Fresh snow fuels excitement, but Super El Niño's effect on Utah winter is unknown

SALT LAKE CITY — A weekend storm that coated Utah's mountains in fresh snow has skiers and snowboarders counting down the days until the lifts start spinning.

At Solitude Mountain Resort, opening day is scheduled for Nov. 20, 18 days away. Alta Ski Area temporarily closed uphill travel on Monday for snowmaking. Snowbird reported 17 inches of snow over the weekend.

Recent cold temperatures and snowfall have allowed crews at multiple resorts to begin making snow and building a base ahead of the season.

"We've learned in the past that it can warm up (in) late November," said Jared Winkler, vice president of marketing at Brighton Resort. "If it's cold enough to make snow and it's cold enough for it to stick around, we better take advantage of those temperatures and do it."

After a wet October and a rainy start to November, many Utahns are hoping the early snowfall signals a strong winter ahead.

"We're just excited for the ski season, so we decided to come," said Carson Miller, who was visiting the mountain with friends Monday afternoon. "Last season was kind of a bummer, but this is definitely getting us a little excited a lot."

For some winter sports enthusiasts, last season left much to be desired.

"Last season was a rough one for everyone," Winkler said. "We're looking for at the least an average winter. 500 inches would be amazing. But we're expecting this moisture to be cold and thick and lots of good snow and lots of powder days."

Forecasters continue to watch climate patterns and long-range weather models for clues about the upcoming season. While Super El Niño projections vary, resort officials are optimistic conditions will bring at least an average snowfall year.

A spokesperson for Alta Ski Area said, statistically speaking, chances are high it will receive more snowfall this winter than last.

For now, skiers and snowboarders will keep watching the forecasts and hoping for more storms.

"We leave it to the pros, the meteorologists; we trust in them," Winkler said. "We're looking forward to seeing lots of white coats on the forecasts and going from there."

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