Utah: How bad can it be?

[volvovod]

I need suggestions for Utah: We are leaving tomorrow, will be skiing for three days.The trip has been planned long ago and the tickets are not refundable. It lookslike Utah is having one of its driest winters ever, or at least, that is whatInternet suggests. Am I crazy thinking of driving north to Montana, WY orIdaho? It's an option as we have an AWD Audi reserved. Or should I just relax,stay in Salt Lake City and hit Alta and Snowbird?

Thanks...

 

[andrec10]

I know someone that just got back from Park City and said it was not bad at all.

 

[KustyTheKlown]

don't know how it is now, but in December i chose to skip my Utah plans and drive to big sky and it was a great decision.

 

[deadheadskier]

Xwhaler was there just last week skiing Alta and Snowbird. Skiing looked great to me.

 

[xwhaler]

Just got back from 4 days skiing last week. Stayed at the Cliff Lodge at Snowbird and did 2 days at Alta, 2 at Bird.
Skiing was pretty good all 4 days...base depths are deeper than anything on the East Coast right now.

Here are some pics to give you a sense. The demise of Utah is definitely overblown. Looks like a little snow coming as well to refresh things.

https://opensnow.com/dailysnow/utah


https://northeastmountainsports.com/topic/903-snowbird-monday-129/

https://northeastmountainsports.com/topic/901-alta-sunday-128/

https://northeastmountainsports.com/topic/908-alta-wednesday-131/

 

[Killingtime]

Based on the Park City and Deer Valley webcams it looks like they are in decent shape. Was out there a few years ago also in a "dry" year and still had a blast even though it was mostly packed powder runs with some of the bowl areas having the deeper snow. . . A buddy just got back from Big Sky and said it was powder on top of powder everywhere they went.

I'm heading to Steamboat next week and have the same fears that you do right now.

 

[kingslug]

Go to Alta/Snowbird..ski stuff that is better than here..be happy.

 

[volvovod]

Just got back from 4 days skiing last week. Stayed at the Cliff Lodge at Snowbird and did 2 days at Alta, 2 at Bird.
Skiing was pretty good all 4 days...base depths are deeper than anything on the East Coast right now.

Here are some pics to give you a sense. The demise of Utah is definitely overblown. Looks like a little snow coming as well to refresh things.

https://opensnow.com/dailysnow/utah


https://northeastmountainsports.com/topic/903-snowbird-monday-129/

https://northeastmountainsports.com/topic/901-alta-sunday-128/

https://northeastmountainsports.com/topic/908-alta-wednesday-131/

Does not look too bad indeed! Thank you for the links. I'd rather spend time skiing, not driving.

 

[andrec10]

Go to Alta/Snowbird..ski stuff that is better than here..be happy.

I will be there 4 weeks from today.

 

[volvovod]

Go to Alta/Snowbird..ski stuff that is better than here..be happy.

Thank you, I will. By the way, is there a way to get real discount on Utah lift tickets? Like you get in Norheast?

 

[Jcb890]

Thank you, I will. By the way, is there a way to get real discount on Utah lift tickets? Like you get in Norheast?

The only real discounts we get are season passes and random 2-for-1s.

 

[kingslug]

I think some ski shops there may have some. Liftopia 10 to 20% discounts

 

[boston_e]

Heading to Utah over presidents... glad to hear it isn’t as bad as reports have been saying.

 

[Jcb890]

I think some ski shops there may have some. Liftopia 10 to 20% discounts

Nobody here considers 10-20% off a "real" discount though.

 

[andrec10]

Just got back from 4 days skiing last week. Stayed at the Cliff Lodge at Snowbird and did 2 days at Alta, 2 at Bird.
Skiing was pretty good all 4 days...base depths are deeper than anything on the East Coast right now.

Here are some pics to give you a sense. The demise of Utah is definitely overblown. Looks like a little snow coming as well to refresh things.

https://opensnow.com/dailysnow/utah


https://northeastmountainsports.com/topic/903-snowbird-monday-129/

https://northeastmountainsports.com/topic/901-alta-sunday-128/

https://northeastmountainsports.com/topic/908-alta-wednesday-131/

Based on pics, looks good to me!

 

[thetrailboss]

I need suggestions for Utah: We are leaving tomorrow, will be skiing for three days.The trip has been planned long ago and the tickets are not refundable. It lookslike Utah is having one of its driest winters ever, or at least, that is whatInternet suggests. Am I crazy thinking of driving north to Montana, WY orIdaho? It's an option as we have an AWD Audi reserved. Or should I just relax,stay in Salt Lake City and hit Alta and Snowbird?

Thanks...

Depends on what you are looking for. We are forecast to get some snow today and tomorrow. It will make things better. If you are looking for deep powder, then yes, go north. If you are looking for trying some new areas and enjoying what it is, come on down.

Feel free to PM for more info. Where do you have tickets to?

 

[boston_e]

Depends on what you are looking for. We are forecast to get some snow today and tomorrow. It will make things better. If you are looking for deep powder, then yes, go north. If you are looking for trying some new areas and enjoying what it is, come on down.

Feel free to PM for more info. Where do you have tickets to?

While I didn't start the thread I'd be interested in hearing what it is like.

We are staying in Park City but have the max pass and will do a few days for sure at Brighton and Solitude, but considering doing a day or two at PCMR or Snowbird / Alta as well.

 

[jimk]

just finished 10 days skiing in UT. Alta is skiing better than all the rest. Had a great day there today on about 3" new.
pics from Park city: https://northeastmountainsports.com/topic/905-park-city-13018/

 

[skiNEwhere]

It's the worst snow season thusfar in 40 years. Some Colorado ski areas are doing better than we are. Just for a little perspective.

YTD Snowfall/ base depth)

Loveland - 175 (50)
Snowbird - 163 (61)
Winter Park - 150 (57)
Alta - 145 (60)
Steamboat - 141 (40)
Park City - 97 (42 summit/32 base)

I think it's important to set expectations. You're probably not going to have a stereotypical Utah experience, but at Alta and Snowbird, enough snow has fallen to cover most of the rocks, but there are still plenty out there. The snow is chalky and firm, which still makes for some fun skiing.

Park City is chalky and firm as well, but with a lot less coverage. There is very little off piste terrain open. They've had to shutdown a couple groomers due to aspect and temps causing the run to go down to bare dirt in a couple spots. The higher elevation terrain such as that off of 9990 has held in there much better.

Personally I would stick to Alta and Snowbird if you come out. Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions as I've been skiing all 3 places

 

[redwinger]

I had to laugh when locals were saying that this was the worst winter in 13 years. I skied 4 days, Brighton, Solitude, Alta, Brighton. Skiing was fantastic, hit a 10" powder day at Solitude. They just opened Devils Castle at Alta. I don't know what you're hoping to ski if you can't find it and have fun on it at Alta right now.