4 feet of new snow brings crowds to Little Cottonwood Canyon on Presidents Day

SALT LAKE CITY — Large crowds hit the slopes for Presidents Day Monday as skiers and snowboarders took advantage of roughly 4 feet of new powder that fell over the long holiday weekend.

At Snowbird, assistant director of marketing Kelsey James said 50 new inches had fallen from Thursday through Monday morning.

“It’s just really nice to finally feel like we have winter back,” James said. “We’re looking at the forecast and it’s more snow.”

Other ski areas saw similar massive four-day snow totals. As of early Monday, Brighton recorded 45 inches and Alta saw 44 inches.

As a result, the masses showed up to Little Cottonwood Canyon over the weekend and again for the holiday.

“This is like the best day ever!” said Adam Levy, who was visiting Snowbird from New York.

James Racanelli, also from New York, said he loved the “soft, dry” powder conditions.

Traffic in the canyon over the weekend and Monday morning was heavy and backed up at times.

https://ksltv.com/local-news/utah-skiers-in-bounds-snowfall/740355/

Kelsey James said parking lots were full at Snowbird by 9:30 a.m.

“Our lots fill up quickly and the road conditions are not prime for people who are not experienced winter drivers,” she said. “We just really need people to carpool and take public transportation just so we can all enjoy the mountains.”

Lexie Gwynn said she delayed her start time to midday to avoid traffic.

“Then people are leaving so you can snag their spots and you don’t have to park on the street,” Gwynn said. “Getting out — we haven’t figured that one out yet. That’s a two-hour-from-now problem.”

Still, traffic didn’t deter skiers and snowboarders from taking advantage of what was one of the most epic powder weekends of the season to date.

“The conditions have been amazing,” said Michael Visconti of New York. “Utah has been awesome to us.”

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