Colorado’s 14ers See Their First Snow of the Season

Early Monday morning, Colorado’s highest peaks woke up wearing white. A series of late-August storms rolled through the Rockies and left the first dusting of the season on several of the state’s famed 14,000+ foot summits.

Colorado weather reporter Chris Bianchi noted that it isn't strange to see light snow in August, especially at high elevations. For context, last year's first snow came on September 11. While Mount Blue Sky (pictured in the video) saw snow, areas lower down enjoyed some much needed rain. With wildfires ripping through much of Colorado's mountains, precipitation of any kind is desperately welcome.

The early snowfall came from a cold front sweeping in from the Pacific Northwest. Temperatures dropped sharply at higher elevations, allowing precipitation to fall as snow above roughly 12,500 feet. By mid-morning, the dusting was visible from miles away. Crisp skies provided the perfect backdrop for that classic late-summer contrast.

For skiers and riders, it’s not exactly time to break out the powder skis. But it is a reminder that winter is coming. Colorado resorts are still weeks away from firing up their snow guns, but early-season teasers like this are getting us fired up. Get your gear tuned and whip out those backcountry maps.

At the tail end of a summer marred by heat maves and wildfire smoke, first flakes like this are their own kind of magic.

Whether you’re chasing summit views, waiting for opening day, or just daydreaming about your first backcountry laps, it's good to know that the seasons are officially turning.