Snowbasin benefits from 3rd snowiest year on record

HUNSTSVILLE, Utah — Snowbasin Ski Resort had some of their best snow totals during 2019. Officials said it was their best year in decades.

According to recent snow totals, 448 inches dropped on the resort during the year. It was the third-best total on record, and the best since the 1980s.

“We were able to open earlier than ever before, and we’re a pretty old resort — over 80 years,” said general manager Davy Ratchford.

Those numbers also helped the resort set a new record in terms of visitation, as well. Ratchford said the additional snow helped to set a new visitation record.

With yet another storm hitting the area New Year’s Day, Ratchford was hopeful the trend would continue through the current season.

“The timing of it was great,” Ratchford said. “We (expected) between 7 and 11 inches today. As you can see, it’s a powder day. Everybody is out, having a good time, and we opened up the whole mountain.”

Things seemed to work out well on Wednesday, as several inches of snow were dumped on the mountains.

“There’s probably not a better way in the ski industry to have (the year) start — (with) a power day — on January 1. (It’s) kind of the best omen you can have for the season,” he said. “I think all the ski resorts in Utah are seeing that today, which is great. We’re happy for everybody.”

With more snow expected to hit the area this winter, Snowbasin officials said they hoped the higher visitation trends will continue.

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