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Shelley Osterloh ReportingCooler Temperatures this week mean ski resorts will start making snow. The crews at Park City Mountain Resort already have a little snow on the hill and hope to really start cranking up the snow machines this weekend.
Temperatures in the mid 50's melted some of the man-made snow at Park City Mountain Resort, but even a patch of snow is enough for some people.
Shelley Osterloh: “You just saw the snow and came a running?”
Grant Glenn, Snowboarder: “That’s exactly what happened.”
Robbie Dapper, Park City Snowboarder: “We are so excited to be snowboarding in October, and sliding some rails. It’s super."
Park City starts its snowmaking at the Eagle Race Arena in preparation for the Chevy Truck America's Opening Nov. 22. That's also the day the resort plans to open to the public.
A Ski Utah survey among 4400 snowboarders and skiers last season revealed that more out of state visitors are coming to Utah because of the 2002 Olympics. 56% of those surveyed were from out of state; that’s up from 49% in the year 2000, and many said the games strongly influenced their decision to come visit Utah.
Krista Rowles, Park City Mountain Resort Spokesperson: "It brought exposure to park city mountain resort. Exposure to look at this world class skiing destination and it’s so accessible its, 30 minutes from a salt lake international airport. So I think we are still seeing that trickle and i think that trend will continue through this upcoming season."
Ski and Snowboard magazines continue to rank Utah resorts among the best winter vacation spots.
Another sure sign of winter, today was the first day of sliding at the Utah Olympic Park. The Jr. Luge team was the first to test the ice, but the national skeleton and women's bobsled teams are also training with American and World Cup competition scheduled for December.
And just this week Money magazine ranked the Park City area as among the top six places to vacation this winter.
