Alta and Snowbird opened for the season this week, which means all Cottonwood Canyon resorts are completely operational for the 2013/14 ski and snowboard season. Early season conditions are pretty good as recent storms have created a descent base and enough coverage for several lifts and runs to open.
Alta opened on Friday, November 22nd with four lifts operating, including Wildcat, Collins, Sugarloaf, and Sunnyside. According to Alta, there’s plenty of terrain choices for beginners through advanced skiers. On opening day, settled snow depth measured at 28 inches with a total season snowfall of 70 inches so far.
Earlier this week, Snowbird opened on Wednesday, November 20. It was an early opening made possible by a 3-day storm that covered the mountain with over a foot of snow. Snowbird opened with the Gadzoom chairlift operating from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. According to resort management, intermediate and advanced terrain is available on Bassackwards and Big Emma but the remainder of the mountain will be closed to all guests, including hikers.
Of course the exciting news from Snowbird this year is the new, upgraded Gad 2 lift, which is now a high speed detachable quad. The new lift will have its grand opening in December. Snowbird also joined Alta in being a member of the Mountain Collective. AltaSnowbird Mountain Collective members receive two days and 50% off all additional days, plus exclusive lodging deals at each of six destinations: AltaSnowbird, Aspen/Snowmass, Jackson Hole, Mammoth, Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows, and Whistler Blackcomb. More information may be found at www.mountaincollective.com.