Alta Ski Area in Utah has announced it is postponing its opening date, initially scheduled for November 17, 2023. This decision comes as the resort awaits the return of colder temperatures and more snow.
Video showing sketchy entrance to Main Chute at Alta on November 11, 2023.
The 2022-2023 winter season at Alta was record-breaking, with an impressive 903 inches of snowfall, marking it as one of the greatest snow years in North American ski area history. This year, however, has seen a slower start, with the resort not experiencing the same early snowfall as the previous year.
Alta Ski Area will not open on November 17th.
At this time, our opening date is TBD as we wait for Mother Nature to do her thing.
We will meet on November 16th to reevaluate conditions. We hope to have more information after this meeting.
Thank you for your patience. 🙏❄️ pic.twitter.com/TeKgDO6h3x
— Alta Ski Area (@AltaSkiArea) November 12, 2023
Andria Huskinson, a spokeswoman for Alta Ski Area, explained that the opening is weather-dependent. She highlighted the current 13-inch base, which warmer temperatures and slope traffic could impact. The delay at Alta reflects a broader trend across Utah and other western states, where many regions have experienced below-average precipitation in October. Utah’s 2024 water year started with a mild beginning, significantly impacting the readiness of ski resorts for the season.
This pattern of delayed openings due to insufficient snowfall and warmer temperatures isn’t isolated to Utah. States like Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Washington also reported below-average precipitation in October, affecting winter resorts’ preparations and opening schedules in these regions.
Solitude Mountain Resort in neighboring Big Cottonwood Canyon opened for the season on Friday, November 10, 2023. The resort is the first to open in Utah, and the date marks its earliest opening for 10 years.
