Experts hope next storm could lead to earlier opening days for Utah resorts
Oct 19, 2021, 1:54 PM | Updated: 2:12 pm
SALT LAKE CITY — This latest storm has a lot of people thinking about the upcoming ski and snowboard season and which Utah ski resort will be the first to open.
Officials with the Utah Department of Transportation said there is enough snow that they have officially closed Guardsman Pass until further notice, but is there enough snow for resorts to kick off the ski season before Halloween?
Experts say the race is on.
🚧 #RoadClosureUpdate🚧 👋 #BCC #SR190 travelers – #GuardsmanPass will remain closed for the season due to ongoing winter weather conditions. This is a seasonal road with no plowing & we want to keep everyone safe. Thanks for the great season travelers! pic.twitter.com/OIbHZFxcpK
— UDOT Cottonwood Canyons (@UDOTcottonwoods) October 19, 2021
The plows were out in Little Cottonwood Canyon and the snow totals are pretty impressive.
In the last 24 hours, 10″ of snow fell at Snowbird, as well as Solitude, adding to their total of 51″ in October.
“There’s nothing that gets people more excited to ski or ride is snow on the ground,” said Nathan Rafferty with Ski Utah.
With all this early season snow, which resort will open its doors first?
10 inches of snow in the last 24 hours with a total of 51 inches in October. Okay October, we see you! 👀 pic.twitter.com/JOWhaRrrKQ
— Solitude Mountain Resort (@SolitudeMTN) October 19, 2021
“About half our resorts have opening dates and the other half say TBA,” said Rafferty.
Rafferty said he hasn’t heard of any ski resorts opening this early, but he remained hopeful. For the time being, Utahns can circle Nov. 19 on their calendar for opening days at Park City Mountain, Woodward and Solitude — at least for now.
“We’re expecting it to be another busy season again this year. Cross our fingers we’ll get tons of the greatest snow on Earth,” said Rafferty.
If you want to stay up to date on resort openings, your best bet is to check skiutah.com.
Opening dates might bounce around a bit with the early season snow.
