Skiers everywhere are welcoming the arrival of Autumn, breaking out the winter gear, heading to film premieres, waxing skis, etc. With that, comes the first round of winter weather predictions, starting off with the Farmers’ Almanac 2015 winter forecast. Please note, we here at FREESKIER take long-term weather forecasts with a grain of salt, and encourage you to do the same.

According to the Farmers’, three-quarters of the United States will see below-average temperatures this winter. The eastern portion of the country can expect an active storm track, which could mean a large amount of precipitation. Eastern skiers rejoice!

The Upper Midwest should expect bitter cold and around average snowfall amounts. In the west, states like Colorado, Wyoming and Montana will see well below normal temperatures and above average snowfall. Good news for the Rocky Mountains. Farther west, Utah, Nevada, California, Oregon, Idaho and Washington will see cool temperates with average snowfall.

The biggest variable this winter will be the possibility of El Niño, the warming of water in the Pacific Ocean, which could bring heavier precipitation to the West Coast, and milder winters for the normally bitter cold northern states.

In Canada, eastern provinces are in store for a cold, white winter. Farther west, British Columbia and Alberta should see average snowfall with below average temperatures.

Wherever you call home in North America, we wish you a winter filled with plentiful pow days. The countdown to winter has certainly begun. For more information, click here.