Get your snorkels ready, Shredders. The first full week of January 2026 is bringing a legendary storm cycle to the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia. We analyzed data from 15 resorts across North America, and the results are clear: if you want deep, steep, and endless powder, you need to head North.

While the Rockies are seeing steady accumulation, the Coast Mountains are about to get absolutely buried. We are talking about accumulation totals exceeding 100cm in just seven days. Let's dive into the numbers.

The Overview: The Coast is King

The atmospheric river is lining up perfectly to dump massive moisture on the coastal ranges of Canada and the Northern US. The freezing levels are dropping, meaning this precipitation is coming down as high-quality cold smoke in the alpine.

Here is where you need to be riding this week.

Top Powder Picks: Jan 5 - Jan 12, 2026

1. Tulsequah Heliskiing (Canada)

• Forecast: 100.6cm
• Powder Score: 90/100
• Conditions: Epic powder conditions

Topping our list with a massive Powder Score of 90, Tulsequah Heliskiing offers the holy grail of skiing this week. With over a meter of snow expected, the remote location of this operation ensures that you aren't fighting crowds for fresh lines. The terrain here is vast, and with this much fresh snow, the heli-drops into the high alpine bowls are going to be all-time. If you have the budget, this is the #1 spot in North America right now.

2. Bella Coola (Canada)

• Forecast: 116.6cm
• Powder Score: 80/100
• Conditions: Epic powder conditions

In terms of sheer volume, Bella Coola takes the gold medal. Predicting a staggering 116.6cm of snow over the next week, this area is entering full storm mode. Located in the heart of the Coast Mountains, Bella Coola is famous for its steep, glaciated terrain. With this much snow, stability will be a factor, but the tree skiing during the storm days will be bottomless.

3. Sasquatch Mountain (Canada)

• Forecast: 85.5cm
• Powder Score: 75/100
• Conditions: Excellent conditions

For those looking for a resort experience without the heli-skiing price tag, Sasquatch Mountain is the sleeper hit of the week. Expecting 85.5cm, this resort near Vancouver is going to offer incredible value. It’s a smaller resort, but when it dumps like this, the hidden pockets and side-country access provide some of the best steep and deep riding in the region.

4. Mt Baker (United States)

• Forecast: 64.2cm
• Powder Score: 71/100
• Conditions: Excellent conditions

The legendary snow magnet of Washington State is doing what it does best. Mt Baker is forecasting 64.2cm, ensuring that the Chair 5 and Chair 8 zones will be firing. Baker has a lower elevation than some interior resorts, so this storm coming in cold is crucial. Expect heavy refills all day long mid-week.

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Gear Essentials: Surviving the Storm

With over a meter of snow falling, your skinny carving skis won't cut it. You need flotation, visibility, and warmth. Here is what we recommend packing for this cycle.

Premium Hardware & Outerwear

• The Powder Weapon: You need width underfoot. We love the K2 Mindbender 116C for deep days like this. It floats effortlessly but charges through the chop. K2 Mindbender 116C Skis

• The Fortress Shell: Stay dry or go home. The Arc'teryx Sabre SV is the gold standard for wet, heavy coastal storms. Arc'teryx Sabre SV Jacket

• Safety First: If you are heading into the side-country at Baker or heli-skiing in BC, an airbag pack is a smart investment. Black Diamond JetForce Pro Pack

Essential Accessories

• Low Light Vision: Storm skiing means flat light. Get a high-contrast lens like the Smith Squad XL with ChromaPop Storm lenses. Smith Squad XL Goggles

• Keep the Heat: Don't let cold fingers ruin a 100cm day. Pack high-quality hand warmers. HotHands Hand Warmers

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Best of the Rest

While the top heavyweights are stealing the show, conditions are excellent across the broader region.

• Shames Mountain (Canada): 73.9cm - A community-owned gem that gets absolutely buried. If you are near Terrace, BC, go here.
• Saddle Mountain (Canada): 63.2cm - Consistent snowfall all week long.
• McBride (Canada): 47.3cm - Great options for sled-skiing enthusiasts.
• Cariboos (Canada): 43.3cm - Solid accumulation for the interior ranges.
• Garibaldi At Squamish (Canada): 39.6cm - Good refreshes expected near the Sea-to-Sky highway.
• South Tweedsmuir Park (Canada): 37.9cm - A bit quieter, but still soft.

Tips for Riding This Cycle

1. Watch the Tree Wells: With 100cm+ of new snow in the forecast for places like Bella Coola, tree well immersion is a serious risk. Ride with a buddy and keep eye contact in the glades.
2. Wait for the Window: The storm is predicted to rage from Monday through Thursday. The best day might be Friday morning when the skies potentially clear, offering high-alpine visibility on untouched powder.
3. Leg Burners: Start hydrating now. Riding deep coastal powder is physically demanding.

This week is shaping up to be one of the best of the 2026 season so far. Whether you are booking a last-minute seat at Tulsequah Heliskiing or driving up to Mt Baker, enjoy the turns!

Want to see how other regions compare? Check out the full ShredIndex Resort Rankings to find your perfect mountain.