Brighton, Solitude to open this week

BRIGHTON, Utah — Brighton Resort announced it is opening for the season on Friday, Nov. 11.

“The resort has received 60 inches of snow since Oct. 22, with more expected throughout the day,” resort officials said Wednesday.

Jared Winkler, Brighton Resort’s director of marketing, said, “Early season snowfall and low temps allowed us to set up the mountain pretty early in the season this year. We estimate that between 50 and 200 snowboarders and skiers have been coming up here every day since the first big storm of the season a few weeks ago.”

OPENING DAY IS THIS FRIDAY NOVEMBER 11TH AT 9AM! Majestic, Explorer and Snake Creek will be running. Veterans and active military ski for FREE this Friday and if you are a spouse of veterans/active military you qualify for a discounted ticket. Hit our Facebook page for more info! pic.twitter.com/o2apVfN5l9

— Brighton Resort (@BrightonResort) November 9, 2022

According to the release, the Majestic, Explorer and Snake Creek lifts will be running seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Crest Express is expected to open soon after.”

On Veterans Day, which is Friday, Brighton says it’s offering free skiing or riding to all active military and veterans.

“These lift tickets will only be available at the ticket windows, proof of eligibility required,” the release stated.

For information on tickets and passes, click here.

Solitude Mountain Resort also opening

Thanks to 22 inches of new snow over the last 24 hours, Solitude Mountain Resort will also be opening to the public this week.

“We can’t wait any longer,” read an 11:31 a.m. tweet from the resort.

Moonbeam and Link lifts, therefore, will open at 2 p.m. Thursday for Solitude and Ikon Pass holders.

According to a release from Solitude, this is the earliest opening day since 2013.

22 inches of new snow in the last 24 hours, and we can't wait any longer. Moonbeam and Link lifts will open tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. for Solitude and @IkonPass holders. #LongestSeasonInUtah pic.twitter.com/Skb39Op51b

— Solitude Mountain Resort (@SolitudeMTN) November 9, 2022

Snow for ski areas also brings the threat of avalanches

With the added snow, the storm is bringing elevated avalanche hazards for the Wasatch and Logan area mountains. 

Craig Gordon with the Utah Avalanche Center said, “This big storm is a huge wallop to our early-season snowpack.”

Gordon added he has already started to see some naturally occurring avalanches.

To keep up to date with weather conditions, you’re encouraged to visit the Avalanche Center here.