Weekend snowstorm brings long-awaited boost to Utah winter businesses

HUNTSVILLE, Weber County — A weekend storm is giving winter recreation businesses in northern Utah the boost they’ve been waiting for.

For Club Rec, a snowmobile rental company in Monte Cristo, the fresh snow means the season can finally begin in earnest. “This parking lot that we’re standing in was dirt yesterday,” said Paul Avner, part-owner of Club Rec. “It’s definitely been a weird start to the season — later than I think we’ve ever had.” Avner said the company has operated for nearly 20 years and has never seen such a delayed start. Until now, it has been shuttling customers into the nearby mountains to find snow. The new snowfall has changed that. Avner said reservations picked up significantly after Sunday's storm. “You get snow, and people realize they can go snowmobiling,” he said. “We are excited. This will be a great base for us.” Visitors from out of state were already taking advantage of the improved conditions Monday. “The view is amazing,” said Stephany Santos, visiting from Miami. “The weather is so cool to snowmobile.” Avner hopes the snow continues well into March or April. Club Rec also monitors snowpack for its summer operations at Pineview and Willard Bay. [gallery ids="863623,863622,863624,863626"]

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