What the Farmer’s Almanac Says About Winter 2026–2027: A Season Outlook for Vertical Challenge Families

Meta description: See what the Farmers’ Almanac and Old Farmer’s Almanac are predicting for winter 2026–2027: and why Vertical Challenge families can look forward to another exciting season of free ski and snowboard racing across New England.

There is a special kind of energy at the start of a Vertical Challenge race. Skis and snowboards wait in the snow. Families gather near the gate. Kids bounce with a mix of nerves and excitement. And somewhere nearby, a parent is calling out last-minute encouragement: “You’ve got this!”

That feeling is coming back soon.

As families look ahead to the 2026–2027 ski season, both the Farmers’ Almanac and the Old Farmer’s Almanac are offering early predictions for winter 2027. Their outlooks point to a changeable, active season across the Northeast, with possible snow in December, heavier storms during the heart of winter, and a sharp contrast between coastal, southern, and northern New England.

Long-range forecasts are never guarantees. Storm tracks can shift, temperatures can change quickly, and the most reliable forecast is always the one closest to race day. But the early outlook gives us plenty to talk about: and plenty to look forward to.

Vertical Challenge is gearing up for another season of free family ski and snowboard races across the Northeast. With the crew, equipment, event village, and start gates ready to go, we’ll be prepared for whatever winter brings.

The winter 2026–2027 outlook: snow, sleet, and surprises

The Farmers’ Almanac winter 2026–2027 forecast describes the coming season with a memorable phrase: “snow, sleet, and surprises.”

For the Northeast, the Almanac is calling for one of the more complicated winter patterns of the season. Coastal areas may see more rain and mixed precipitation, while inland communities and higher elevations could experience several rounds of heavy, wet snow: especially during January and February.

That means the forecast may not always be simple. With temperatures hovering near freezing, a storm that begins as snow could change to sleet, freezing rain, or rain. A small shift in the storm track or temperature could make a big difference.

For ski families, however, a complicated forecast does not necessarily mean a disappointing winter. It can mean more variety, more opportunities, and a season that rewards flexibility. When colder air settles in and storms track just right, inland mountains may see exactly the kind of accumulating snow that makes for a memorable race weekend.

What the Old Farmer’s Almanac is predicting

The Old Farmer’s Almanac extended winter forecast, released on August 28, offers a different but complementary view of the season.

Its outlook divides the East by latitude:

• Northern New England, including Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, may experience above-normal temperatures and below-normal snowfall overall.
• Southern New England, including Massachusetts and Connecticut, is expected to be colder than normal with above-normal snowfall.
• The snowiest periods across the Northeast may arrive in mid- and late December, mid-January, and early and late March.
• The coldest periods are expected in early and mid-January.

The forecast also points to a strong El Niño pattern returning and persisting through the winter. The Old Farmer’s Almanac notes that waning solar activity and possible shifts in the polar vortex could still send bursts of colder air into the United States.

In other words, the winter 2026–2027 outlook is not a single, uniform story. Southern New England could see a snowier season, while northern areas may have more temperature swings and fewer total snow days. But even in a warmer winter, a handful of well-timed storms can create excellent conditions at mountain resorts.

Why early-season snow chances matter

One of the most encouraging parts of the outlook is the possibility of snow during December.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac highlights mid- and late December as potential snowier periods across the Northeast. That could help set the tone for the holiday season and give families an early chance to get comfortable on skis and snowboards.

For many kids, the first few days of the season are about rebuilding confidence:

• Remembering how to stop and turn
• Getting used to boots, bindings, and helmets again
• Finding a comfortable rhythm on the mountain
• Celebrating small improvements
• Reconnecting with friends and fellow racers

A December race is not just an event on the calendar. It can be the moment a first-time racer discovers that ski racing is fun, supportive, and welcoming.

At Vertical Challenge events, families do not need to arrive as expert racers. The goal is to participate, try something new, and enjoy the day together. Whether a child is racing for the first time or returning to improve a personal best, the start gate is a place to build memories.

January and February could bring the biggest snow opportunities

Both almanacs identify the middle of winter as an important period.

The Farmers’ Almanac expects inland New England to see several rounds of heavy, wet snow, particularly in January and February. The Old Farmer’s Almanac identifies mid-January as one of the Northeast’s potentially snowiest windows, along with early and late March.

That is good news for mountain communities and ski areas, where elevation can make the difference between rain and snow. It is also a reminder that winter weather can vary dramatically from one location to another. A storm producing rain near the coast may bring accumulating snow at a nearby resort.

January and February are also when the season feels fully underway. Families have settled into winter routines. Kids are more comfortable on their equipment. The days are gradually getting longer. And a race day can turn an ordinary weekend into a full mountain adventure.

A flexible team is ready for a changing forecast

At Vertical Challenge, adapting to winter weather is part of the job.

Our team understands that every mountain, storm, and race weekend is different. Conditions may be bright and crisp one day, snowy and windy the next, or warmer than expected after a midweek thaw. The event setup may need to adjust. Timing may change. Families may arrive with different levels of experience and confidence.

The goal remains the same: create a safe, exciting, family-friendly race experience.

That takes planning, communication, and a crew that knows how to make race day work in real mountain conditions. It also takes the support of the ski areas, sponsors, volunteers, and families who make the Vertical Challenge community possible.

Across the Northeast, our events bring people together through free ski and snowboard racing, family activities, partner experiences, and plenty of encouragement. The program reaches more than 50,000 in-person attendees each season, creating meaningful mountain memories for families while connecting brands with active, engaged consumers.

What families can do now

While nobody can predict every storm in August, families can start getting ready for the upcoming season.

A few simple steps can make the first race day easier:

1. Check equipment early. Make sure skis or snowboards, boots, helmets, and goggles still fit and are in good condition.
2. Build excitement without pressure. Talk about the fun of participating rather than focusing only on speed or results.
3. Watch the schedule. Race dates and resort details are the best way to plan winter weekends.
4. Dress for changing conditions. Layers, dry gloves, warm socks, and face protection can make a major difference.
5. Leave room for flexibility. Long-range outlooks are helpful for broad planning, but always check the latest resort and weather updates before traveling.
6. Invite another family. The more the merrier at the start gate: and a race day is often more enjoyable with friends.

The most important preparation is the simplest: show up ready to have fun.

Whatever winter brings, the start gate will be waiting

The Farmers’ Almanac sees “snow, sleet, and surprises.” The Old Farmer’s Almanac sees a divided New England, with snowier possibilities in the south and a warmer, less snowy pattern possible farther north. Professional forecasts will continue to evolve as the season approaches.

Our outlook is a little more dependable: Vertical Challenge will be there.

We’ll be preparing for another winter of free family ski and snowboard races across the Northeast, with experienced staff, welcoming event villages, enthusiastic partners, and start gates ready for racers of all ages. Whether winter 2026–2027 delivers powder, packed snow, mixed conditions, or a little bit of everything, there will be plenty of reasons to get outside and enjoy the mountain together.

Visit www.ski-vc.com to check the full season schedule and register your family for upcoming events. We can’t wait to see you at the start gate for winter 2027.