Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — For many Utahns, Mother's Day weekend typically includes planting in the garden, taking a bike ride or playing in the park. Most families won't need to cancel those activities, but some mothers will spend their special day skiing fresh powder at Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort.
"Conditions are epic up here," said Johnny Collinson, who grew up skiing at Snowbird.
From Collinson's point of view, this is perfect weather for Mother's Day weekend. With more than a foot of fresh snow in the last two days, and a 100-inch base, the resort and the skiers are enjoying the best spring conditions in three years.
Collinson's mother skis, too. So, he has a plan for Mother's Day.
"I'll be going skiing with my mom, hopefully," he said.
As a storm system soaked the valleys of the Wasatch Front Friday, snow and wind plastered the high mountains. The people piling off of the tram at the top of Hidden Peak are not the Utahns who get sick of winter.
"I've got to get some skiing in, man," said Tyler Gaebe of Park City.
Gaebe, and many others at the resort Friday, are the skiers and snowboarders who will head for the mountain until the very last day.
"Even though it's May, it's perfect conditions up here for a ski day," said Gaebe.
"I just absolutely love it, and a day like today is fantastic," said Jamie Zayach of Sandy, who said she's regular at Snowbird. "It's a gorgeous day, and I'm going out with my girlfriend, and we're going to tear it up a little bit."
No other resort remains open for skiers and snowboarders. If you still want to catch a few more days at Snowbird, the resort is open for skiing Friday, Saturday and Sunday until the end of May. The last day is Memorial Day.
"This is my 38th year here," said Dave Powers. "I came here when I was 25, with a one-way plane ticket and a dream to be a skier."
Powers said he never left. Today, he hit day No. 144 on the mountain this season. The long season, with high-quality conditions, are a couple of the reasons he never left.
"It's incredible to get this," he said.
Everybody else who spent a stormy Friday at "The Bird" seemed to agree.
"I was biking up Emigration Canyon yesterday," said Kyle Gray of Salt Lake City. "Now, I'm getting an awesome powder day skiing. So, there's something for everybody."
*KSL.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does KSL.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
