Skiers enjoy slopes before resorts open, with 22″ of snow overnight at Brighton
Nov 9, 2022, 5:18 PM | Updated: 5:26 pm
BIG COTTONWOOD CANYON — Skiers and snowboarders in Utah are already heading up the mountain and getting the season started. With nearly two feet of snow overnight, Brighton plans to open Friday after Solitude opens Thursday afternoon. Meantime, snow riders are already making turns and trying new tricks.
Brighton has gained a reputation as the first resort to open just about every winter. They will not the first this year. But, they’re ready to get the season rolling.
“It’s probably going to be one of our better openings that we’ve seen in years,” said Jared Winkler, Brighton Resort Director of marketing. “Early season snow just kind of gets everybody excited, and when it keeps coming and coming then we really get excited and go to work.”
Dozens of skiers and snowboarders have already been tuning up for the season in Brighton’s Bone Zone. It’s a hikeable terrain park where kids and adults can ride and polish tricks before the lifts start spinning in two days.
“You might as well just get your feet under you again for the season and go out and have some fun,” Nate Bromley, who was enjoying a day in the Bone Zone with some friends, said.
The resort picked up 22 inches of snow overnight, 60 inches since late October, and it was still snowing today.
“I knew it rained a bunch last night. But, I didn’t realize it dumped this much. It’s sick,” Dominic Aley said. “If you just bring a shovel, everyone’s out here having a good time digging, having fun, just chilling.”
A slow start and not enough snow last year, left a lot of riders wanting more.
“I hope there’s more snow this season. Enthusiasm is still there. The more snow the better,” Pierce Maczko said as he was headed to the Bone Zone.
While plenty of people were playing, workers at the resort were busy getting the runs ready. An early resort opening is good for the riders, and good for business.
“It sparks the interest, and hopefully it fires up business all around the valley,” Winkler said.
Brighton will open with three lifts. Early season ticket prices are $80 for adults, $55 for kids 12 and under. Active military and veterans ski free because Friday is Veterans Day, and there’s a discount for their spouses, too.
