September Snow Storm Blankets Arizona's Largest Ski Resort, Southern Utah Hit Too

Yes, there’s skiing in Arizona, and yes, it actually snows there!

Arizona Snowbowl, the state’s largest and highest-altitude ski resort, woke up to its first snowfall of the season on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

“We received 2 inches of snowfall overnight & it’s only September! This must be a sign that a solid winter is on the way,” wrote the resort alongside a short video. “Get stoked & keep your fingers crossed for more snow!”

Arizona Snowbowl plans to open for the season on November 20, 2026, but as we said in our race-to-open preview, the resort is well-positioned for a particularly cold and snowy winter due to the impending “super El Niño”.

Is this September storm a sign of things to come? Will Arizona Snowbowl open earlier than expected? Arizona skiers are certainly hoping so. Tap or click below to watch the video of the first snowfall at Arizona Snowbowl.

View this post on Instagram

The season’s first flakes didn’t stick around for long. Most of the snow has melted at the time of publishing this article, but that didn’t deter Arizona Snowbowl skiers from celebrating the unofficial changing of the seasons.

“Looking like it’s going to be a great season at Snowbowl. Can’t wait to get up there!” wrote one commenter. “LETS GOOOOO” wrote another enthusiastically.

Arizona Snowbowl isn’t alone in recording its first snowfall of the season this week. Mammoth picked up a couple of inches yesterday, Snowbird’s upper elevations were dusted, and Brian Head, Utah, another ski resort favored to benefit from the super El Niño, also scored its first snowfall of the season.

Check out Brian Head’s Chief Chewing Officer, Topaz, checking out the clash of seasons below. Photos taken on September 29, 2026.

Ski resorts in Canada, Colorado, California, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and more have all received their first snows of the season, but who will be the first to open?

Odds favor the usual suspects: Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, and Loveland, but will Mother Nature and El Niño throw a wrench in those plans? Perhaps, and POWDER will be standing by as it all unfolds.

September snowfall rarely sticks around, but with flakes flying, POWDER wants to know which ski resort you think will record the most snowfall throughout the winter 26/27 season.

Vote below, and stick with us for daily news, gear reviews, and more.

Related: The Race To Open The Ski Season Is On: Which Resort Will Be First?