- Elevation
- 3,527m / 11,572ft
- Annual Snowfall
- 333cm
- Best Month
- March
- Powder Probability
- 31%
- Season Snowfall
- 270cm
Big Sky
Montana, USA
- Elevation
- 3,403m / 11,165ft
- Annual Snowfall
- 425cm
- Best Month
- April
- Powder Probability
- 50%
- Season Snowfall
- 292cm
Monthly Snowfall Comparison
| Month | Vail (cm) | Big Sky (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| November | 35.6 | 42.6 |
| December | 44.2 | 41.7 |
| January | 44.7 | 37.3 |
| February | 46.8 | 51.4 |
| March | 51.3 | 52.1 |
| April | 47 | 66.4 |
Which Resort Gets More Snow?
Based on 10 years of data, Big Sky receives more annual snowfall (425cm) compared to Vail (333cm) — a difference of 92cm per year. The best month for powder at Vail is March (31% probability), while Big Sky's best is April (50% probability).
Snow History: 10 Winters of Data
This comparison draws on 10 consecutive winters of snowfall records (2015–2025) for each resort. Over that span, Vail's snowiest month has been March, averaging 51.3cm but ranging from a lean 23cm in the driest winter to 80cm in the deepest — a swing that shows how much any single season can vary. At Big Sky, the snowiest month is April, averaging 66.4cm and spanning 24cm to 108cm across the record. Comparing these historical ranges, rather than a single season, is the most reliable way to judge which resort delivers more dependable snow for the dates you want to ski.