The Top 10 Snowiest Cities in the US: Will Your Town Make the List
There’s something magical about waking up to a world blanketed in snow – the air crisper, the landscape transformed, and life just a little more adventurous. As someone who genuinely loves the winter season, let me take you on a journey through the ten snowiest cities in the United States. Beyond just raw numbers, I’ll share what it's really like on the snowy ground, why these places get so much snow, and why you might want to grab your boots and check out your own neighborhood’s snow stats.
Search your ZIP code for the Snow Day Calculator and see how you stack up!
Why Are These Cities So Snowy?
Most of America’s snowiest cities are concentrated around the Great Lakes, where the infamous "lake-effect" transforms ordinary winter storms into epic blizzards. Others, like those at high elevations in the Rockies or far up north in Alaska, see constant snowfall from passing weather systems. As someone who’s braved (and enjoyed) many upstate New York winters, I know firsthand: the snow here is relentless, beautiful, and awe-inspiring.
Meet the Snowiest Cities
Below is my carefully researched, experience-backed lineup of the top ten snowiest cities in the US (by official average annual snowfall) – along with my own color commentary. If you’re looking for real winter, look no farther!
1. Syracuse, New York
Average Annual Snowfall: 127.8 inches
Record Snowfall: 192.1 inches (1992-93 season)
Why so snowy? The unrelenting lake-effect snow from Lake Ontario. Syracuse claims the unofficial snow crown nearly every year.
“You don’t just live with snow in Syracuse – you live for it. Schools rarely close, pickup hockey is played in every park, and snow shovels are more essential than umbrellas.”Fun fact: I remember trudging to class at Syracuse University with snow piled higher than my boots...and loving every second of it.
2. Erie, Pennsylvania
Average Annual Snowfall: 101.2 inches
Record Snowfall: 166.3 inches (2017-18 season)
What’s it like? Erie’s proximity to Lake Erie means frequent, heavy dumps of snow. In 2017, the city made headlines with 53 inches in just two days!
“In Erie, you measure winter not by months, but by the feet of snow in your driveway.”Pro tip: Locals swear by snow tires and strong coffee.
3. Rochester, New York
Average Annual Snowfall: 99.5 inches
Record Snowfall: 161.7 inches (1959-60 season)
What makes it special? Another Lake Ontario snow machine. Rochester’s inner harbor becomes a snowy playground every winter.
"They don’t close schools in Rochester for snow – they close when the plows can’t keep up anymore!"Personal Touch: The city’s annual Snow Sculpture Contest is a must-see.
4. Buffalo, New York
Average Annual Snowfall: 95.4 inches
Record Snowfall: 199.4 inches (1976-77 season)
Local Insight: The “City of Good Neighbors” comes together every time the snow flies – and yes, football still happens.
“You haven’t experienced high-fives until you’ve formed a shovel brigade with your whole street after four feet fell overnight.”Winter Wisdom: Make snow angels, not excuses!
5. Marquette, Michigan
Average Annual Snowfall: 117 inches
Record Snowfall: 232 inches (2001-02 season)
Reality check: Up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Marquette sits on the front line for snow squalls from Lake Superior.
“When the snowbanks get taller than your mailbox, you know you’re in Marquette.”Fun for All: The city hosts dog sled races, snow sculpture contests, and cross-country ski festivals every winter.
6. Flagstaff, Arizona
Average Annual Snowfall: 90.1 inches
Record Snowfall: 210 inches (1972-73 season)
Surprise Factor: Many can’t believe Arizona is here, but at 7,000ft elevation, Flagstaff is a skier’s dream.
“On some days in March, you can ski powder in Flagstaff and hike the red rocks of Sedona by sunset.”Personal Moment: The snow-laden pine forests feel otherworldly after a winter storm.
7. Duluth, Minnesota
Average Annual Snowfall: 86.1 inches
Record Snowfall: 135.4 inches (1996-97 season)
What’s winter like? Think brutal cold, lots of wind, and snowdrifts that swallow cars.
“Duluth drivers are masters of ice and slush. There’s a stoic pride in conquering every blizzard.”Tip: If you like cross-country skiing or snowshoeing with epic Lake Superior views, put Duluth on your bucket list.
8. Boulder, Colorado
Average Annual Snowfall: 88.3 inches
Record Snowfall: 159 inches (1908-09 season)
Rocky Mountain High: Boulder gets hit by spring snowstorms that close mountain passes but create legendary powder days.
“In Boulder, the snow isn’t just weather – it’s a lifestyle that brings out outdoor adventure enthusiasts in droves!”
9. Anchorage, Alaska
Average Annual Snowfall: 74.5 inches
Record Snowfall: 134.5 inches (2011-12 season)
Frozen North: The city sees steady snowfall, but it's the snow-capped mountains and winter wildlife that make Anchorage enchanting.
“If you love endless winter – real husky dogs, northern lights, and daily snow – Anchorage is your dream come true.”
10. Grand Rapids, Michigan
Average Annual Snowfall: 77.6 inches
Record Snowfall: 132.2 inches (1951-52 season)
West Michigan Winters: Lake-effect keeps the city powdery through March; expect beautiful ice formations on the Grand River.
“Here, ‘last snow’ jokes start in April. The city's art scene and breweries remain lively, snow or shine.”
Snow Culture: Life Lessons From America’s Snowiest Cities
If you live in (or near) one of these cities, you quickly learn:
- How to dig out your car in under five minutes (with a big smile and a neighbor or two to help)
- Why snowball fights are a legitimate team-building exercise
- That winter is a community affair - people truly help each other out
- And yes, you absolutely can build an igloo with the right tools!
While the numbers tell you what to expect, living with snow teaches you to appreciate everything from a steaming mug of cocoa to those rare, bluebird sunlit days.
Enter your ZIP code now to see the probability of a snow day in your area. It’s the quickest way to plan your next sledding adventure, or just to know when to sleep in!
➔ [Search ZIP code for Snow Day Calculator]
Personal Suggestion: Is More Snow Better?
As someone who’s watched blizzards from snowy porches, I can say this: snow brings both challenge and pure joy. So whether you’re in one of these ten snow capitals or a warm southern state, don’t just count the inches – count the memories made.
Got a snowy story or a favorite city that I missed? Drop your ZIP code below and let’s see where you rank!
