Snow storm brings busy holiday weekend for Utah ski resorts
Dec 28, 2024, 4:58 PM | Updated: 5:53 pm
SALT LAKE CITY — It is a Utah tradition: When a big snowstorm blankets the mountains in fresh powder, skiers and snowboarders head to the slopes.
On Saturday, Alta Ski Resort experienced the season’s first sustained snowstorm, which hit at the same time as the post-Christmas holiday. This created the perfect storm for a huge increase in the number of skiers visiting.
Millcreek resident Ruby Fallis, a regular skier at Alta, loved seeing all the snow.
“I love it so much,” she said. “The snow is great for the mountain and for skiing. It is just really enjoyable when there is snow.”
The Alta parking lot full of visitors who want to enjoy the snow. (Mark Less, KSL TV)
Fallis also said she noticed a big difference in conditions between this weekend and the previous one.
“It was pretty slow, like there was a ton of rocks and little twigs,” she recalled.
But now, thanks to the storm, that terrain has been buried under fresh powder.
Lexi Dowdall, Communications Manager for Alta Ski Resort, said the storm brought in a much-needed boost.
“We are clocking 26 inches in just over 48 hours,” Dowdall said. “It is kind of our first big powder cycle up here at Alta Ski Area for the 2024-25 ski season.”
Skiers ridding on an Alta chair lift on Saturday. (Mark Less, KSL TV)
The combination of the holiday weekend and fresh snowfall drew even larger crowds than expected.
“We have been waiting for this storm,” Dowdall said. “Yeah, winter is back, and we are excited to welcome new snow and our holiday guests.”
With more snow forecasted through Monday, skiers can look forward to an even deeper base at Alta and other Utah resorts.
“We are always hoping for more,” said Rio Christensen.
Skiers at the Alta Ski Resort on Saturday. (Mark Less, KSL TV)
Christensen lives in Salt Lake City and also skis at Alta often. His experience tells him we probably won’t have record snowfall like we did two years ago, or even last season, but he remains optimistic this ski season can still be great.
“At this point, I think it’s a little late for getting average or above-average snow,” Christensen said. “But yeah, we’re in Utah, greatest snow, I love it.”
As skiers head up the canyons, they are reminded to be mindful of resort-specific parking rules and traction laws. Law enforcement has been checking vehicles more frequently this season to make sure canyon roads are as safe as possible.
