BIG COTTONWOOD CANYON, Utah — The anticipation of skiers to hit the slopes was matched today by a Utah resort that couldn't wait to open its season.
Brighton Ski Resort, which had previously moved up its opening date to Friday, was so eager to get going that it made a surprise announcement and opened Thursday instead. The Big Cottonwood Canyon resort announced on social media that it was open at 11 a.m. to all season and Ikon passholders, along with Go Card Owners.
The resort will still hold its official opening day on Friday where everyone is invited to ski.
Another Utah ski resort is hopping on the "Early Opening Express" following massive snowfalls across the area.
WATCH: Early snowfall totals bode well for Utah's drought conditions
Snowbird announced it will open Nov. 18, two weeks ahead of when it was scheduled to welcome visitors.
The resort said it made the decision after receiving 32 inches of snow during recent storms, and over 7 feet since October, which has resulted in a 67-inch base.
“I haven’t seen early-season snowfall like this in years and we plan to take advantage of it,” said Snowbird's Dave Fields. “Our teams are working hard to get the mountain ready and we’re excited to start the season with such a strong base and what will be great ski conditions.”
Despite the early opening, Snowbird is still late to the game. Brian Head opened last week, while Solitude is scheduled to open its gates to skiers on Thursday. Brighton announced it will also open on Thursday after receiving more than 60" of snow since October 22.
