While much of the focus of a big storm that’s setting up to hit Colorado has been on travel impacts – with many heavily-populated parts of the state seeing a potential for 18 or more inches of snow, outdoor recreators should also be aware that Centennial State mountain peaks could also be getting big totals.

While skiers may be more interested in a forecast that shows some resorts getting more than 30 inches of snow in upcoming days, hikers may care more about fourteener snow.

Pikes Peak, reaching 14,115 feet outside of Colorado Springs, could see up to four feet of snow (48.8 inches) through Friday, according to a report from Mountain-Forecast.com. Not only will this much snow impact those seeking to scale the peak in the short-term, it could mean a lingering snowpack that sticks around well into spring.

Meanwhile, Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park is also in the crosshairs for the brunt of this storm, though totals on that mountain are expected to be a bit less – about 35 inches through Friday.

In the southwest, Mount Sneffels is also expected to get snow – less snow, but over a longer period through Sunday. Currently, Mountain-Forecast.com calls for about 23 inches on this mountain through March 17.

While Quandary Peak is only expected to get about 11 inches over this storm, another mountain favored by ‘beginner’ peak baggers – Mount Bierstadt, could get about 30 inches of snow through Saturday.

March storms are always expected in Colorado – it’s one of the snowiest months of the year. That said, it’s important to keep this snowstorm in mind while planning hikes for early-to-mid spring. Often times, snowpack can still be found in the highest portions of the Centennial State well into July. Be prepared and bring traction along.

Find additional forecast for peaks around the state on Mountain-Forecast.com.

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