The mid-January storm cycle is officially here, and for the week of January 14 to January 21, 2026, the powder gods are favoring two distinct corners of the globe: the Italian Alps and the snow-laden peaks of Japan. If you are chasing deep turns, pack your bags now because the forecast numbers are looking absolutely massive.

We have crunched the data from over 1,000 resorts in the ShredIndex database, and 15 specific locations are lighting up our radar. While Japan is delivering its classic "Japow" consistency, a massive southern flow is slamming the Piedmont and Aosta Valley regions of Italy, creating some of the highest powder scores we have seen this season.

Here is your guide to the deepest snow on the planet this week.

The Heavy Hitters: Top 3 Powder Picks

1. Pian Munè – Paesana (Italy)

Forecast: 83.3cm | Powder Score: 82/100 | Conditions: Epic

Taking the top spot on ShredIndex this week is the hidden gem of Piedmont, Pian Munè – Paesana. While it may not have the name recognition of the mega-resorts, this is exactly where you want to be when a storm hits. With 83.3cm of fresh snow expected over the next seven days, the tree skiing here is going to be all-time. The resort's geography catches storms perfectly, and with a Powder Score of 82, it is currently the number one destination for fresh tracks worldwide.

Tip: Aim for midweek days as the storm intensifies to beat the weekend warriors from Turin.

2. Hakusan Shiramine Onsen (Japan)

Forecast: 122.4cm | Powder Score: 80/100 | Conditions: Epic

It wouldn't be January without Japan on the list. Hakusan Shiramine Onsen is absolutely burying the competition in terms of raw volume, with a staggering 122.4cm forecast. That is over a meter of snow in a single week! Located in the Ishikawa Prefecture, this resort offers that bottomless, dry powder Japan is famous for. If you have wide skis and a snorkel, this is your paradise.

3. Pila (Italy)

Forecast: 83.8cm | Powder Score: 76/100 | Conditions: Excellent

Back in Italy, Pila offers a more developed infrastructure for those who want deep snow with high-speed lifts. Sitting high above the Aosta Valley, Pila is expecting 83.8cm. The terrain here offers fantastic bowl skiing and sheltered glades which will be crucial for visibility during the heaviest dumping periods. The upper mountain is going to be a white room of glory.

Gear Essentials: Deep Snow Edition

With over a meter of snow in the forecast for some of these spots, your skinny carvers won't cut it. You need flotation, visibility, and warmth. Here is what we recommend packing for this cycle:

• The Right Skis: You need width underfoot. We love the Salomon QST 106 Skis for a versatile powder charger that can handle the deep Italian snow.
• Bombproof Outerwear: Stay dry in the storm with a high-quality shell like the Arc'teryx Sabre Jacket or the Patagonia Powder Town Jacket.
• Avalanche Safety: If you are venturing off-piste, safety is non-negotiable. Carry a Black Diamond Recon BT Beacon.
• Visibility: Low light and heavy snow demand good lenses. Check out the Smith Squad XL Goggles for great contrast.
• Warm Hands: Don't let cold fingers ruin the day. Grab a pair of Hestra Heli Ski Gloves or keep a pack of HotHands Hand Warmers in your pocket.

Best of the Rest

The storm isn't isolated to just the top three. Here are other resorts showing excellent conditions for the week:

• Pian Benot Sciovie Usseglio (Italy): Expecting a massive 92.5cm. This is a sleeper hit for deep powder enthusiasts.
• Balme Le Tour Vallorcine (France): Sitting on the border near Chamonix, this area is forecasted for 89.6cm. The wide-open slopes on the Swiss side will be incredible.
• Gassan (Japan): Known for summer skiing, Gassan is getting an early load with 72.9cm expected.
• Champorcher (Italy): Another Aosta Valley contender with 81.9cm on the way.
• Vallter 2000 (Spain): A surprise entry from the Pyrenees! Vallter 2000 is looking at 59.9cm, making it the best bet in Spain right now.
• Prali (Italy): A cult classic for freeriders, Prali is expecting 78.7cm.
• Colle de Lys (Italy): Rounding out the Italian dominance with 78.3cm.

Final Verdict

If you can travel this week, Italy is the place to be. The sheer density of resorts in the Piedmont and Aosta regions receiving 80cm+ of snow is rare. For those already in Asia, Hakusan Shiramine Onsen is the clear winner with the deepest totals on the board.

Remember, deep snow brings increased avalanche risk. Always check local avalanche bulletins before heading out, ride with a buddy, and carry the right gear.

Want to see how your local hill stacks up? Check out the full rankings and explore over 1,000 resorts on ShredIndex.