Minnesota Joins Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, and More in Record-Breaking Snowfall — Snowstorm Disrupts Holiday Travel, But Winter Wonderland Awaits in Top Ski Resorts and Cozy Winter Escapes This Christmas and New Year in US

Published on December 6, 2025

Right now, huge swathes of the United States are blanketed under early‑season snow. According to the National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center (NOHRSC), roughly 45.4% of the contiguous U.S. — the “Lower 48” — is under snow as of early December 2025.

That widespread snow cover — the most extensive at this time of year in decades — turns many regions into magical “snow capitals.” For travellers with dreams of a picturesque white Christmas or a New Year’s getaway swathed in frost, the timing couldn’t be better. Snow‑dusty landscapes, frozen lakes, pine‑forests under white blankets, ski slopes opening, and cozy lodges — the U.S. is waking up to a winter‑holiday opportunity like few years in recent memory.

Here’s a breakdown of which places are currently snow‑covered, which are forecast to get snow soon, and why they matter for travellers.

Snow‑Covered & Snow‑Likely Regions — Table of Destinations to Watch

What This Means for Christmas & New Year Travel in 2025

A Chance at a Genuine White Christmas

Thanks to the broad snow‑cover and favourable weather patterns, many regions — especially in the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes, Northeast and Rockies — are shaping up for genuine “white‑Christmas” opportunities. Unlike the unpredictable early Decembers of recent years, this snowpack is deep and widespread enough that travellers may actually wake up to real snow on Christmas morning.

Ski Resorts & Winter Resorts: Booking Sprint Underway

Ski resorts in the Rockies, Northeast and Great Lakes‑adjacent zones now stand to benefit. With snow already on the ground, early‑season runs may be open — a strong draw for travellers who want to combine holiday celebrations with winter sports. Booking volumes may spike, pushing room rates and lift‑pass prices upward.

Snowy Road Trips & Scenic Winter Drives

Regions like the Great Lakes, Appalachians, New England, and Northern Rockies become perfect for snow‑scenic drives. Frosty trees, snow‑capped hills, frozen lakes — for travellers from warmer climates, even a simple road‑trip could recreate classic winter wonderland moods.

Cozy Lodges, Cabins & Holiday Charm

Snow adds a special vibe: fireplaces, frost outside windows, hot cocoa by snowy panoramas. Small‑town inns, rustic cabins, mountain lodges — these will likely see increased demand from couples and families seeking a quieter, snow‑filled Christmas or New Year holiday away from the bustle.

Caution: Travel Disruptions & Weather Risks

Snow doesn’t just beautify — it complicates. Roads may freeze; icy conditions may disrupt flights or ground transport. Holiday travellers need to monitor forecasts, allow buffer time, and plan flexible itineraries (or avoid high‑risk travel days).

What’s Driving the Snow Surge — And Why It Matters

Meteorological forecasts for Winter 2025–26 point to a strong cold‑air influx across northern and northeastern U.S. states — boosting snowfall potential across upper Midwest, northern Plains, Rockies, Great Lakes and much of the Northeast.

At the same time, lower‑elevation zones in the Southwest and southern U.S. are expected to remain relatively mild — making northern/western zones the snow‑hotspots for holiday travellers.

Also, the seasonal snow‑cover map from NOHRSC — regularly updated — shows snow depth averages and snow‑water equivalent data that help travellers estimate actual snow presence (not just surface frost), giving a clearer sense of which destinations are truly “winter‑ready.”

Travel‑Ready Tips for a Snowy Festive Season

• Book early — ski‑resort lodgings, snow‑cabin rentals, and winter‑tour packages will likely see rapid demand.
• Stay flexible — weather can turn fast: allow buffer days, keep travel plans open in case of snowstorms or icy roads.
• Choose altitude & location carefully — high‑elevation zones (mountains, Rockies, northern Great Lakes) almost always guarantee deeper snow and sustained winter scenery.
• Check snowfall and snow‑cover data — official data from NOHRSC or regional weather services is more reliable than anecdotal reports.
• Pack right — winter apparel, snow‑ready transport, contingency plans for delays — treat the trip as a winter‑sports expedition, not a regular holiday.

Final Word: 2025 Might Be the Christmas Many Dreamed Of

This winter, the U.S. is offering something rare: a real shot at a snow‑draped Christmas or New Year for many travellers. With nearly half the Lower 48 under snow, a strong winter weather pattern aligned for snow‑heavy regions, and early forecasts showing sustained cold and snow — this season could deliver the classic “white holiday” scene people often miss.

For travellers — from ski lovers to romantic getaway‑seekers and families chasing snow magic — this is the window. With early bookings, flexible planning, and snow‑smart preparations, 2025 could deliver unforgettable holiday memories in snow‑clad towns, frosty forests, and mountain cabins under starlit, snow‑dusty skies.

If you like, I can now suggest 8–12 top U.S. holiday‑ready destinations (with estimated snow‑depth, winter‑resort ranking, and ideal booking windows) tailored for Christmas and New Year travel.