Utah is gearing up for significant snowfall over the next five days, with southern and central mountain ranges seeing the heaviest accumulations. The Gooseberry area near Fishlake National Forest is forecasted to receive up to 24" of new snow, which will impact nearby Eagle Point Resort. Also notable are the 21" forecasts for Mt. Baldy and Thistle Flat, adjacent to the Skyline Drive area, popular with backcountry skiers. Seeley Creek and Dill's Camp, both in central Utah, are also expecting 20"+ totals. These regions are excellent options for powder seekers heading into the weekend.
Northern Utah ski resorts are seeing more moderate but still meaningful snowfall. Alta and Snowbird are expecting around 11" and 7" respectively, maintaining their deep base—Alta currently reports 104" snowpack. Brighton is forecasted for 8", while Powder Mountain and Snowbasin—near Ben Lomond Peak (73" snowpack)—could also see close to 10". Further east, the Uinta Mountains, near Trial Lake and Hayden Fork, are forecasted for 13", ideal for backcountry touring. Brian Head Resort in southern Utah is also favored, with 13" forecasted. Overall, southern and central Utah hold the deepest upcoming totals, while the Wasatch resorts remain reliable with consistent snow and solid base depths.
Utah is a winter wonderland that offers skiers and snowboarders some of the best runs in North America combined with breathtaking mountain views. With over a dozen resorts, Utah is a world-renowned destination for winter sports enthusiasts, and the state's ski resorts receive an average of 300-500 inches of snowfall per season, making it a paradise for skiing and snowboarding.
Some of the most popular ski resorts in Utah include Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude, Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley, and Canyons. These resorts offer a variety of terrain, from beginner runs to steep and challenging bowls, so there's something for every level of skier.
Alta and Snowbird are located in Little Cottonwood Canyon and receive an average of 500 inches of snowfall each year, making them a popular choice for powder hounds. Brighton and Solitude, located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, offer a more laid-back atmosphere and are a favorite among locals. Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley and Canyons, located in Park City, provide visitors with easy access to the slopes, après-ski activities, and fine dining.
The best time to visit Utah's ski resorts is between mid-December and mid-April, with January and February offering the most consistent snowfall. Utah's resorts typically have a snowpack of five to ten feet, which provides excellent conditions for skiing and snowboarding.
Utah has a rich ski history, with Alta being the first ski resort in the state, opening in 1939. The resort's first chairlift, the Collins Lift, was built in 1940, and skiing has been a way of life for Utahans ever since. In 1963, the Snowbird Ski Resort opened, and it quickly became a popular destination for advanced skiers. Park City Mountain Resort, originally called Treasure Mountain Resort, was opened in 1963 as well.