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SOLITUDE — Skiers did not waste time heading up the mountain to enjoy the first snow of the season at Solitude Mountain Resort this weekend.
Utah residents Chase Ellett and Rose Holbrook enjoyed an hour out on the slopes Sunday morning.
"It's so exciting. It's the best time of the year," Holbrook said. "I've got a good feeling about this season."
"We just went to the top of Apex and it was fantastic," Ellett said.
Employees at Solitude Mountain Resort shared the excitement as they gear up for another busy winter. The resort's 1,200 acres are now covered in fresh powder with the peaks receiving nearly 18 inches from this latest storm.
"We love early season snow, and to get this much right off the bat has been just an awesome way to start the season," said Travis Holland, communications manager for Solitude. "We are ready for opening day. People come from all over the world to see the snow and we are really happy to welcome everybody back for another great winter."
The resort's opening day is set for Nov. 18. Many resorts are taking advantage of the conditions and running snowmaking operations.
"We are starting up snowmaking operations. Last night we fired up the guns and it just does a great job creating an awesome base for all this natural snow to fall on," Holland said.
Ski Utah reported a record 5.8 million statewide visits to Utah's 15 resorts and surrounding cities during the 2021-2022 winter season, up nearly 10% from the year before.
"Park City it's a really popular destination. It's a really special place," said Emily McDonald, communications manager with Park City Mountain Resort.
Park City is also excited to see visitors flock to the area in a couple of weeks to enjoy the greatest snow on Earth.
"It's a result of the perfect combination of geography, topography and climate that just gives us the perfect skiing and riding snow," McDonald said. "Low humidity, high elevation and cold temperatures which gives us this really low-density snow that's perfect."
Park City Mountain Resort also plans to open on Nov. 18.
Planned Opening Dates
All planned opening dates listed at Ski Utah website are as follows:
Nov. 18: Alta Ski Area, Brian Head Resort, Park City Mountain Resort, Solitude Mountain Resort
Nov. 25: Snowbasin Resort
Nov. 30: Snowbird
Dec. 3: Deer Valley Resort
Dec. 9: Nordic Valley, Sundance Mountain Resort
Dec. 16: Eagle Pointe Resort
TBA: Beaver Mountain Resort, Brighton Resort, Cherry Peak Resort, Powder Mountain, Woodward Park City
*All dates are subject to change
