Conditions Report
Brought to you by Alta Ski Area
Report from April 10-11, 2021
It’s that time of year. The days are getting longer and the snow is getting softer. Ski resort closing date announcements are abundant and summer activities like hiking, biking, and camping are creeping into your mind. I decided to make my way to Utah to take advantage of some late-season turns at two of my favorite ski areas.
Day 1 – Deer Valley, UT
Utah is usually my first destination of Winter, but I hadn’t made it up there this season. I started out at my home away from home, Deer Valley.
Even with abundant spring snowpack, the high for the day was forecasted for over 50 degrees so I made sure to get out early. I followed the sun and worked my way from low elevation to high elevation as the spring corn set up nicely. I lapped Deer Crest in the morning, moved towards Lady Morgan and Empire mid-day, and finished up my day off Bald Mountain.
The crowds were light and the stoke was high. Deer Valley is well known for its grooming, and its expertise was on full display. Even “the beach” at Silver Lake was rockin’ with beers flowin’ and good vibes all around.
Runs of the day:
Jordanelle – Deer Crest
Magnet – Lady Morgan
Hidden Treasure – Flagstaff
Keno – Bald Mountain
Stein’s Run – Bald Mountain
Day 2 – Alta, UT
I made my way over to Little Cottonwood Canyon for day two of my quick trip. I hadn’t been to Alta in probably six years so I was excited to get back and explore the area.
The forecast for the day was bluebird, but with temperatures hovering in the high 30s low 40s. Not as ideal as the day before for spring corn, but no crowds and plenty of snow certainly made up for it.
I started my day lapping Sugarloaf, waiting for the sun to start loosening up the groomers. As the snow started to soften (just enough for an edge), I moved over to Supreme. I spent most of the day lapping those two areas, sticking to the groomers as the off-piste snow held firm with a crystal-like reflection. In the afternoon, Collins and Wildcat finally loosened up a bit and I finished my day off with countless laps on that side of the mountain.
Runs of the day:
Razorback – Sugarloaf
Sleepy Hollow – Supreme
Stimulation – Wildcat
Race Course –> Saddle Traverse – Collins
Deer Valley Resort is now closed for the Winter 20/21 season.
Alta is still open daily through 4/18, with a bonus weekend 4/23-25.
