NewsLocal News

Actions

Solitude, Alta postpone opening days due to warm temperatures

Solitude Skiing
Posted at 9:46 AM, Nov 16, 2021
and last updated 2021-11-16 20:33:56-05

BIG COTTONWOOD CANYON, Utah — The once-promising start to the upcoming ski season hit another small road bump Tuesday as two resorts announced that they are postponing their opening dates due to warmer temperatures.

TODAY'S FORECAST: A little rain & snow, but a big drop in temperatures!

Solitude Mountain Resort officials say the new opening date is now set for Tuesday, November 23; a delay from Friday's original target date.
Alta Ski Area, which was scheduled to open Saturday, announced that it will now open November 24. Resort officials said they plan to resume snowmaking this week if temperatures drop enough. They expect to open the Collins/Wildcat area initially, with the Sunnyside area opening later due to lower amounts of snow there.

Park City Mountain announced its decision to delay opening last week.

The warmer-than-expected temperatures are limiting Solitude's snowmaking potential.

“With colder temps on the way, we will be making snow at every available window. If conditions justify opening earlier than November 23, we will be ready to go,” said Solitude President & COO Amber Broadaway.
A few weeks ago, cold temperatures and early snowfall led many to get excited about a robust season. However, unseasonably warm weather returned and hampered efforts to get snow on the mountains.

WATCH: Ski season in Utah closer to ‘normal’ this year, even as pandemic continues

2021-22 Anticipated Opening Dates (subject to change; via skiutah.com and individual resort websites)

  • Alta: November 24
  • Beaver: to be announced
  • Brian Head: to be announced
  • Brighton: to be announced
  • Cherry Peak: to be announced
  • Deer Valley: December 4
  • Eagle Point: December 17
  • Nordic Valley: December 3
  • Park City Mountain: to be announced
  • Powder Mountain: to be announced
  • Snowbasin: November 24
  • Snowbird: December 1
  • Solitude: November 23
  • Sundance: December 10
  • Woodward Park City: to be announced