Conditions Report
Report from Saturday, March 30, 2024
Park City, Utah, is a massive resort that spans miles of canyons and valleys. As broad as the resort is, lift access extends far into the upper reaches of the nearby peaks.
Saturday was a powder day with six inches of fresh after warmer weather. Snow at lower altitudes was heavy, but the upper mountain chairs were cold enough for excellent snow. Notably, it was surprising how few tracks ran through the upper mountain for a Saturday at such a major resort. We were super worried we wouldn’t find parking, much less clean lines.
But Park City is truly remarkable for its ability to transport massive crowds and stop crowded days from feeling crowded. From the Canyons base, our jaws dropped with the efficiency of the ticket windows and gondola operators. These seasoned folks handle thousands of people per hour with big smiles. The parking was more than accommodating, allowing painless transit from the free parking lots up the Cabriolet (French for “a leap in the air”) to the Red Pine Gondola and up to the main part of the mountain. Similarly, efficient routes help riders ascend from the base of the Park City side of the resort. Once we were out of the Gondola’s immediate vicinity, crowds dissipated, and we never waited in a line, even on a Saturday.
Given its 7,300 acres, Park City provides access to a tremendous variety of terrain. Exploring both sides of the resort is impossible for a single day; it would take a whole season. We had only seven hours, so we focused on the upper lifts at Canyons. From the chairs we rode, we saw hanging cornices, valleys of powder, and deep snow in the trees.
The Ninety Nine 90 Express (quad) treated us to our deepest turns of the day. Ninety Nine 90 reaches exactly 9,990 feet, about the greatest height of any chairlift in Emigrant Canyon (only the Jupiter double, also at Park City, is comparable— topping out at 9,998 feet). We were glad to stay at higher altitudes to enjoy the coldest snow.
The day at Park City marks the end of a week trip around some of the best resorts in Utah. Stay tuned for an article comparing Snowbasin, Snowbird, Powder Mountain, and Park City.
The upcoming weather in Utah indicates that winter could remain in session. Some of the snow is already falling, especially at higher altitudes.
Weather Forecast
