Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- Winter has officially arrived at Utah ski resorts, with weekend snowfall enhancing conditions.
- Skiers and snowboarders at Snowbird expressed excitement over improved terrain and open runs.
- Resort managers anticipate fewer cancellations and increased reservations this holiday season.
SALT LAKE CITY — After a slow start to the season, winter has officially arrived at Utah's ski resorts.
Fresh snowfall over the weekend brought improved conditions, more open terrain, and plenty of excitement for skiers and snowboarders.
"Finally snow, I'm really excited," said Cody McReynolds, who lives in Sandy.
McReynolds and his friends were at Snowbird Monday morning, where two more runs were opened because of the new snow.
"It's so much fun. I can now go ski more, get more air, have more fun with my friends," said Canyon Whiteside, who also lives in Sandy.
The weekend storm brought fresh snow to mountains and resorts across the state.
While conditions are improving, skiers say expectations are still important early in the season.
"They're really good. You know, you have to have realistic expectations because the snowpack is still, you know, on the low side," said Kathy McBane, of Salt Lake City. "And it's cold enough now that they can make snow. It's fun."
It's not just skiers and snowboarders who are happy about the recent snowfall.
Resorts managers are happy to talk about snow instead of lack of snow.
That means fewer cancellations and more reservations from people who live out of state.
"The excitement was palpable all around here. I love hearing, like, just the shrieks of pure joy as the people are dropping in for the first time off of a chairlift," said Jacob Marquardt, who is with Snowbird's communications team.
Ski Utah says the timing is especially important because of the holiday season.
"You know, especially around the holiday time, we're just really excited that the snow is finally falling. I never doubted it would come," said Alison Palmintere, Ski Utah's communications director. "But we're excited to see, hopefully, more on the way, too, and I think all the resorts in Utah are just happy to see the snow and the colder temps and just get back to business as usual for the winter."
For Snowbird, that also means being able to put on its New Year's torch light parade and fireworks show at 6 p.m. on New Year's Eve.
"One hundred percent. People are coming to Utah because they want to ski the greatest snow on Earth. Trademarked," said Marquardt with a smile. "And that's what we're hoping to offer them whenever they come out here."
For many skiers and snowboarders, they feel like the winter season has officially started.
