SALT LAKE CITY - Heavy snowfall over the weekend is just what ski resorts were hoping for, prompting some to open earlier than expected.
The staff at Brighton Ski Resort spent Monday shoveling snow, dusting off chair lifts and getting ready for opening day on Tuesday. It's a day they've been looking forward to all summer.
"The vibe changed, spirits lifted and everybody got really excited," said Jared Winkler, Brighton Ski Resort Marketing Director. "You could see it in the staff and also in the guests."
The storm dropped four feet of snow in Big Cottonwood Canyon over the weekend, but the resort still brought out the snow makers. It's just to fill in the gaps and make the runs skier ready.
"Once we get enough snow, we want to open," said Winkler. "We're eager and it doesn't take much."
Skiers and snowboarders are still lamenting last season's less than average snowfall. They're ready to get back on the slopes.
"As soon as it starts, we start," said snowboarder Daniel Cochrane. "We spend all summer stressed out."
A detail like lifts didn't stop winter sport enthusiasts from hitting the slopes. As soon as the snow fell, boarders hiked the trails to get a chance at the powder runs.
"It's pretty floaty and nice," said snowboarder Heidi Allen. "the run up is groomed, so you can't beat that kind of hiking, and it's totally worth it."
