Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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Alex Cabrero reporting It's snowing in the mountains, and that brings people here from all across the country.
"This is the first time I've been in Utah in about 15 years, so I'm looking forward to a great weekend," one person told us.
It's packed going up the canyons, with plenty of people on their way for some skiing. Most of the resorts are now open, and with a snow storm hitting us as we speak, the runs should be perfect.
We've seen lots of skiers at the airport picking up their ski bags. Last year, Utah had a great snow season, setting a record for the most skiers in a year.
So this year, die-hard ski fans got here early.
Head into the Salt Lake International Airport and right away there's no doubt you're in a skiers paradise.
Kevin Goeta-Kreisler came here from Tuscon, Arizona this weekend, just to ski.
Kevin Goeta-Kreisler/ Tuscon, Ari. Resident: "It's extremely convenient to ski here because you're here, and up the slopes in a half hour."
Tom Rankin is visiting, too, from San Diego.
Tom Rankin/ San Diego Resident: "The snow is usually lighter, great terrain, and a lot of ski areas to choose from."
Mark Masterson: "Going to go to Solitude and Snowbird."
Mark Barone: "This will be my first trip to Park City."
Tom Rankin: "Snowbasin."
There are several choices, but each one has the snow to make you smile. For most skiers and snowboarders, this is the first weekend they're getting out.
Travis Sparks: "Way excited. Way excited, yeah."
They didn't want to waste any time talking to a reporter, not with all that snow to glide over.
Craig Buehner/ Die-hard Ski Fan: "I can stick my pole all the way down to the handle in some areas. It's awesome. It's a great day to ski."
And hopefully, it'll be another great season. Last year, Utah resorts were up 12-percent from the previous year, setting a record for most skiers on the slopes. That's helping to give this year an early boost, even if a snowstorm was hitting overhead.
Tom Rankin: "I love skiing in any conditions. It doesn't really matter, as long as there's snow under your feet, that's the key."
Beaver Mountain, Wolf Mountain, and Sundance are the only ski resorts yet to open, but they're planning on it later this month. Of course, that means even more skiers coming here to Utah, and that's always good for business.
