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 Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information.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.
(KSL News) -- An early record-breaking snowfall has enabled three more Utah resorts to open this weekend. Park City, Solitude, and Snowbird opened Friday morning, joining Brighton, which opened last Friday.
Fresh snow and great snow conditions greeted skiers and snowboarders Friday at 9 a.m. when Snowbird opened for the 2003-04 season with the Gadzoom and Mid-Gad chairlifts as well as the Tram servicing the Regulator Johnson run. The ticket price will be $38 per day.
"Between the five feet of snow we've received this month and our new snowmaking system, the conditions are amazing for mid-November," said Snowbird President Bob Bonar. Snowbird spent the summer installing a new snowmaking system that extends up the Regulator Johnson run near the top of 11,000-foot Hidden Peak. The new snowmaking system is critical to Snowbird's ability to offer the Tram on opening day.
Park City Mountain Resort will kick off its 40th anniversary season one week early on Friday, November 14, 2003. Over four feet of natural snowfall and ideal snowmaking conditions have provided optimum conditions for an early season opening.
"Conditions over the last week could not have been better. This is the earliest the Resort has opened since the 1997/98 season, in which we recorded over 500 inches of snowfall," said Vern Greco, president and general manager of Park City Mountain Resort. "This is a strong start to our 40th anniversary season and is a snowy welcome to the return of the world cup ski races."
The Resort has enjoyed over four feet of snow since Thursday, October 30, 2003 and expects to open PayDay and Bonanza lifts. With more storms forecasted for the next week and continued snowmaking capability, the exact number of open trails will be determined closer to opening day. The Resort will celebrate its early opening with a party on the newly expanded deck at the Summit House, featuring music, discounted food and drinks.
Solitude opened Friday as well, with three lifts. A total of 72" of snow have fallen so far this season at Solitude.
