A ski holiday is always a bet on conditions, and the 2026–27 season brings an additional reason to look closely at the forecast. Condé Nast Traveler reports that an El Niño event is expected this winter and could be the strongest on record. Its story focuses on seven U.S. ski resorts that may benefit from that climate pattern, making the article a useful starting point for travellers deciding where to investigate next.

The appeal of this outlook is not simply the possibility of better snow. A forecast can help narrow a very large field of resorts before you begin comparing accommodation, transport, lift access and terrain. Condé Nast Traveler’s selection suggests that some U.S. ski destinations may be more promising than others under the expected conditions, but the source packet does not identify the seven resorts or provide resort-by-resort forecasts. Travellers should therefore treat the article as an invitation to research, rather than as a guarantee of a successful ski week.

This subject will suit travellers who are comfortable planning around uncertainty. Experienced skiers may enjoy comparing regional forecasts, snow reports and historical operating patterns before choosing a base. Families and first-time visitors may find the same information useful, but they will probably want to weigh convenience and reliability alongside the possibility of favourable snow. A destination with an appealing forecast may not be the easiest choice if reaching it, finding suitable lodging or arranging lessons proves difficult.

The report is also relevant to travellers who have not yet committed to a particular U.S. region. Rather than beginning with a familiar resort, they can use Condé Nast Traveler’s seven-resort list as a shortlist and then investigate each candidate in greater detail. That second stage matters because a broad climate outlook does not answer the practical questions that determine whether a trip works for a particular traveller.

The first question to research is what “benefit” means for each resort. Does the expectation concern snowfall, the timing of storms, the length of the skiable season or another aspect of winter conditions? Condé Nast Traveler’s summary establishes that the resorts could benefit from El Niño, but it does not explain the basis of each resort’s inclusion. Before booking, look for a current forecast and resort-specific snow information, and check whether the source distinguishes between a seasonal tendency and a dependable prediction.

Next, compare the kind of skiing or riding available with the group’s experience. A strong snow outlook will not make a destination suitable for everyone. Research the distribution of beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain; the availability of instruction; children’s programmes; and the ease of moving between lodging, lifts and other planned activities. These are planning questions rather than conclusions supplied by Condé Nast Traveler, so they need to be answered through the individual resort and accommodation providers.

Access deserves equal attention. Check the nearest airport or long-distance transport options, the final connection to the resort, and whether a car is necessary for the trip you have in mind. Also investigate how weather could affect that final journey and what alternatives exist if plans change. The El Niño outlook described by Condé Nast Traveler is a seasonal climate signal, not a detailed transport plan, and it cannot replace checking current travel information before departure.

Accommodation and booking conditions should be examined before focusing too heavily on the forecast. Compare cancellation deadlines, minimum-stay rules, lift-ticket arrangements and the distance between the property and the slopes. Travellers should also establish what is included in the quoted rate and which costs must be added separately. The source packet provides no prices or booking terms, so these details must be confirmed directly with the relevant providers and may change between research and purchase.

Timing is another important consideration. If a trip depends on a particular holiday period, school break or weekend, flexibility may be limited even when the wider winter outlook looks encouraging. Travellers with flexible dates can compare conditions closer to departure, while those booking far ahead may want policies that allow them to change plans. Neither approach removes weather risk, but both can make the decision more manageable.

Condé Nast Traveler’s report makes the 2026–27 U.S. ski season worth watching, especially for people who have not selected a destination. Its most useful contribution is the idea that an El Niño outlook can inform the first stage of resort selection. The final decision should combine that broad signal with current forecasts, terrain information, transport research, accommodation terms and the needs of the people travelling. In other words, use the expected climate pattern to build a shortlist, then let practical evidence decide where to book.