Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- Snowbasin Resort opens its 85th season this weekend after a delay in snowfall.
- Skiers are camping out for the first chair despite cold temperatures and incoming storm.
- The new Becker Lift and RFID technology aim to reduce congestion and improve access.
HUNTSVILLE, Weber County — Snowbasin Resort will join the list of open Utah ski resorts Friday morning, kicking off its 85th season after a delayed start to winter sports.
"But, we're here. We were in a little bit of a fight with Mother Nature for a couple of — couple of weeks, but we won and the snow came, the weather came, the temperatures came and there's another storm coming," said general manager Davy Ratchford.
Despite weeks of sparse snowfall, excitement is high. Groups of skiers and snowboarders have already pitched tents near the Needles Gondola, braving cold temperatures and an incoming storm to secure a spot on the first chair.
"We set up our tent to be one of the first people to make it up the gondola," said Trey Galbraith, who is camping with his brother and friends on heated pavers. "We'll see how it goes."
Ratchford said the resort now has enough snow to open Littlecat, the learning terrain, the main gondola and a mid-mountain lift.
Crews also hope to debut the new Becker Lift, a now high-speed quad, which will cut travel time to the Strawberry area. It used to take 13 minutes to reach the top — now it'll take six.
"That lift is huge because it will create access to the Strawberry area even faster," Ratchford said. "It'll help with congestion."
New RFID technology at every lift should also keep lines moving. Skiers will no longer need to show passes — just keep them in a jacket pocket and walk through the gates.
While some runs aren't ready yet, Snowbasin staff said the mountain finally looks like winter after weeks of battling warm weather. Another storm is expected to bring about a foot of snow through the weekend.
For those camping out, the goal is simple: be first on the mountain.
"They want to be first chair," Ratchford said. "I think it's crazy, but they're awesome, because the excitement is palpable, right?"
For Snowbasin season pass holders who still need to pick up their new card, the resort is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There are self-service kiosks open 24/7.
During opening weekend, the Meadow Yurt will open at 7 a.m. for season pass pickup.
