Snowbasin Resort opens for the season following much-needed snowstorm

HUNTSVILLE, Utah — Snowbasin Resort opened up for its first day of the season Saturday, after the recent storm brought in some much-needed snow and freezing temperatures to ski resorts across the state.

“We were hoping and praying that this snow came, and it did,” Davy Ratchford, the general manager at Snowbasin, said. “The last couple of nights, just 24 hours a day, we’ve been making it, so you have the product today.”

Grass and rocks were still visible around the mountain earlier in the week. But on Wednesday, Ratchford announced the Saturday opening, counting on the forecasted snow totals and knowing the cooler temperatures would make it possible for them to turn on their engines to make snow.

Opening day will be this Saturday the 11th! We’re opening for the 2021-22 season with exclusive access for pass holders!

Click the link for more information! https://t.co/KCTbWsM8DE pic.twitter.com/hxpUguNfrP

— Snowbasin Resort (@SnowbasinResort) December 8, 2021

Ratchford says the resort received 15 inches of snow, allowing them to open two of their lifts to season-pass holders over the weekend. Others can bring their boards and skis beginning Monday.

“This storm cycle just a few days ago really changed the game for us,” he said.

The day started out sunny on the slopes. A great start for people like Kyle Schmitz and Grant Mohlenhoff, who are new to Utah and its mountains.

“It’s nice to finally have snow and get winter underway,” Mohlenhoff said. “When you’re at the top, it just looks great looking down at it, seeing it covered now.”

“The line was a bit longer than we anticipated,” Schmitz said. “But once you get up there, it’s so worth it.”

The storm brought enough snow and cold temps to allow @SnowbasinResort to open up for the season today. We’re working on the story for @KSL5TV at 5. pic.twitter.com/d6whSXr2qE

— Matt Rascon KSL (@MattRasconKSL) December 11, 2021

A snowboarder named Zoe was loving the first day back on the slopes, but is already looking forward to when more runs open.

“I wish the jumps were up,” she said.

Until then, skiers and snowboarders enjoyed all they could get.

“We’re just out here taking it all in, getting the full experience,” Schmitz said.

As long as the cold temperatures continue, Ratchford said they would continue to make more snow and hope mother nature delivers. He said they planned to eventually open up all 12 lifts, including a new one next week, over the next several days and weeks.

“We love it. It’s what we live for,” Ratchford said. “That’s the key — open it up gradually, spread people out as the weather allows.”