Get your snorkels ready, folks. If you thought the holiday season delivered the goods, wait until you see what mid-January has in store. We have analyzed the forecast for 15 key resorts across North America for the week of January 12 to January 19, 2026, and the numbers are frankly ridiculous in the best way possible.

While the lower 48 is seeing a mix of conditions, the storm track has shifted decisively North. We are looking at a massive atmospheric river event targeting the Alaska-BC border, bringing totals that measured in feet, not inches. If you have the flexibility to chase the storm, now is the time to book that ticket.

Here is your guide to the deepest snow in North America this week.

The Heavy Hitters: Alaska & BC Heli-Skiing

When we crunched the numbers at ShredIndex, two destinations immediately broke the scale. If you are looking for the absolute deepest turns of the year, this is where you need to be.

1. Valdez Heli-Ski Guides (Alaska, USA)

• Forecast: 121cm (47 inches)
• Powder Score: 67/100
• Conditions: Great snow, marginal temps

The legendary Chugach Mountains are about to get buried. Valdez Heli-Ski Guides is sitting at the top of our leaderboard with a mind-blowing 121cm of snow expected over the next 7 days.

Why go now: This is "fill in your tracks" kind of snow. However, take note of the "marginal temps" warning. This suggests a warmer storm; the snow might be heavy and wet at the landing zones but will turn into bottomless velvet as the heli drops you at higher elevations. Bring your widest skis.

2. Tulsequah Heliskiing (BC, Canada)

• Forecast: 84.9cm (33 inches)
• Powder Score: 65/100
• Conditions: Great snow, windy

Just across the border in British Columbia, Tulsequah Heliskiing is expecting nearly a meter of fresh snow. The Powder Score is a solid 65/100, largely driven by the sheer volume of precipitation.

The Catch: The forecast indicates high winds. This means wind-loading on lee slopes is a real risk, and flight windows might be tight. Trust your guides—they know where the sheltered goods are stashed in the trees.

Gear Essentials for Deep Days

With over a meter of snow predicted in the top regions, your skinny carving skis won't cut it. You need flotation and weather protection. Here are our top picks for this storm cycle:

• The Deep Snow Weapon: DPS Pagoda 112 RP Skis – When it's 120cm deep, you need a shovel shape that planes instantly. These are the gold standard for deep powder touring and heli drops.
• The Storm Fortress: Arc'teryx Sabre SV Jacket – With high winds predicted at Tulsequah and wet snow potential in Valdez, a Gore-Tex Pro shell is non-negotiable.
• Safety First: Black Diamond JetForce Pro Avalanche Airbag – If you are heading into the backcountry or heli-skiing during a massive loading event, an airbag pack offers peace of mind and essential safety utility.
• Visibility Saver: Smith I/O Mag XL Goggles – Low light lenses are a must for storm skiing. These offer a wide field of view to spot contrast in flat light.
• Warm Hands: Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Glove – The classic choice for a reason. Keep your digits warm when the wind chill drops.

Canadian Gems: The Resort & Cat-Ski Alternatives

Not everyone can jump in a helicopter this week. Fortunately, the storm track is pushing moisture inland to some incredible destinations in Canada that offer lift-access or cat-skiing options.

Jumbo Glacier Resort (BC, Canada)

Sitting in the Purcells, Jumbo Glacier Resort is forecasted to receive a very healthy 34.9cm. While it doesn't match the coastal dumping, the quality here is often lighter and drier. It’s a perfect option for those who want consistent quality over sheer quantity.

Chatter Creek (BC, Canada)

One of the premier cat-skiing operations, Chatter Creek is looking at 15.6cm of refreshers. The terrain here is massive, and with a stable base, this fresh layer will make for hero turns all week.

East Coast Surprise: Quebec is Firing

Don't sleep on La Belle Province! We are seeing a surprisingly active week for Quebec:

• Mont Glen: Expecting 20.3cm.
• Valinouet ski: Looking at 17.6cm.
• Station Gallix: Forecasting 15cm.

For East Coast skiers, these are fantastic numbers. Head to Valinouet ski for their famous 100% natural snow surfaces—that 17cm will ski beautifully on their gladed runs.

The Outlier: Greenland

Technically part of the North American plate, we track it! If you are looking for a truly exotic adventure, Quassussuaq is expecting 20.7cm of snow, while Kangaamiut will see about 10cm. It’s not the deepest on the list, but skiing powder under the Northern Lights in Greenland is a bucket-list experience.

Verdict

If you are chasing the storm of the season so far, Valdez Heli-Ski Guides is the clear winner for volume. Just be prepared for variable visibility and bring your Gore-Tex. For those staying within resort bounds, the Canadian interior and Quebec offer excellent refreshers without the intensity of the coastal storm.

Stay safe, watch the avalanche forecasts, and enjoy the deep stuff!

Want to see how these resorts stack up against the rest of the world? Check out our full rankings on ShredIndex.