How will winter 2015-16 play out? Cold and snowy, creating postcard images out of Mount Rainier National Park?/NPS, Kevin Bacher

“El Niño.”

Those two Spanish words summon both joy and concern. Joy because it means more moisture, preferably in the form of snow for California, the Southwest, and the southern Rocky Mountains. They raise concern because it could also mean another unseasonably warm and dry winter for the Pacific Northwest and the northern Rockies.

How will it play out this winter? Will the High Sierra and the southern Rockies be graced with a thick, bountiful blanket of white, one that will fuel Yosemite National Park’s waterfalls next spring, quell next summer’s fire danger, and at least slow the lowering waters of Lake Mead and Lake Powell?

Time will tell.

Meanwhile, while we’re waiting for the outcome, the parks still beckon to us. Badlands National Park in South Dakota might seem an unlikely winter destination, but Bryan Hansel made the journey and came away with an amazing story of this park’s personality. You’ll find that beginning on page 5.

One park’s management challenges on the other side of the world are revealed in Barbara Moritsch’s wonderful piece on Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique. Gorongosa, thanks to the philanthropic efforts of an American businessman, has rebounded from two wars and is flourishing once again. The story begins on page 14.

And, if you’re eyeing that massive cold front, perhaps you’d rather flee the cold and snow with a mid-winter visit to Virgin Islands National Park in the Caribbean, with its warm waters, colorful marine life, and relaxing setting. We lay out our plan for 3 Days In Virgin Islands National Park beginning on page 36.

But if that’s too far to travel, we also offer three dozen park destinations around the country for the coming winter months.

The National Park System is a four-season operation, and there’s always something wondrous and exciting for you, no matter what the forecast.

Traveler footnote: We'll be rolling these stories out on the Traveler through the months ahead, though you can also order a hard copy ($11.99) or digital version ($1.99) now and enjoy it at your leisure.

National Park Advocates, LLC: Essential Park Guide, Winter 2015-16

National Parks Traveler's Essential Park Guide, Winter 2015-16, helps you plan your winter vacation in the National Park System.