Afton Alps and El Niño

Less snow

El Niño winters bring Afton Alps about 15% less snow than a typical winter.

Based on 14 El Niño winters since 1986: 3 of them beat Afton Alps's median snowfall. That's a clear, consistent pattern, not just noise. Ranks #68 of 68 Eastern & Midwestern resorts for El Niño snowfall.

El Niño winters (14) −15% snowfall vs. a typical winter 0.7°C (1.3°F) warmer 7 days fewer of natural ski season

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

Every winter since 1986

Snowfall each winter compared with Afton Alps'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.

Planning a Afton Alps trip this winter?

El Niño winters have run leaner here. If you're flexible, see which Midwest resorts hold up best, or where El Niño brings the most snow.

Lodging near Afton Alps

More lodging at Afton Alps →

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 Midwest: El Niño by resort → Afton Alps climate change profile →