Colorado Snow Day Forecast & School Closings
Colorado's snow day forecast landscape is unlike any other state, spanning from high-altitude mountain towns that routinely exceed 200 inches of snow per year to eastern plains communities that may see barely 25 inches. The Front Range — home to over 3 million residents — sits in a unique position where upslope storms can deliver 2 feet of snow while communities just 30 miles east see only a few inches.
Active Closures & Delays
Sources update throughout the morning. Always confirm with your school district for the latest information.
Colorado Recent Snow Days
| Date | Closings | Delays | Other | Most Active County |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 19, 2026 | 1 | — | — | Colorado Springs |
| Mar 18, 2026 | 1 | — | — | Colorado Springs |
| Mar 17, 2026 | 3 | — | — | Colorado Springs |
| Mar 14, 2026 | 1 | — | — | Colorado Springs |
| Mar 10, 2026 | 1 | — | — | Colorado Springs |
| Mar 6, 2026 | 10 | — | 2 | Colorado Springs |
| Feb 19, 2026 | — | 1 | 1 | Colorado Springs |
Closing data is gathered from public sources and may not reflect every district. Always confirm with your school for official status.
Check Your Forecast
Snow Zones in Colorado
Steamboat Springs, Leadville, Vail, and the high-altitude towns often exceed 150 inches per year. Communities are well-equipped but sustained storms and avalanche closures on mountain passes frequently isolate entire valleys. Schools close roughly 5–12 times per season, and closures can last multiple days when roads are impassable.
Grand Junction at low elevation averages roughly 25 inches, while higher communities like Craig approach 60. Snow events are less frequent than the mountains but roads through passes connecting communities can close unexpectedly. Schools close roughly 2–5 times per year.
Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs — home to the majority of the state's students. Upslope storms can dump 1–3 feet rapidly, especially along the foothills. Boulder and Lakewood tend to see more than Denver proper due to elevation. Schools close roughly 3–6 times per year, and spring storms in March–April often rival midwinter events.
Alamosa and the high-altitude valley floor sit above 7,500 feet, producing extreme cold but relatively modest snow. Durango and the southwest mountains see more accumulation. Schools close roughly 2–5 times per year, with road conditions over Wolf Creek and other passes a major factor.
Sterling, Burlington, and the agricultural flatlands east of I-25. Less total snow than the mountains, but blizzard conditions with high winds and drifting can shut down highways and rural bus routes. Ground blizzards are a unique hazard. Schools close roughly 2–5 times per year, often for wind and visibility rather than accumulation.
Major School Districts in Colorado
Notable Winter Storms
One of the most devastating upslope events in Colorado history. Denver recorded roughly 32 inches, while the foothills near Rollinsville received up to 88 inches. Roofs collapsed, schools closed for a full week along the Front Range, and some mountain communities were isolated for days.
An extremely early-season blizzard struck the Front Range. Denver received over 21 inches and the foothills saw up to 4 feet with trees still in full leaf. The heavy, wet snow caused catastrophic tree damage and widespread power outages. Schools were closed for multiple days.
A powerful storm buried Denver and the Front Range over the holiday. Denver recorded 24 inches and the event disrupted holiday travel statewide. One of the heaviest December storms in Front Range history.
A rapidly intensifying storm brought blizzard conditions to the urban corridor with wind gusts exceeding 70 mph. Boulder received 23 inches and Denver 14+. Schools along the Front Range closed and the storm caused widespread damage.
A blizzard with sustained 50+ mph winds swept across the eastern plains, causing whiteout conditions and stranding motorists. Rural schools closed for several days due to impassable roads and drifts. The storm highlighted how moderate totals combined with high winds can paralyze the plains.
Snow Day FAQ
How many snow days does Colorado get per year?
Mountain communities often close 5–12 times per season. Front Range cities like Denver and Colorado Springs average roughly 3–6 closures per year. The eastern plains typically see 2–5. Colorado's long snow season — October through May — means closures can happen well into spring.
Will school be closed tomorrow in Colorado?
It depends on the forecast, storm timing, and local road conditions. Enter your ZIP code above to see the latest closure and delay probabilities for your area. Predictions update automatically as National Weather Service forecasts change.
What triggers a snow day in Colorado?
Most Front Range districts close for 4–6 inches of forecast snow or significant ice. Mountain districts have much higher thresholds and may stay open with a foot of new snow. Blowing snow and road closures over mountain passes are independent triggers. Spring upslope storms in March and April often produce the heaviest single-event totals.
Does Colorado use virtual snow days?
Many Colorado districts adopted remote learning options after COVID. Larger Front Range districts generally offer virtual learning as an alternative to traditional makeup days. Mountain districts, which lose the most days, rely on a mix of virtual and built-in buffer days in the calendar.
Which part of Colorado gets the most snow?
The high-altitude ski towns receive the most — Steamboat Springs averages roughly 150+ inches per year and Wolf Creek Pass in the San Juans can exceed 300 inches. Along the populated Front Range, Boulder and the foothills tend to see more than Denver due to their higher elevation and proximity to the mountains.
When is snow season in Colorado?
Colorado's snow season is unusually long, stretching from October through May. September snow is possible in the mountains, and some of the heaviest Front Range storms have occurred in March and April. The eastern plains typically see their last snow in April.