The 2016/17 ski season has begun at Alta, and by all accounts it was the very best in recent memory. What started out as a warm and snow-less November that had everyone worried, turned into a massive storm that flipped the switch on winter. Although Alta had to delay opening for two weeks, the wait was worth it as 44 inches of powder fell the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, allowing a massive amount of terrain to be opened.
Usually opening day is what my buddy Mason calls “skiing a white g-string on the bare ass of the Wasatch,” meaning all that is generally open is a thin ski run or two of man-made-snow. But this season skiers were able to ski deep powder on terrain that is rarely open so early, including the Wildcat area, the High Traverse, Ballroom, Baldy Shoulder, and even Backside.
Due to my work schedule, Sunday was the only day I could get to Alta, and even though I missed the deep, untracked powder of opening day, I was blown away by how good the mountain skied for opening weekend. I still found pockets of powder off Wildcat and Backside, and I was surprised to ski some runs that are usually rock gardens mid-season with decent coverage. Even the High T had nary a rock in sight. I am happy to report that it was one of the most fun 1st days of the season I’ve ever had.
According to Wasatch Snow Forecast, more snow is on the way for Alta’s second weekend. Four to Eight inches are possible for mid-week, while a bigger storm that cold drop 1-3 FEET in the Wasatch is on tap for the weekend.