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Ski 'n Board

(Dave Fields | Snowbird) A sign prohibiting interlodge travel due to avalanche danger is photographed on Friday, March 24, 2023.

Avalanche spills onto Snowbird beginner run, no one hurt

By Julie Jag | April 6, 2023, 11:01 p.m.

(Amy Jimmerson | Red Bull) Colby Stevenson of Park City begins his blind entry into the narrow Corbet's Couloir during the Kings and Queens of Corbet's big mountain competition on Feb. 7, 2023. Stevenson won the king's crown.

Utahns crowned skiing royalty at King and Queen of Corbet’s

By Julie Jag | February 19, 2023, 1:00 p.m.

Rapper Travis Scott, Olympian Shaun White turn The Gateway into a snowboarding showcase during All-Star Weekend

Alta hits 500 inches of snow as battle for best ski season in history continues

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(Jamie Schwaberow | X Games) Colby Stevenson celebrates with the gold medal he won in the men's ski slopestyle event Saturday at the 2023 X Games in Aspen, Colorado.

Parkite Colby Stevenson wins X Games gold in Aspen

Stevenson brought home Team USA’s first gold medal in the 2023 Winter X Games.

By Ben Lasseter | KPCW | February 2, 2023, 1:44 p.m.

(Andrew Kooyman) Stopping by the Blind Miner for a pre-lap fix is a tradition for a lot of Brighton riders. Try a Majestic Mint for some chocolatey, minty, coffee goodness. Hot chocolate versions are available for the kids.

Need to slake your thirst after a day on the slopes in Utah? Here are your best options.

A guide to Utah ski resorts’ signature cocktails and mocktails.

By Julie Jag | December 16, 2022, 4:07 p.m.

(Cherry Peak) A skier enjoys a coating of powder while skiing at Cherry Peak Resort near Richmond on Feb. 24, 2022.

Utah ski area makes unplanned opening after big storm. Here’s how much snow resorts have seen so far

Resorts across the state receive roughly 2 feet of “white cold smoke powder.”

By Julie Jag | December 14, 2022, 6:56 p.m.

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Skiers brave the high winds at Deer Valley, on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022.

Utah skiers, snowboarders taking advantage of ‘bonus’ season, anticipating arrival of tourists

Midseason snow with early season turnout gives locals experiences of a lifetime.

By Julie Jag | December 2, 2022, 1:22 p.m.

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) People hit the slopes at Deer Valley on Friday, Dec. 12, 2019. On Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022, the Park City-area resort will open ahead of schedule for just the second time in its 40-year history, and it will do so with a blanket of fresh powder.

Utah’s ski resorts loading up on snow in the coming week

Deer Valley, Sundance, Powder Mountain all should have fresh powder to open their seasons.

By Julie Jag | December 1, 2022, 9:26 p.m.

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) People hit the slopes at Deer Valley on Friday, Dec. 12, 2019. Deer Valley plans to open earlier than scheduled this season, just the second time in the resort's 41-year history that it has moved its opening date and started the ski season in November. It was set to open Dec. 4 but will now start lifts turning Nov. 29 for passholders and Nov. 30 for the general public.

Deer Valley Resort moves up opening day of ski season for first time in decades

Alta, Snowbasin, Snowbird and Woodward Park City firing up lifts Friday; Powder Mountain announces opening date

By Julie Jag | December 9, 2022, 8:08 p.m.

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Theodore Dean, 5, adjust his gear as he gets ready to ride first chair with his family after arriving more than five hours ahead of the afternoon opening at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.

Brighton beats Solitude for ski opener bragging rights but competition among resorts is heating up

Solitude picks new, friendly fight with Snowbird for #LongestSeasoninUtah

By Julie Jag | December 9, 2022, 8:32 p.m.

Brian Head Resort Brian Head Resort, the southernmost ski area in Utah, announced it will open Friday. If it can pull it off, it will be the earliest opener in the resort's history and one of the earliest ever for the state.

A Utah ski resort will open Friday, one of the earliest openings in recent history

Brian Head’s newly announced opening is believed to be the fourth earliest in state history.

By Julie Jag | December 9, 2022, 8:33 p.m.

(Warren Miller Films) Tyler Blocker, 16, of Mountain Green gets some air off a cliff at Snowbasin Resort. Blocker was surprised by professional skiers Johnny Moseley and Marcus Caston, of Salt Lake City, who informed Blocker he as selected to appear in the 2022 Warren Miller film "Daymaker."

A Snowbasin teen ruptured his spleen, lost a kidney and briefly died. A year later, he was starring in a Warren Miller ski film.

Morgan High senior Tyler Blocker ruptured his spleen and lost his kidney a year before his selection for “Daymaker.”

By Julie Jag | December 9, 2022, 8:34 p.m.

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Deirdra Walsh, new Vice President and COO of Park City Mountain Resort, is pictured on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022, as she takes over for Mike Goar at a pivotal time for the ski area.

Park City Mountain Resort’s new COO ushers in ticket caps, paid parking in a moment of community unrest

Deirdra Walsh believes her roots in Park City, and plenty of conversations, can lead to a “reset”.

By Julie Jag | October 3, 2022, 12:00 p.m.

(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Park City Mountain Resort employees move parts designated for the resort's new Eagle lift, Thursday, July 7, 2022. Residents last month blocked the resort from being able to install the lift because of discrepancies in resort capacities by two firms.

Park City Mountain will send ski lifts caught in red tape to another resort

Lift intended as an upgrade to Silverlode will instead become the first eight-pack in Canada.

By Julie Jag | September 29, 2022, 12:00 p.m.

(Tyler Ravelle | TGR) McRae Williams of Park City is making the transition from 2018 Olympian to a skier in Teton Gravity Research's latest film, "Magic Hour," which will be shown at Red Butte Garden on Monday, Sept. 19, 2022. Williams is in the magic hour of his pro career, but is unsure if the sun is rising or setting on him.

Olympic skier McRae Williams’ career is in its ‘Magic Hour,’ but is it the end or just the beginning?

At 31, Park City slopestyle athlete is making his debut with Teton Gravity Research in a film that is showing Monday at Red Butte Garden.

By Julie Jag | September 18, 2022, 12:00 p.m.

","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"APMSUAKMORGI3HIU5AKURRG5RQ","content":"“I think it might be a knight. Or a jester or something?” he said. “I don’t know if it’s prince, but hey, I’ll take that. I’ll take whatever I can get.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TUUJZ5MTRNFSLJ2CW347N2EG7A","content":"Wilson, like Kunst, made his Kings and Queens debut last year, entered with a backflip and followed it up with another one midmountain. Unlike the other two, he knew his parameters as soon as he looked down from the start gate..","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZUNNYTW7NJBLXLKM2AKJLON5ZI","content":"“The entrance is really tight at the top. It feels, like, claustrophobic left to right,” Wilson said. “I didn’t really want to do a spinning trick because I tend to drift. And, like, that last wall is not a good zone to land — not that the right wall is any better. I thought that if I just did a backflip off of it, I could keep everything nice and straight.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"46CZT46W5JECDOZ7WA55U2ETFQ","content":"The King and Queen of Corbet’s contest began in 2018 and has been gaining in prestige in the years since. It pits skiers vs. snowboarders and park jibbers vs. big mountain riders. Kunst said her favorite part is that it mixes men and women in the lineup, with the order selected via a draw. Each competitor gets two runs and afterward the athletes serve as the judges, rewatching the videos in a theater and voting for the winner.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XGWKZCB2FJACHPVIKSF773BVLU","content":"Skier Claire McPherson, 19, of Canada won the queen crown this year, but the two prior queens hailed from Utah: Kunst and Salt Lake City snowboarder Madison Blackley. Stevenson is the first Utahn to take the king’s crown.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JUZ7YYC52FG3JMGAH75YBP7JTY","caption":"(Amy Jimmerson | Red Bull) Piper Kunst of Salt Lake City flies high near the bottom of the narrow Corbet's Couloir during the Kings and Queens of Corbet's big mountain competition on Feb. 7, 2023. Kunst, the 2022 queen, placed second.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/JUZ7YYC52FG3JMGAH75YBP7JTY.jpg"},{"_id":"KVENFULOWFFW5OWSOWZCRAFUAY","content":"He said he plans to be back. He’s found his kin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EDPUKBICBNAARJ7R3OZHW46RGQ","content":"“It’s just a nice, like, starting point for me to get into something like this and kind of change the direction of my career,” said Stevenson, who also is competing in World Cup and Dew Tour events this month as well as doing some filming. “I’m really excited to do more events like that down the road.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"H5DC6N7FXNHK3G4XZGZNM3WMM4","content":"A<a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.redbull.com/us-en/videos/kings-and-queens-of-corbets-2023-recap-show/" target=\"_blank\"> recap of the event</a> can be found online at redbull.com.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I7ZJTNB6BRG7BDTPCSOHLX45WA","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2023-02-19T13:00:52.118Z","headlines":{"basic":"Utahns crowned skiing royalty at King and Queen of Corbet’s"},"last_updated_date":"2023-02-22T18:03:05.134Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Amy Jimmerson | Red Bull) Colby Stevenson of Park City begins his blind entry into the narrow Corbet's Couloir during the Kings and Queens of Corbet's big mountain competition on Feb. 7, 2023. Stevenson won the king's crown.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/MYODSKXR3JHMBPVX4CGZTWIU6Q.jpeg"}},"publish_date":"2023-02-19T13:00:52.274Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Olympic medalist Colby Stevenson crowned king on his first attempt in event that shows he “has a screw loose.”"},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"Skiing","slug":"skiing","text":"Skiing"},{"description":"Olympics","slug":"olympics","text":"Olympics"},{"description":"Park City","slug":"park-city","text":"Park City"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2023/02/19/utahns-crowned-skiing-royalty-king"},{"_id":"WD7R3BS7JJD7DIF2YNAA2I5I6A","canonical_url":"/sports/2023/02/19/with-jams-jibs-snowboarders","content_elements":[{"_id":"PPFLFYKBVVBBZAGWHNLHUDLCQY","content":"Sure, Mac McClung leapt over two people, kissed the ball off the glass and then dropped it down the hoop on his way to winning the NBA’s Slam Dunk contest Saturday night at Vivint Arena. But could he throw down a jam while sliding over a rail on a snowboard?","type":"text"},{"_id":"E3PVMBHJZJBPXO4FIFVXDA3KCE","content":"A few hours earlier Nate Haust could and did during the Grit Rail Jam held just down the street at The Gateway. An NBA All-Star Weekend event meant to bring together two of Utah’s greatest sporting passions — basketball and snow sports — the free pro snowboarding competition drew more than 10,000 fans to the outdoor mall’s Olympic Plaza.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7IKET56HY5ESDCWFZ5WXIYA7W4","content":"Some knew enough about park snowboarding to be able to provide running commentary on the event. Others wouldn’t even know how to strap in. Then again, the same could be said for the disparity in basketball knowledge among the crowd.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WQQTXHMB5VEENFM52FHTORUZIM","content":"Irvin Butterfass, a new transplant to Utah from Minnesota who could call out each trick, was singled out by his group of about 10 friends watching from the upper level as “the basketball guy.” It was a title he quickly denied.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KDFQVMGZTNBBXJVDWS476W45GY","content":"“I know that you can take two steps,” Butterfass, 18, said, “and that’s about it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YNKTDEJXSVCXLPCL3VZVT4NQM4","caption":"(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Pro snowboarder Nate Haust flies over emcee Josh Nilsen on Saturday. Thousands of huckfest enthusiasts watched professional snowboarders throw down tricks on handrails at GRIT Rail Jam at The Gateway's Olympic Plaza on Feb. 18, 2023 as part of the NBA All-Star Weekend. ","subtitle":"","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/YNKTDEJXSVCXLPCL3VZVT4NQM4.jpg"},{"_id":"F4Q5OBX26VHMFIO77XJGVIAOQU","content":"Wherever fans fell in the snowboarding familiarity spectrum, though, they seemed to appreciate the display of balance, hops and bravado the 20 riders made on the manufactured course. It included a two-story tall hill built on a scaffolding that was covered in trucked-in snow and littered with boxes, stairs and thick railings meant for sliding.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RF2OTZUYCND3ZE5SJQ7SJKHGBQ","content":"Salt Lake City snowboarder Jill Perkins consulted with event organizer and <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/11/04/searching-unicorns-can//" target=\"_blank\">snowboarding legend Jeremy Jones</a> in the design of the setup. As tends to be the case with courses built on scaffolding, she said it was “a death trap” the way it was originally built. After some safety alterations, Saturday’s final design must have suited her much better, though, because she came away with the women’s title and a $10,000 check. Jaylen Hanson of Minnesota took second and $5,000 and another Salt Lake City rider, Kaleah Opal, placed third after hitting her head midway through the finals and having to sit out the last half.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2P3T3FUTJRAKJO6MUO6V5HWELM","content":"Haust won the men’s event over Pat Fava of Salt Lake City and Dusty Hendrickson of Big Bear, Calif. He said the roar and energy of the crowd carried him to victory.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FTMO6PT6QVDEHE4IS6THW4IN3U","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"QPLWQ35TVBCWHD34AJHHWXXPYY","content":"“The crowd is wild right now. Everyone’s going crazy,” Haust, 30, said. “And obviously it’s a big weekend and there’s a lot of positive energy and that’s one thing that gets me fired up and helps me ride better, I guess.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4FRBPRCBDFCQVGRXXWZUQG3R7E","content":"Haust’s backside 450 and backflips and Perkins’ rail slide off with a knock off the Grit backboard sent the onlookers into a frenzy. That roar was only amplified by a surprise appearance by Olympic and X Games medalist <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/04/06/shaun-white-takes-triple//" target=\"_blank\">Shaun White</a>, as well as Jones and rapper Travis Scott, a snowboarder who helped sponsor the event.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YIBZ5VUU5RGNFEFK7T72XIYPSA","content":"Scott was the main draw for a group of high school friends from West Haven and Farr West who arrived early enough to secure spots against the fence right below the jump. They planned to spend the rest of their evening checking out the various pop-up shops in the area while keeping an eye out for NBA stars.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P2KFDU2S3JFKTCQZWFQO4X5RGU","caption":"(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Jill Perkins of Salt Lake City flies high on Saturday. Thousands of huckfest enthusiasts watched professional snowboarders throw down tricks on handrails at GRIT Rail Jam at The Gateway's Olympic Plaza on Feb. 18, 2023 as part of the NBA All-Star Weekend. ","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/P2KFDU2S3JFKTCQZWFQO4X5RGU.jpg"},{"_id":"JHL2RCDMHJCZ5JIU7G62BVDOLQ","content":"They said they didn’t find anything odd about the juxtaposition of a snowboarding event with the <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/artsliving/2023/02/16/how-take-part-all-star-weekend//" target=\"_blank\">NBA All-Star Weekend</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CYITCL6WBVFCFDICQ7UMJP2LVY","content":"“I think it integrates well with Utah,” Hunter Smith, 18, said. “With this being Utah, I think it’s perfect.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YB3GWJ5Y35CFFO5UACFHJPL4HY","content":"If the main rail jam itself seemed a little out of place among the basketball-centric events, its encore was not. Once the finals ended, riders were invited to participate in a slam dunk contest on snowboards.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G2IL2WFSLJDJHBRHWIXFKSDJKA","content":"Salt Lake’s Egan Wint won the women’s title with pure grit and determination. Haust, meanwhile, made one stylish and impressive slam after another to win the men’s event. This even though he reluctantly admitted he doesn’t play or follow a lick of basketball.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HM2RJFTTFZGYXGPAAEEXYPUWNE","caption":"(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Olympic snowboarder Shaun White is greeted by rapper Travis Scott on Saturday. Thousands of huckfest enthusiasts watched professional snowboarders throw down tricks on handrails at GRIT Rail Jam at The Gateway's Olympic Plaza on Feb. 18, 2023 as part of the NBA All-Star Weekend. ","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/HM2RJFTTFZGYXGPAAEEXYPUWNE.jpg"},{"_id":"6XE2YUI455EADPPPCVJBBXS2TY","content":"Still, he and possibly organizers are hoping this event might create some mutual admiration and interest.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QLJOUGKJQVGNFEVOWN2DULKQLY","content":"“I think this is gonna do really good things for the industry,” Haust said. “I would imagine as I don’t pay attention to basketball, I’m sure a lot of these basketball fans don’t know much about snowboarding. So I think this is a great opportunity to get in front of a lot of eyes and hopefully it can get more people on hill.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"76PXBIVJOFAMNJE6A4BCOFCRXA","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2023-02-19T13:00:08.253Z","headlines":{"basic":"Rapper Travis Scott, Olympian Shaun White turn The Gateway into a snowboarding showcase during All-Star Weekend"},"last_updated_date":"2023-02-22T18:01:28.625Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Snowboarder Dusty Hendrickson from Big Bear, Calif., throws down tricks on handrails at GRIT Rail Jam at The Gateway's Olympic Plaza on Feb. 18, 2023 as part of the NBA All-Star Weekend.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/BWQFSZRQNVD7TNKGZOXN2DF4NA.jpg"}},"publish_date":"2023-02-19T13:35:38.502Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"The thousands of fans didn’t need to know anything about the sport to appreciate the flips, spins and slides they saw performed on the scaffolding setup in Olympic Plaza."},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"Skiing","slug":"skiing","text":"Skiing"},{"description":"Olympics","slug":"olympics","text":"Olympics"},{"description":"NBA","slug":"nba","text":"NBA"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2023/02/19/with-jams-jibs-snowboarders"},{"_id":"BNOUZN2U2VEJ3KCE5EAAORHO6Y","canonical_url":"/sports/2023/02/17/alta-hits-500-inches-snow-battle","content_elements":[{"_id":"CYC3OEMKVFFENLD3LIG7KG5WVI","content":"The revered 500-inch February has arrived at Alta Ski Area, and it’s early — historically early.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4CMHSOVT5BEANNI2HS5NGMDJ7Y","content":"The ski-only playground at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon has a reputation for collecting the most snow in Utah and some of the most in North America each season with an average of 540 inches. In the best seasons it hits 500 inches of snow — more than most resorts will ever see in an entire season — by mid-February.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5MQ75XDALRCL3KI7XYB6H3ZZIA","content":"This year, Alta hit that milestone earlier than ever before thanks to Tuesday’s sweet 5-inch skiff.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WGOD4R2KS5BIRKKIL2DF3FUOGU","content":"“No other winters have we surpassed 500 [inches] on Valentine’s Day,” Alta spokesperson Andria Huskinson wrote in a text. “In 1982 we had 497 [inches] on Valentine’s Day.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"RSH4RHREMJGNDPVTWJ6WRDHIXU","content":"Alta got another inch of snow Wednesday, giving it <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.alta.com/weather?utm_source=Inntopia&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=14137690\%22 target=\"_blank\">502 for the season</a>, its most to date.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IEGPDHI4VBGKFDAMJGC3QU6ESE","content":"The 2022-23 season’s reign will soon be usurped, though. In 1981-82, which is generally heralded as the snowiest ski season in the Wasatch Mountains, Alta got another storm Feb. 16-17 that put it at more than 502 inches. With no storm in sight through this weekend, this season is expected to fall back into second place.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ELQO2HQTAREY3C44F6F6RQRPC4","content":"Another storm is expected for Presidents Day, however, which could again shift the standings. <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"http://opensnow.com//" target=\"_blank\">OpenSnow.com</a> has forecast up to 44 new inches of snowfall between Monday and Wednesday at Alta. If the storm is an overachiever, Alta will have surpassed its annual average snowfall with more than two months left in the season.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QV5M75WVCZB4BAGRATKVTSFNGQ","content":"Other resorts need just one or two more storms to tickle the 500-inch mark. <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://brightonresort.com/conditions/" target=\"_blank\">Brighton</a>, at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, reports receiving 498 inches of snow this season as of Thursday. Snowbird reports 470 inches, while <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.solitudemountain.com/mountain-and-village/conditions-and-maps#/\" target=\"_blank\">Solitude</a> is sitting at 431. Park City Mountain Resort comes in at 336 inches to date. Ogden-area resorts <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.snowbasin.com/the-mountain/conditions//" target=\"_blank\">Snowbasin</a> and <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.powdermountain.com/resort/the-mountain/conditions/snow-report/" target=\"_blank\">Powder Mountain</a> say they have seen 284 and 270 inches, respectively, while Beaver Mountain near Logan has gotten 246 inches.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D637VQNKYBDPRHQEO5EUDEQ5LU","content":"Last month, <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2023/01/25/alta-snaps-snowfall-record-after//" target=\"_blank\">Alta also set a record</a> for the most early-season snowfall.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BJMWSAPSQRG37LMI7YVA4S2C6I","content":"Despite the back-and-forth when it comes to total snowfall to date, though, the 1981-82 still has a strong hold on the top spot in terms of water content, at least at Alta. Huskinson said that season’s snow up to this point contained 6.5 more inches of water than this season’s.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E2EMII742JDKXFEISTYAZ6HOLQ","content":"Again, though, a few wet storms in March — the month Alta typically receives the most snow — could change all that.","type":"text"},{"_id":"56ZX3YRBHBFLLE7SANRMY2QKZA","content":"“We’ll have to see,” Huskinson said, “how the remainder of winter goes.”","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2023-02-17T13:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Alta hits 500 inches of snow as battle for best ski season in history continues"},"last_updated_date":"2023-02-22T18:04:13.358Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) A field of skiers makes some turns at Alta Ski Area on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023. The resort hit 500 inches of snowfall for the season on Feb. 14, the earliest it has ever reached that milestone.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/Q4NVM4UHJ5GK3EBUQQZ2GE3LBU.JPG"}},"publish_date":"2023-02-17T13:00:04.469Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Milestone arrives earlier than ever, but snowpack has less moisture than in 1981-82."},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"Alta Ski Area","slug":"alta-ski-area","text":"Alta Ski Area"},{"description":"Alta","slug":"alta","text":"Alta"},{"description":"Weather","slug":"weather","text":"Weather"},{"description":"Skiing","slug":"skiing","text":"Skiing"},{"description":"Brighton Resort","slug":"brighton-resort","text":"Brighton Resort"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2023/02/17/alta-hits-500-inches-snow-battle"},{"_id":"PZUE2LJEWND25MGB55PE74HNHA","canonical_url":"/sports/2023/02/02/parkite-colby-stevenson-wins-x","content_elements":[{"_id":"MAU3KDGSYJFIDO2QL7COB263CY","content":"In his fourth X Games, Park City’s Colby Stevenson said he felt prepared and at ease as he rode through the freestyle skiing slopestyle contest Saturday in Aspen, Colorado.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3BS5JXFOCRD2PBG43JPF6OSLLY","content":"“I wasn’t scared to do my run because I’ve done it so many times,” he said. “It was like the first event I can remember dropping in for [when] I wasn’t nervous for my run. I wasn’t scared of the tricks, and so I was able to just kind of lock in and just ride with a lot of confidence.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"T7QAMFFWWVD47OPCVWGZR7EJJY","content":"He landed tricks on three rails and four jumps during the run.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3VJYBW6CTZBSNH3E5IFLGOS6JU","content":"Behind him, Mac Forehand of Connecticut won silver, and Norwegian Ferdinand Dahl came away with bronze. Others competing in the event included Olympic gold medalist Alex Hall of Park City and Olympic gold medalist Birk Ruud from Norway.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F4RCLEXRBVBDZHN7KQD5ACJ57A","content":"Saturday was stormy in Aspen. Stevenson said fresh snow on the ground may have slowed some opponents, but not him because he took a fast, direct line down the course.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H4ZHWBS63FHXBKP4ISED4JTGIU","content":"<a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.kpcw.org/park-city/2023-02-01/parkite-colby-stevenson-wins-x-games-gold-in-aspen/" target=\"_blank\">To read more, visit KPCW.org. </a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"GEWJ7TE4G5BGHLOE7ONRRKGTDA","content":"<i>This article is published through the Utah News Collaborative, a partnership of news organizations in Utah that aim to inform readers across the state.</i>","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Ben Lasseter | KPCW"}]},"display_date":"2023-02-02T13:44:20.726Z","headlines":{"basic":"Parkite Colby Stevenson wins X Games gold in Aspen"},"last_updated_date":"2023-02-02T13:44:21.607Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Jamie Schwaberow | X Games) Colby Stevenson celebrates with the gold medal he won in the men's ski slopestyle event Saturday at the 2023 X Games in Aspen, Colorado.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/2ZB5QCH6IRGPBIN6O6OWVL4IDU.png"}},"publish_date":"2023-02-02T13:44:20.726Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Stevenson brought home Team USA’s first gold medal in the 2023 Winter X Games. "},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports","name":"Sports","parent_id":"/","path":"/sports"},"sites":[{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"},{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"}],"tags":[{"description":"Park City","slug":"park-city","text":"Park City"},{"description":"Skiing","slug":"skiing","text":"Skiing"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2023/02/02/parkite-colby-stevenson-wins-x"},{"_id":"XNRA2NRBKJCWVA3FGLSFCUN4ZY","canonical_url":"/artsliving/food/2022/12/16/getting-tipsy-top-utahs-ski","content_elements":[{"_id":"TPHASPTCHFFY7AAIXSKT4HDVDI","content":"Taking laps on the runs at Utah’s resorts is thirsty work.","type":"text"},{"_id":"574CJNIGLFESHD3FRHAYYC7BBA","content":"Seeking refuge in a lodge after a few hours on the snow, when the volume of complaints coming from your tired legs becomes difficult to ignore, is a requisite. But then the question becomes: What to order? If you’re paying resort prices for a drink, you’d better make it a good one.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5MPPMMS2BBHNNKLNLAKTDTNIEY","content":"So, to help ease the burden on your snow-blitzed brain, we asked ski area reps to recommend the best, most unique or most in-character drinks — alcoholic or not — their resort has to offer this season.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KT3D56HLHFGJLPY6BX2OLGCUZM","content":"Whether it’s a blizzard or a bluebird day, one of these should be perfect for you to toast to another session on your snowboard or skis (or snowblades, if that’s your thing).","type":"text"},{"_id":"YH55G4UN6RCVXPWUTASWUMVSGY","content":"Built for blizzards","type":"header"},{"_id":"3EDFQEVDS5H6JN46WKGTUJ24CM","content":"SNOWBASIN","type":"text"},{"_id":"TBWLLP4SFBHQVFZDWFJRCXHFEQ","content":"<b>Rumplesnuggler:</b> A hot drink offered at The Overlook, the Rumplesnuggler is made with Rumple Minze, Bailey’s Irish Cream, hot chocolate and whipped cream.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LOUQNHULOJF2PNDIUHTL762ZCQ","content":"ALTA","type":"text"},{"_id":"7P6ESALJZJEKVAUYELX4VB7LCE","content":"<b>Alta Bomb:</b> Perhaps the best-known apres- (or even pre-) ski drink in the Wasatch, it’s a shot of espresso and a Pabst Blue Ribbon served specially at the Goldminer’s Daughter. Though traditionally taken together shot-style, <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2021/10/26/experts-only-pro-skiers//">Olympian Brita Sigourney</a> said she likes to sip the coffee first, then wash it down with the PBR.","type":"text"},{"_id":"POYAU2Q4OJAEDPSQZVI34JKVGY","content":"<iframe src=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FAltaGoldminersDaughterLodge%2Fvideos%2F326129241351179%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0\%22 width=\"560\" height=\"314\" style=\"border:none;overflow:hidden\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowFullScreen=\"true\"></iframe>","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"HH62OEG4BJFIHLUHDNZSH5WDJE","content":"WOODWARD PARK CITY","type":"text"},{"_id":"DZPSHWMD2RESHELN55B2IQVP3E","content":"<b>Ancho Chili &amp; Cinnamon Margarita:</b> This drink is spicy in all the best ways. It combines ancho chili and cinnamon stick simple syrup with lime, dry curacao and tequila.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YT264UQHKZGMFKSLFG3OWHM63A","content":"PARK CITY MOUNTAIN RESORT","type":"text"},{"_id":"GYVWJEZSGND4NJ264JLFCBTD3U","content":"<b>McConkey’s Hot Chocolate:</b> This decadent drink mixes Absolut vodka, Bailey’s Irish Cream and Ritual hot chocolate with a Bailey’s whipped cream. It’s served at the Mountain Village at both the Mid-Mountain Public House and Legends Bar and Grill.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6LQY27I6U5CYJI27NNWMWFALUU","content":"Bluebird beverages","type":"header"},{"_id":"Z7MSWDVWOZGWBI2MI2VE5H6UGU","content":"SOLITUDE","type":"text"},{"_id":"HAP4AKCMYZHYLH6UU74AM3QARI","content":"<b>Creekside Old Fashioned:</b> Maple syrup and black walnut bitters give a creative twist to this belly-warming staple. It’s available at the Honeycomb Grill and has become so popular it’s now on both the summer and winter cocktail menus.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SMDJZZYG6ZGQTCTVZI2WMFQBUE","content":"SUNDANCE","type":"text"},{"_id":"HZBG2PWMG5EGVMSQGD7ZPD5B6Y","content":"<b>Lady Brightside:</b> Taking the name of the resort’s newest ski run, this is a play on a New York Sour. It is made with artisanal Bozal mezcal, cranberry juice, rosemary, orange simple syrup and a few cracks of black pepper. New for the season, it will be served in the Foundry Grill.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D7FSJXFKANHJ7IAPBCD6QR6OPY","caption":"(Sundance Resort) Taking the name of Sundance Resort's newest ski run, the Lady Brightside is a play on a New York Sour. It is made with artisanal Bozal mezcal, cranberry juice, rosemary and orange simple syrup, as well as a few cracks of black pepper.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/D7FSJXFKANHJ7IAPBCD6QR6OPY.jpeg"},{"_id":"VTOT3ONRXRGKTMEKM5PZWCU5VA","content":"NORDIC VALLEY","type":"text"},{"_id":"D6KXQQGQ5FE3DMR3KYJYNAT53Q","content":"<b>Talisman Killer Grove:</b> The Aid Room, a beer bar run out of an old ski patrol shack, is new this year at Nordic Valley. It promises to feature a steady rotation of local beers on tap. One of the best, according to food and beverage manager Zach Dobbins, is this wheat beer out of Ogden, which pairs honey malt with blood orange.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LDVPOCX2OZDP7O2J3CJOFGBPQU","content":"BRIAN HEAD","type":"text"},{"_id":"PT57RVSBABAEVFRNNXRNM2WTEM","content":"<b>Mango Bomb:</b> This beer cocktail will give you just the boost you need for an afternoon of skiing. It combines Golden Road’s Mango Cart wheat beer with Tropical Red Bull and has a Tajin rim plus a dried mango for garnish.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WBTDYFII3FDWLIAXHUMIFOKUSM","content":"DEER VALLEY","type":"text"},{"_id":"I56WSA2K55AL3JE7DVYZIA3WPM","content":"<b>Champion Margarita:</b> Named for the iconic run featured in many World Cup moguls competitions as well as the 2002 Olympics, this refreshing favorite for apres ski is found at Fresh Tracks Kitchen inside the Snow Park Lodge. It consists of tequila, Aperol, Cointreau, lime juice and grapefruit juice all shaken together and served in a margarita glass with a salted rim and a grapefruit garnish.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5G3WIMGCJZDFFDDKSB7G5EFJZI","caption":"The Champion Margarita is a specialty found at Deer Valley Resort's Fresh Tracks Kitchen. It consists of tequila, Aperol, Cointreau, lime juice and grapefruit juice and is served with a salted rim and grapefruit garnish.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/5G3WIMGCJZDFFDDKSB7G5EFJZI.jpg"},{"_id":"YD2CKJM6UFFZ7PU4VH5K3LNYAI","content":"SNOWBIRD","type":"text"},{"_id":"I7LLT4SE7FEZ5JAJW6RVGMIXYE","content":"<b>Aerie Original:</b> A high-quality drink with a view to match. The Aerie Original is made with High West rye whiskey, B&amp;B and sweet vermouth and is topped with a burnt orange slice. It is available at the Aerie, located on the 10th floor of The Cliff Lodge.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I4AGHGWNLBFWHMWUWLKI3VVJYI","content":"THE CANYONS","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZH7JXLE57BGMTPDHJE46NINV3M","content":"<b>Maple Old Fashioned:</b> For a soul-warming winter drink try this mixture of High West bourbon, Courvoisier, Fernet Branca, maple syrup and Angostura bitters. It’s served at The Farm at Canyons Village.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WZXYA2BJPBE6VKNWNINFG43TUI","content":"Nonalcoholic Nips","type":"header"},{"_id":"7SYITDILFJD3FOGOZAUZTOFOYI","content":"BRIGHTON","type":"text"},{"_id":"2645K7NL6ZC4NGQIQB6FRQEQDU","content":"<b>Majestic Mint:</b> Heading to the Blind Miner for a pre-lap fix is a tradition for a lot of Brighton riders. Next time you’re waiting for the lifts to start running, some of this chocolatey, minty, coffee goodness guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. Hot chocolate versions are available for the kids.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2GWVNXE4BRB45KPPKUKTAUCMUE","content":"NORDIC VALLEY","type":"text"},{"_id":"BQ3VZGY6CVEF7P3OUB33Z3V6TQ","content":"<b>Powder Floats:</b> Because it’s never too cold for ice cream, kids of any age can have their choice of soda from the Pepsi fountain on top of a scoop of rich vanilla.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AAAA6ETBLVD4ZFQ7GVBLWVELJY","caption":"(Kayla McFarland | Snowbasin)\n\nA hot drink offered at The Overlook, the Rumplesnuggler is made with Rumple Minze, Bailey’s Irish Cream, hot chocolate and whipped cream.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/AAAA6ETBLVD4ZFQ7GVBLWVELJY.jpg"},{"_id":"OVKM7XLDYFHZDJJLRPTZJZ2LNU","content":"ALTA","type":"text"},{"_id":"K6JOTLZMTVGNTMJJV2OHYZIYXI","content":"<b>Honey Badger:</b> A little like a holiday in a cup, this espresso drink found at Baldy Brews is made with honey and cinnamon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EBOAHTITWFCOVKSCDRON2VEIDE","content":"SNOWBIRD","type":"text"},{"_id":"FI5465SEVVFVLNQZBFB32HQS3A","content":"<b>Juicy Julep:</b> Served at SeventyOne, a new 1970s-themed restaurant in The Cliff Lodge, this mocktail combines pineapple, orange and lime juices with mint and ginger ale for a refreshing apres drink that won’t slow you down the next day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WPFPVEK5KVCBZH74JNPQPZNLAY","content":"<b>Editor’s note •</b> <i>This story is available to Salt Lake Tribune subscribers only. Thank you for supporting local journalism.</i>","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2022-12-16T13:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Need to slake your thirst after a day on the slopes in Utah? Here are your best options."},"last_updated_date":"2022-12-18T00:28:55.575Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Andrew Kooyman) Stopping by the Blind Miner for a pre-lap fix is a tradition for a lot of Brighton riders. Try a Majestic Mint for some chocolatey, minty, coffee goodness. Hot chocolate versions are available for the kids.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/HQNIWLNH2VBVPNPSILZHE52BD4.jpeg"}},"publish_date":"2022-12-16T16:07:08.964Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"A guide to Utah ski resorts’ signature cocktails and mocktails."},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Food","path":"/artsliving/food"},{"name":"Arts & Living","path":"/artsliving"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"Featured Arts","slug":"featured-arts","text":"Featured Arts"},{"description":"Food","slug":"food","text":"Food"},{"description":"Skiing","slug":"skiing","text":"Skiing"},{"description":"Tag for other recreation & outdoors stories","slug":"recreation","text":"Recreation"},{"description":"Outdoors","slug":"outdoors","text":"Outdoors"},{"description":"Put stories behind the paywall.","slug":"paywall","text":"Paywall"}]},"website_url":"/artsliving/food/2022/12/16/getting-tipsy-top-utahs-ski"},{"_id":"OKC2YVNU2JF3VBQYYEM7YMIRG4","canonical_url":"/sports/ski-n-board/2022/12/13/utah-ski-area-makes-unplanned","content_elements":[{"_id":"WATY5F3XFBFY3HJXDW33GVXGEU","content":"Cherry Peak Resort was scheduled to be closed Monday through Wednesday this week due to a staffing shortage.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VL75RYIXYBAZHBBTKQGQYBDGUY","content":"Then Mother Nature did her thing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A2REKT236NDPPFTQSOUO4XPR4I","content":"The ski hill near Richmond, one of the smallest in the state, saw 10 inches of snow fall between Sunday night and Monday and just as much between Monday and Tuesday. With that much “white cold smoke powder” on the ground, owner Dustin Hansen decided it would be unfair to deny his customers a chance to play in it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KY4OJ4OF4FFXBHWYEGY76BDD6E","content":"“The Pow Has Spoken ...” was the headline of an email sent Monday afternoon announcing that <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.skicpr.com//" target=\"_blank\">Cherry Peak</a> would be open for skiing that night. It followed that up with the boast that the ski area had received 91 inches so far this winter. But the snow kept coming, and by Tuesday afternoon, Hansen decided to keep Cherry Peak open every day this week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5AOB6NL7ZNFQZGPVN75JYYTI3A","content":"So if it seems like the Salt Lake Valley and the Wasatch Mountains have gotten a lot of snow recently, they have.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KIFHY37X3JEHJK65FMELRSP5MA","content":"After this week’s storms, which brought more than 2 feet to the Cottonwood Canyons, most every resort in the state has <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/wcc/home/quicklinks/imap#version=167&elements=&networks=!&states=UT&basins=!&hucs=&minElevation=&maxElevation=&elementSelectType=any&activeOnly=true&activeForecastPointsOnly=false&hucLabels=true&hucIdLabels=false&hucParameterLabels=true&stationLabels=&overlays=&hucOverlays=state&basinOpacity=65&basinNoDataOpacity=40&basemapOpacity=100&maskOpacity=45&mode=data&openSections=dataElement,parameter,date,basin,options,elements,location,networks,baseMaps,overlays,labels&controlsOpen=true&popup=&popupMulti=&popupBasin=&base=esriNgwm&displayType=basin&basinType=ut_8&dataElement=WTEQ&depth=-8&parameter=PCTMED&frequency=DAILY&duration=I&customDuration=4&dayPart=E&monthPart=E&forecastPubDay=1&forecastExceedance=50&useMixedPast=true&seqColor=1&divColor=7&scaleType=D&scaleMin=&scaleMax=&referencePeriodType=POR&referenceBegin=1981&referenceEnd=2010&minimumYears=20&hucAssociations=true&relativeDate=-1&lat=39.748&lon=-111.921&zoom=7.3\" target=\"_blank\">a base layer that is at least 150% of average</a>. Brian Head now has a base of 48 inches, which is 193% of average, according to <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"http://opensnow.com//" target=\"_blank\">OpenSnow.com</a>, while the base at <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://opensnow.com/user/favorites/locations/snow-report/" target=\"_blank\">Snowbird (78 inches) registered at 191% </a>of average.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JAOIGP2ECJF6JPW4AROTDBQ3G4","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"S2T5CFGX45BABLVMXPYXL3KX5Q","content":"And it just keeps coming. Evan Thayer, the Utah forecaster for OpenSnow.com, predicts a few more inches in the coming days.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WWIYKAG34ZDO7KKVIQD243PVEQ","content":"“While we aren’t going to see any big totals, snowflakes are likely to be in the air from time to time over the next 2-3 days,” he wrote in his blog. “We should finally clear out for good on Friday and stay dry and cool through the weekend.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"JTSVWLQCTRAY3JROKNUKY5ZVQY","content":"More than 2 feet of snow fell in Little Cottonwood Canyon between Sunday night and Tuesday morning, adding 29 and 28 inches, respectively, to already fat bases at Alta and Snowbird. In Big Cottonwood Canyon, OpenSnow.com reported Solitude has a new 25-inch layer and Brighton has 2 fresh feet.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XXV2MU7ELNGZDBL3CKY4IVKNWE","content":"The Ogden resorts didn’t get left out, either. Nordic Valley (24 inches), Snowbasin (25) and Powder Mountain (22) all plastered their social media feeds Tuesday with pictures and videos of skiers and snowboarders coated in powder.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7QS66RMV4JH6ND4AVJ757QJH6A","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"FQQLE4QOOZGYDFH2P5662UQULA","content":"In Park City, Deer Valley Resort reported getting 18 inches in 48 hours and Park City Mountain saw 15 inches.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PUAHDBHPVNDZLOONKPQW4ZG6Q4","content":"Hansen has seen how fleeting conditions this good can be. In fact, Thayer wrote that other than a potential small storm next week, no other snowfall is expected until after Christmas. So even though he “still needs staff very badly,” Hansen said he couldn’t in good conscience keep Cherry Peak closed this week. It will be open evenings through Wednesday before switching to its holiday schedule, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., from Dec. 21 to Jan. 2.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DV4DDJWCNNFLHHYGMSM23OXSB4","content":"“We can’t let any clients or anybody not experience the white cold smoke powder,” Hansen said. “We’re pulling some strings and going to make things work [to have] smiles on everybody’s face across this mountain.”","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2022-12-13T22:07:08.580Z","headlines":{"basic":"Utah ski area makes unplanned opening after big storm. Here’s how much snow resorts have seen so far"},"last_updated_date":"2022-12-14T18:56:39.839Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Cherry Peak) A skier enjoys a coating of powder while skiing at Cherry Peak Resort near Richmond on Feb. 24, 2022.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/3DQTNBYUFRGUNMVUJMR4NQQEXA.jpg"}},"publish_date":"2022-12-14T18:56:39.163Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Resorts across the state receive roughly 2 feet of “white cold smoke powder.” "},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"Skiing","slug":"skiing","text":"Skiing"},{"description":"Logan","slug":"logan","text":"Logan"},{"description":"Weather","slug":"weather","text":"Weather"}]},"website_url":"/sports/ski-n-board/2022/12/13/utah-ski-area-makes-unplanned"},{"_id":"VPECYGKCNFAUTDMXTJHDAXFRLI","canonical_url":"/sports/2022/12/02/utah-skiers-snowboarders-taking","content_elements":[{"_id":"KEAOD7OJNBEMVAC2ZEJVHBRXRQ","content":"<b>Park City • </b>Inside the Deer Valley Resort eatery where Kim and Mark Abbett were warming up with a bowl of chili Tuesday, it felt like early season. Crowds were sparse, more like pockets of people, scattered throughout the vast Snow Park Lodge. Downstairs, prospective employees were waiting to speak to someone in human resources. And those already working were navigating the nuances of computer systems and the customer service standards that are the hallmark of the ski-only resort that attracts guests from around the world.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AMOL35HDJ5HTLHAX4PIPSLK4SQ","content":"Outside, though? Outside it felt like midseason. Only it was better. Way better.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DBC4M5QBKNHWVLZ63C7BT2POFM","content":"Utah is having one of its best starts to the season in nearly 30 years with early resort openings and powder hits galore. But because the snow came long before the tourists usually do, the Abbetts — and everyone else in the state — are reveling in having the spoils mostly to themselves.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3TRYKRINDNFXVCWU7BWJQ3NMCM","content":"“This is a bonus. This is a huge bonus,” said Mark Abbett, 49, who moved to Park City with Kim and their kids in 2016. “Usually it feels like we go right into busy season. And this feels different. It still feels like it’s our town.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"SUG34TXUEBAXNJFL4XRHQMXNMU","content":"Imagine no conga line of traffic leading to or from a resort. No jammed parking lots. No circling like a shark for an empty table at lunchtime. No lift lines. Just miles and miles of open terrain with few other skiers and boarders in sight.","type":"text"},{"_id":"27NQUPR345BDHA5WOV6CYBQB2E","content":"“It’s a dream right now,” said Jim Steenburgh, a University of Utah professor of atmospheric sciences and an avid skier, “for everybody in the ski industry.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"LBYLJOCJKNAQLDPCYADJ2DUXZI","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"FAQK7TZWKJBRFLKMPMS2OSZCQQ","content":"Yes, overcrowding was an issue during the season’s earliest days. A combination of months of pent-up desire to ski, accelerated by an abundance of fresh snow, collided with a lack of open resorts and led to <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/11/15/will-you-be-stuck-long-lift//">viral images of long lift lines and parking woes at Solitude and Brighton</a>. As more resorts have opened, and as they have opened more terrain, however, those issues have all but evaporated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S5JKQJX24BF6JI5LWD5HX56AIM","content":"The scarcity of crowds, which is not entirely uncommon this time of year, isn’t enough to have locals loving life, though. It’s that combined with the quality and quantity of snow.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RYGE7T3DTNEFLIDYLOJBVU3GOI","content":"The <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/10/25/utah-skiers-revel-october-storm//">storms started arriving in late October</a>, just as they did last year. That season, though, most resorts had to delay their openings because that early snow was followed by a warm, dry stretch. This year, the snow has just kept coming. Even when it didn’t, temperatures have been cold enough to keep it from melting and to allow resorts to make some snow of their own.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T62R7SBLMNGSPLHKQJSQJNFS3U","content":"Steenburgh said this November, or the first 28 days of it at least, was the state’s coldest since 2003. By mid-November, the state’s <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.skiutah.com/blog/authors/yeti/utah-snowpack-off-to-best-start-in/">snowpack was 433% of normal</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6QJTRZSQOJBCTIQE3QYLVAB47Q","caption":"(Julie Jag | The Salt Lake Tribune) Jesse Mullen, 10, of Heber couldn't wait to get his skis on the snow for his first runs of the 2022-23 season at Deer Valley Resort's opening day Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022. The resort moved up its opener for just the second time in its 40-year history.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/6QJTRZSQOJBCTIQE3QYLVAB47Q.jpg"},{"_id":"3V2DQV3VKFGKRODQMRZUXVACKU","content":"But the snow just keeps coming. Resorts across the Wasatch Range received between 6 and 19 inches of snow earlier this week, according to <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"http://opensnow.com//" target=\"_blank\">OpenSnow.com</a>, giving most of them nearly 200% of their average base depth for this time of year. Another storm is expected to drop another foot or more at most resorts Friday with even <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/11/29/utahs-ski-resorts-loading-up//">more snow in the forecast for Sunday and Monday</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"44CEOXW6AVAAZNMQNFE5EGZSAI","content":"It’s been so good that at least half of <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/10/31/brian-head-resort-readies-one//">Utah’s resorts actually opened earlier than expected</a>. That included <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/11/18/deer-valley-resort-moves-up//">Deer Valley, which moved up its start date</a> for just the second time in its 40-year history. It had nine lifts, 35 runs and one bowl open Tuesday. On last year’s opening day, on Dec. 4, it had seven lifts and nine runs available.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4LJI2VY35BHXNCVAAVPIMPZKQU","content":"“This is ... I’ve never seen anything like it,” said Kim Abbett, who has both Ikon and Epic season passes. “And there’s more lifts, more terrain open. It’s crazy.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"T6UJHB5I5BF77OBLO2ADCCJKJA","content":"Mark Abbett nodded enthusiastically.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J7TORZM3XJFJRCZ6LAKFFSYQPA","content":"“I think today I got better powder,” at a resort, he said, “than I did any time last year.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"HKL7GGHC75CHVN2IBLID4IM744","content":"For some perspective, it’s more similar to mid-December conditions than midseason, Steenburgh said, and it’s not a record snowpack. He noted that Alta, which averages the most snowfall in the state, has received 123 inches so far this year. In comparison, in 1994 the <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://utahavalanchecenter.org/alta-monthly-snowfall/">Alta Guard station</a> recorded 205.9 inches in November alone. Steenburgh said that’s the benchmark, but that high snow totals were commonplace in the 1980s and ‘90s.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NWCRZ33QR5FFBGQBZKYBWBESI4","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"YK2CQ5UCK5CYLA27J2NPWL4P3Q","content":"“My joke usually is that your parents or your grandparents had better skiing than you do,” he said. “This is a great year [though]. I mean, certainly we’re off to a really good start.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VJKC6SSO7RHJHMCCZZI37YUSEQ","content":"And most of the people who have gotten to enjoy it live in Utah. Deer Valley estimated that 80% of its guests during its passholder opener Monday and its official opening Tuesday were locals.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FFTQB7ISS5HPDLHM5MWDJNJXLQ","content":"One was fifth-grader Jesse Mullen of Heber. He didn’t have any problem missing school Tuesday so he could finally get on the slopes — and probably get some fresh powder, too.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DTRBFH7I6BDHBEVD35ZK34QZOQ","content":"“Yesterday it snowed a lot,” he said, “so I wanted all that snow.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"QYL6QLS6SBF2DAZ6BYC2VGVTVM","content":"The snow is expected to keep coming. Soon, too, will the tourists.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K4VOVNS6YFATBIIEH454UV2Y5M","content":"Out-of-town skiers tend to start arriving in mid-December, according to Dan Howard of Visit Park City, and they’re traditionally most plentiful around Presidents Day weekend in February. A Visit Utah poll, meanwhile, indicated that people interested in taking an overnight ski or snowboard trip in Utah would be most likely to come in January (43.4%), December (37.5%) and February (29.9%), respectively, with a considerable dropoff in the shoulder months of November and March and beyond.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U5UGXTAMZJHPPMAE5KVDDVOKPU","caption":"(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Skiers brave the high winds at Deer Valley, on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022.\r","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/U5UGXTAMZJHPPMAE5KVDDVOKPU.JPG"},{"_id":"Z2ONJRTIU5CFZFVWFYKPVMCDOY","content":"Some of them are already here. Analytics from Visit Salt Lake shows the four Cottonwood Canyon resorts — Alta, Brighton, Snowbird and Solitude — saw just as many out-of-state visitors as locals in November. That reflects a massive jump over last year, when most resorts were struggling to open. That November — and more surprisingly in December and January as well — fewer than one in five skiers traveled in from out of state.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FSAKIR2BAJGP5LT2PG5FHX4W4Q","content":"Most Utahns’ first reaction regarding the impending crush of out-of-towners might be to cringe. There goes the easy commute, the front-row parking, the reservation-less restaurant visits. But Visit Park City’s Howard pointed out that without those visitors, and the money they spend, and the jobs that creates, the resorts and their communities might have fewer amenities for everyone to enjoy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SAOEE6JOKNCI7AHHXREIEM74R4","content":"“We are grateful for the visitation through this season, both because visitors add to the vibrancy of our culture and so many of our restaurants and shops are here because of the support that visitors give us in Park City,” he wrote in an email. “And of course we have two ski resorts in our town that we can ride and ski daily because of the visitation that we receive throughout the season from all corners of the country and from around the world.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4HZKJHK2QNBKPDW3DX2JDB7JEY","content":"Ski Utah reported that out-of-state skiers account for 82% of all money spent on skiing and snowboarding. To that end, Howard said 66% of Park City’s annual income is generated during the roughly 16 weeks of the ski season. As that money trickles out to neighboring communities, it can even lead to a reduction in taxes and an increase in services.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W4XHGITTRZDLTI3KCZV6HPB724","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"RHZ2GCTSQBFB7DPFFRH5WHPVGE","content":"Is that enough to sway Utah skiers and riders into believing they shouldn’t mind sharing the slopes with tourists? It might not be, but they’re coming anyway. So the best approach is probably to soak in these bonus weeks while they’ve got them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NU43TBJK5JAOJIZEHCA5XYB5ZE","content":"That’s Kim Abbett’s strategy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GXKNEBO7AZALNKIBWRKQLWK2H4","content":"“I’m super excited because we can ski right now when it’s not crowded,” she said. “If we don’t ski on the holidays, oh well. It’s not that big of a deal.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UPU7OESC2ZGMBOT5J2PKCYAAIU","content":"“But to be able to get out right now with the conditions like this? I want to get out as much as possible.”","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2022-12-02T13:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Utah skiers, snowboarders taking advantage of ‘bonus’ season, anticipating arrival of tourists"},"last_updated_date":"2022-12-09T20:05:30.512Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Skiers brave the high winds at Deer Valley, on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022.\r","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/ZXZ4AK3DRVDV3HN3T66TG2TA7U.JPG"}},"publish_date":"2022-12-02T13:22:25.425Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Midseason snow with early season turnout gives locals experiences of a lifetime."},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"Skiing","slug":"skiing","text":"Skiing"},{"description":"Tag for other recreation & outdoors stories","slug":"recreation","text":"Recreation"},{"description":"Deer Valley Resort","slug":"deer-valley-resort","text":"Deer Valley Resort"},{"description":"Tourism","slug":"tourism","text":"Tourism"},{"description":"Park City","slug":"park-city","text":"Park City"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2022/12/02/utah-skiers-snowboarders-taking"},{"_id":"TDLO3GFO2JBI5I6INKKC2KNMKI","canonical_url":"/sports/2022/11/29/utahs-ski-resorts-loading-up","content_elements":[{"_id":"O25KPA7XO5BTDNWUHN55SRC23Y","content":"The weather outside is more fantastic than frightful for Utah skiers and snowboarders. And yes, on the slopes it should be perfectly delightful.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VUXJTSMXX5CFBCE6N2XQBGMVBQ","content":"Too early for holiday song puns? Nah. Especially not when Mother Nature is in a giving mood, and it seems that she is.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TGYZQ72OSRDVBJ5U3XSHF5UFMA","content":"Resorts in the Cottonwood Canyons reported receiving up to 17 inches of snow between Monday and Tuesday morning, including some <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2021/08/04/will-utahs-snow-shrink//">lake effect enhancement</a>. Plus, according to the snow forecasting site <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"http://opensnow.com//" target=\"_blank\">OpenSnow.com</a>, there will be more where that came from.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HNH7QE2YDRBU7OHBFCU25XDZWQ","content":"Within the next five days, Alta, Snowbird, Solitude and Powder Mountain are all forecast to have 2 feet of fresh powder. Brighton could see as much as 22 fresh inches during that time, while Deer Valley, Park City Mountain, Beaver Mountain and Snowbasin will be closer to a foot and a half.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XJII2IAA2FHTVDJ6ERAJ63ZCYU","content":"“I don’t want to jinx it and I’m keeping my expectations in check,” Evan Thayer, the OpenSnow forecaster for Utah wrote in his daily blog, “but this does have the characteristics of one of those storms where it seems like it just keeps snowing in [Lower Cottonwood Canyon].”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2RWX4GNA65B5ZKTVIHGOTHOO3E","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"4YRLVKCLIBFN3AWJQ2URSAWP2U","content":"In Little Cottonwood Canyon, Alta reported receiving 16 fresh inches between Monday and 7 a.m. Tuesday and Snowbird reported 15 inches with snow still falling. The Utah Department of Transportation noted on its Twitter account that state route 210 is slippery and that traction laws are in effect.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YUUJLVQVLREU3LXPWRSWZQRYZI","content":"In Big Cottonwood Canyon, Brighton boasted 17 inches of new snow and Solitude said it had 15 inches at mid-mountain as of 7 a.m. Tuesday. In Park City, Deer Valley reported 10 inches overnight and Park City Mountain Resort said it had 15 in the past 24 hours.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6YBF2R3L35DVNDXW33HH6CEY5A","content":"Another storm is expected to hit Sunday and next Monday. This one will be bringing what Thayer called “sloppy seconds” after it hits the Sierra Nevada range in California. Still, it could pile anywhere from 8 to 24 inches atop base depths that are already close to 200% of average for this time of year at most Utah ski areas.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LRA42Y6ONRDBDBYZSGVSOYS5E4","content":"Not all presents will be distributed equally.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4Z3NNEQQEBCU5IQ5FEZWVHD6XU","content":"<a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/11/18/deer-valley-resort-moves-up//" target=\"_blank\">Beaver Mountain and Cherry Peak</a>, two of the state’s smallest resorts, have taken a wait-and-see approach to setting an opening date. Next week’s storm might push Beaver, which could get 16 inches, closer to opening. Cherry Peak won’t benefit as much from the coming storms, but the Logan-area ski hill hinted in a recent email that it planned to open soon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OJTB6SDMSNFAJEXG4ZXBOVBCIY","content":"Eagle Point could get about nine inches on Dec. 5, but it is not expected to waver from its announced Dec. 16 opening date. Nordic Valley, which opened Nov. 23, should get about 14 inches from that storm. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"7NSC4WYZ2RCT5CWRGHF52SUYG4","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"XXALFQJ2URAQVJ3P76I73HI62Q","content":"For Deer Valley and Sundance, though, the timing couldn’t be better. Earlier this month, <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/11/18/deer-valley-resort-moves-up//" target=\"_blank\">Deer Valley said it would open ahead of schedule</a> for just the second time in the resort’s 40-year history thanks to the bounty of early season storms. Yet those waiting in line for first chair Tuesday will also be waiting to be the first to dive into a thick, natural blanket of fresh powder. Then, after a small midweek break in the weather, a storm should settle in Friday, one day before Provo’s <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/news/2021/03/11/sundance-resorts-new//" target=\"_blank\">Sundance resort</a> starts its lifts spinning — also nearly a week earlier than expected.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XUNBYXYTXBGBBGCQMRS5D7VWTA","content":"Mother Nature may have goodies for those anxious to get out at Powder Mountain, too. The resort, which does not use any snowmaking, is scheduled to open Dec. 8. However, general manager Kevin Mitchell said that’s negotiable.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZCNCGXMZTBB2FDHOY45RTEYRPM","content":"“If some of the snow that’s peeking out around the corner shows up a little early,” he said, “then stay tuned for an earlier date.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"O3IZDLLSBZGXDGDN5OQSIP3AHQ","content":"So go ahead and break out the carols along with that board or skis, because it looks like Christmas might actually be coming early in Utah.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WWMOIBZEM5HEHNY3PONJ7JTAMA","content":"<b>Correction:</b> Dec. 1, 2022, 2:25 p.m. &gt;&gt; <i>Nordic Valley opened on Nov. 23. The original version of this article had an incorrect opening date.</i>","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2022-11-29T13:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Utah’s ski resorts loading up on snow in the coming week"},"last_updated_date":"2022-12-09T20:06:56.921Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) People hit the slopes at Deer Valley on Friday, Dec. 12, 2019. On Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022, the Park City-area resort will open ahead of schedule for just the second time in its 40-year history, and it will do so with a blanket of fresh powder.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/7HJ7Q6BXKFBQLHTGGTPGQKDYSA.jpg"}},"publish_date":"2022-12-01T21:26:31.948Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Deer Valley, Sundance, Powder Mountain all should have fresh powder to open their seasons."},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"Skiing","slug":"skiing","text":"Skiing"},{"description":"Sundance Mountain Resort","slug":"sundance-mountain-resort","text":"Sundance Mountain Resort"},{"description":"Tag for other recreation & outdoors stories","slug":"recreation","text":"Recreation"},{"description":"Alta Ski Area","slug":"alta-ski-area","text":"Alta Ski Area"},{"description":"Snowbird","slug":"snowbird","text":"Snowbird"},{"description":"Brighton Resort","slug":"brighton-resort","text":"Brighton Resort"},{"description":"Solitude Mountain Resort","slug":"solitude-mountain-resort","text":"Solitude Mountain Resort"},{"description":"Park City Mountain Resort","slug":"park-city-mountain-resort","text":"Park City Mountain Resort"},{"description":"Deer Valley Resort","slug":"deer-valley-resort","text":"Deer Valley Resort"},{"description":"Brian Head Resort","slug":"brian-head-resort","text":"Brian Head Resort"},{"description":"Weather","slug":"weather","text":"Weather"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2022/11/29/utahs-ski-resorts-loading-up"},{"_id":"W6YBWPH7C5F2VEMUART7ILY6J4","canonical_url":"/sports/2022/11/18/deer-valley-resort-moves-up","content_elements":[{"_id":"2LR5N7OH2JCK5K67G4WHISHIZE","content":"The snow in Utah is so good right now, even Deer Valley Resort had to get in on the action.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CRXGTW4EKNFNRBVJRC4VQ3C7HI","content":"Only once in its 41-year history has the posh Park City ski area opened early. Typically, it stays on schedule, preferring to give its customers a highly trained staff and meticulously groomed runs rather than risk those to enter the race to be the first Utah resort to open.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3ZNBFAV4P5GXTEWG5G2R7K4LFU","content":"This year, though, Deer Valley is breaking with tradition. After <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/10/25/utah-skiers-revel-october-storm//" target=\"_blank\">receiving nearly 60 inches of snow</a> in the last three weeks, it announced Wednesday that it plans to open Nov. 29 — almost a week ahead of its projected opening date of Dec. 3.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HWALMJ5G2NFFLG6BMSH3NVEUPQ","content":"“VERY rare,” was how resort spokesperson Emily Summers referred to the opening in an email to the Tribune.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UF4XNOWNWJF25HDH4IOMCCWUHA","content":"“We’ve never been the resort to enter the ‘race’ to be the first to open,” she said. “We always base our opening on being able to provide a quality on-mountain experience that lives up to our reputation for great snow conditions due to our grooming and snowmaking capabilities.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"LQSW7RJPWRDKPBXTVIPTBOJIUE","content":"But if all those things are in place, why not throw open the gates?","type":"text"},{"_id":"5P6FNRMXORBXTBUE3Q5LVYRXHE","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) The afternoon sun backlights the snow and ice as skiers and snowboarders enjoy opening day at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/5P6FNRMXORBXTBUE3Q5LVYRXHE.jpg"},{"_id":"G433CV4UANGYDCXRI43LUGSUY4","content":"While Deer Valley has been working with its staff for a couple of weeks now, it’s Mother Nature that has done most of the heavy lifting. As of last week, Utah is at 433% of its snowpack for this time of year, according to Ski Utah President and CEO Nathan Rafferty. Plus, temperatures have been low enough and winds calm enough to allow for snowmaking.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LSRKYYWYPFCLXBW6CNGGZRJ6TE","content":"“We are off to a fantastic start to the ski season,” Rafferty said. “We couldn’t have scripted it any better.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ISJ44HKTDVECPG5OLUSKDSBYQ4","content":"Deer Valley still won’t win the race to open first. That honor went to Utah’s southernmost resort, <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/10/31/brian-head-resort-readies-one/" target=\"_blank\">Brian Head Resort</a>, which began its operations Nov. 4. That ranks among the top five earliest ski season openers in state history.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6GNSI46NEZBKROK6MFIIQFF3TA","content":"<a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/11/15/will-you-be-stuck-long-lift//" target=\"_blank\">Brighton and Solitude</a> followed suit last week, with <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/11/11/brighton-beats-solitude-ski//" target=\"_blank\">Solitude opening a week ahead of schedule</a>. And <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/10/03/park-city-mountain-resorts-new//" target=\"_blank\">Park City Mountain</a> joined in the mix Wednesday, two days before the date it pegged to begin the 2022-23 season.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C6R5JWJPSVG6NEJHFUIQFRSMZA","content":"This will be an exciting weekend for skiers and snowboarders across the state with four resorts opening Friday: Alta, Snowbasin, Snowbird and Woodward Park City.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6BVZXTNGURDDLNUCXKCOUGA4LU","content":"Woodward made its announcement Tuesday, noting it would have seven tubing lanes and a surface-lift-serviced jib park available. Night skiing will begin Saturday at the Parleys Summit snow park.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RG7Z3VKQTNHUHHJL4DUNH6KQNM","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Skiers revel in a little bit of Alta history as they ride the Albion two-person ski lift on its final day of operation on Tuesday, April 12, 2022. Installed in 1962, the lift will be torn down in addition to the Sunnyside lift that services the same area to make room for a new six-person high-speed lift next season.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/RG7Z3VKQTNHUHHJL4DUNH6KQNM.jpg"},{"_id":"D76CVCTSDBEE3P7OQABH5K6GGU","content":"Snowbasin will be celebrating the earliest start to the season in its 80-year-plus history. It will have Needles Gondola, Middle Bowl Express, Littlecat Express and its Wildcat tow lift running.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B7EL5PYVWBCGDMYYLI35QI4L3Y","content":"Snowbird, which boasts a 67-inch base, will allow skiing and riding in Gad Valley and Peruvian Gulch.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6FYOJHCDJ5AXBOCXQABP2M6DHA","content":"Almost all the offerings at Alta will be in intermediate and advanced terrain since installation of the new Sunnyside lift has been delayed by supply chain issues. It will have its Collins, Wildcat and Sugarloaf lifts turning Friday and expects to add Supreme to the mix Saturday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XC57P27IEVEKREDAGLIIWOM4AU","content":"Powder Mountain recently announced Dec. 8 as its opening date and nearby Nordic Valley is set for Dec. 9. Sundance is also slated to begin operations Dec. 9, though a spokesperson said that date might get moved forward. Eagle Mountain is eyeing Dec. 16. Meanwhile, two of the state’s smallest ski and snowboard mountains — Beaver Mountain and Cherry Peak — are all taking a wait-and-see approach. Both, however, anticipate being open by mid-December.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GPRFD6XMPRDTBP4VPFCWOINIMQ","content":"Summers said Deer Valley hadn’t opened in November in more than three decades. The only other time it opened early was within a few years of its 1981 construction.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K6KXQA42YRE2HATBJBQOVU2YRA","content":"“The start of ski season always brings a lot of energy and anticipation and it’s even better when Mother Nature delivers ideal conditions right away,” Deer Valley President and COO Todd Bennett said in a press release. “We are thrilled to have the snow for one of our earliest openings ever while still providing the exceptional on-mountain experience Deer Valley is known for.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"E5A2MEAA7JB5NETWNOLLLYQ5UY","content":"Deer Valley will only be open to resort season passholders on its first day of operation. Snowbasin also will only be open to passholders on Day 1, though that includes those with the Ikon Pass and <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.ikonpass.com/en/shop-passes/ikon-base-pass/" target=\"_blank\">Ikon Base Plus Pass</a>. Every day after that, they will be open to the general public.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VFPMJXFMBVGVDJRRLRMVLWI5PU","content":"<b>Correction</b>: Nov. 22, 1:15 p.m. &gt;&gt; <i>This article has been changed to reflect that the name of the Deer Valley spokesperson is Emily Summers.</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"WQ7JX4TAXFHANICN4XKNO7OULY","citation":{},"content_elements":[{"_id":"Y4H4GKNQPRC7NP7OS7OTVT5WNA","type":"header"},{"_id":"A5OLRZLX4BEFJJQ56C332EJ2T4","type":"text"},{"_id":"B2PBW2KVYJAZVA4LLA3EGTEIUI","type":"text"},{"_id":"T7X573A4AJAH5JGTUOFDNMVGDM","type":"text"},{"_id":"GHUNCUPXDRBWRLSO7EYRFMRVLQ","type":"text"},{"_id":"5V5IMCUBTZB7XJCKFOXIHQ67OY","type":"text"},{"_id":"KSUTUE5AKRCWBKQESS5ACEO3IY","type":"text"},{"_id":"WK46U44VTVFRLNOGBSIIIBDQKA","type":"text"},{"_id":"RULJLJW5AFHZREFKB2P54KOX5Q","type":"text"},{"_id":"KCXFYF63FBB6BNTVMHMRTI6DIE","type":"text"},{"_id":"TKZJ24WDMNBWNIOEBYDOHCDTAI","type":"text"},{"_id":"XUQTQJSQKVCJLCYM2D5HPVWH24","type":"text"},{"_id":"KOZTPMXU25HVLLF24XOFIMM254","type":"text"},{"_id":"QOCJ5JZJG5GIHFNANIHRYOKNFM","type":"text"},{"_id":"R4JANHYKPJHPRLC6JPL2XAEACE","type":"text"},{"_id":"2KFY4OU62ZENZMWAFA25R6BNWM","type":"text"},{"_id":"5FUY2Y2FN5AVNFK7EY5OMHSKWA","type":"text"}],"type":"quote"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2022-11-18T13:00:53Z","headlines":{"basic":"Deer Valley Resort moves up opening day of ski season for first time in decades"},"last_updated_date":"2022-12-09T20:08:56.456Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) People hit the slopes at Deer Valley on Friday, Dec. 12, 2019. Deer Valley plans to open earlier than scheduled this season, just the second time in the resort's 41-year history that it has moved its opening date and started the ski season in November. It was set to open Dec. 4 but will now start lifts turning Nov. 29 for passholders and Nov. 30 for the general public.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/5HG5ZJQ6TFATDKDZY53Q2HH6HE.jpg"}},"publish_date":"2022-12-09T20:08:56.068Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Alta, Snowbasin, Snowbird and Woodward Park City firing up lifts Friday; Powder Mountain announces opening date"},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"Tag for other recreation & outdoors stories","slug":"recreation","text":"Recreation"},{"description":"Skiing","slug":"skiing","text":"Skiing"},{"description":"Deer Valley Resort","slug":"deer-valley-resort","text":"Deer Valley Resort"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2022/11/18/deer-valley-resort-moves-up"},{"_id":"457JT7FZJVFX7DM26PICGFWPTI","canonical_url":"/sports/2022/11/11/brighton-beats-solitude-ski","content_elements":[{"_id":"KKMVKVTXFZEM3D2FN3FFZ5KQHI","content":"Rainier Dean embodied the stoke of the opening day of ski season — all 3 ½ feet of him.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AEC25LA4VJG7DMPJBLMG25Q3LE","content":"The 7-year-old stood in line for first chair at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday alongside his mom, Liz, and his 5-year-old brother. As the minutes ticked down to official start, and as hundreds of skiers and snowboarders filed in behind them, the Butler Elementary student became increasingly animated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P6VYYYX3UVBM5L2YMQMBFNKGIM","content":"His family had gotten in line at 8:30 a.m., and even a five-plus hour wait in ski boots hadn’t dampened Rainier’s excitement.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KJIEZJG6SJCNHCPV65PHW7X7V4","content":"He said he couldn’t wait to “Just to get some snow and some powder and just to hit it — because we’ve been waiting like a year now.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"5G5ZL7UQZBC6DC2MCZ5IGKMNGM","content":"In second-grader years, that’s practically a lifetime.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B75ZB3EG3VDPTM72FHYYVX3CGQ","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"RFXGSWGQ6FD3VGF7NQSYTZGUWY","content":"Don’t tell Rainier, but Solitude’s ski opener wasn’t the first this season, or even that day, in Utah. The state’s southernmost resort, Brian Head, surprised most of the state when it opened Nov. 4. And in a bit of gamesmanship Thursday, <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://brightonresort.com//" target=\"_blank\">Brighton Resort</a> one-upped its Big Cottonwood Canyon neighbor by opening its season at 11 a.m.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NW7R56GLP5FKBE7N76OG4SC4HM","content":"“We knew we were going to open today at some point,” Brighton spokesperson Jared Winkler said, noting it was just waiting on the go-ahead from ski patrol. “It happened a little earlier than expected. And it was just sort of nice to get the jump on Solitude.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"24NU6DY7LBGLLLGPVUPZVD6NTM","content":"For years, Brighton and Solitude have engaged in a friendly tit-for-tat over which will open first. The winner typically also opens the ski season in Utah. And it’s usually Brighton.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZRRRKXI3A5EGFIROEPNYVHA5LI","content":"This year looked to be Solitude’s season, however. The resort initially was among <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/10/05/alta-brian-head-park-city//">four Utah resorts that pegged Nov. 18 as their opening day</a>. After the ski areas received manna from heaven in the form of moisture-heavy snow and temperatures cold enough for making snow, however, Solitude reset its opening day to Friday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y62GZA5UWZDUNCPMYKVHMV5VLU","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) The stoke is high for opening day at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/Y62GZA5UWZDUNCPMYKVHMV5VLU.jpg"},{"_id":"HTTNZAOUIFGB7B47CXGQJXIGUY","content":"All eyes were on Brighton after that, with the expectation it would open early this week. This year, though, Brighton had taken on some large projects, such as adding lights for expanded night skiing, and Winkler said it was still trying to wrap those up when the snow started flying. On Wednesday morning, though, the announcement finally came: Brighton, with a 51-inch base, planned to open at 9 a.m. Friday. Three hours later, Solitude, with a 59-inch base, said it would actually open Thursday afternoon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IS55ZZG6XVAQXICGHXRF2OACUI","content":"But, as Winkler said, “It’s like poker. They played their cards too soon and we jumped on it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2YEIPFN4GZBRXIDUUDOTRGFIKY","content":"At 10:50 a.m. Thursday, Brighton announced it would open to passholders at 11 — three hours before Solitude.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R37PQKUBTNG3HMWS2KODEIAK7U","content":"<a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2021/10/30/shes-charge-solitude-ski//" target=\"_blank\">Amber Broadaway</a>, Solitude’s president and COO, said she expected as much.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T6ZL7PQYB5G75JUQYYMHW4H7XE","content":"“The rivalry, the pressure, really it’s very fun with Brighton,” she said. “So, you know, we make our plans and we always kind of know they’re going to figure it out.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"XCBDPTBJ5FEIZG2TFXKD2H5E6A","content":"Anyway, Solitude has moved onto the next fight. Last week, it quietly began a competition with another neighboring resort, Snowbird, over bragging rights for having the longest season of the state’s 15 ski areas. A Nov. 4 Twitter post, in which Solitude first announced it would be opening earlier than expected, was tagged with #longestseasoninUtah, which has traditionally been Snowbird’s slogan.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TVE4L4URAJDPPE7GKQZKKZYQ74","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"CJNA3TOZMBABRLRBUYUGGIKDWU","content":"When asked about it in the comments, a reply from the official Solitude account said, “We had the longest season in Utah last winter and are opening 12 days earlier this season and plan to stay open later than last year if conditions allow.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"F4Q35V3YMRCJJC36RY4NRMOSH4","content":"On Thursday, Snowbird cut into Solitude’s lead when it <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.snowbird.com//" target=\"_blank\">announced it would also be opening early</a>, on Nov. 18 rather than Nov. 30. But Snowbird spokesperson Kelsey Johnson said the resort’s earliest opener since 2012 is a result of its 67-inch base, not because Solitude threw down the gauntlet.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HO52ZW3JLVCGRPGJ6XFKVOH4Z4","content_elements":[{"_id":"EMOOJBQFKREW5OX45JB5D3YFR4","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Scott Svatos is all smiles as he joins other Solitude Mountain Resort staff for opening day on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","copyright":"© Francisco Kjolseth 2022","credits":{},"height":1759,"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/EMOOJBQFKREW5OX45JB5D3YFR4.jpg","width":2800},{"_id":"GZRAWJHHM5DK7HS2S4AS3TT2TU","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Some fresh powder is to be had as a skier takes a run for opening day at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","copyright":"© Francisco Kjolseth 2022","credits":{},"height":1768,"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/GZRAWJHHM5DK7HS2S4AS3TT2TU.jpg","width":2800},{"_id":"LU4RKLT3RFDGNKFBZPWXR3MAUM","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Loren Cox joins the crowd as he waits to put in his first turns of the season for opening day at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","copyright":"© Francisco Kjolseth 2022","credits":{},"height":1867,"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/LU4RKLT3RFDGNKFBZPWXR3MAUM.jpg","width":2800},{"_id":"WKSRL5KT2RCBXNGASJFGVOZJAA","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Snowboarders glide over the powder as they enjoy opening day at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","copyright":"© Francisco Kjolseth 2022","credits":{},"height":2800,"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/WKSRL5KT2RCBXNGASJFGVOZJAA.jpg","width":2217},{"_id":"5P6FNRMXORBXTBUE3Q5LVYRXHE","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) The afternoon sun backlights the snow and ice as skiers and snowboarders enjoy opening day at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","copyright":"© Francisco Kjolseth 2022","credits":{},"height":1852,"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/5P6FNRMXORBXTBUE3Q5LVYRXHE.jpg","width":2800},{"_id":"KQA2KFCSFNDPFGHHLELFSHWNVU","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) A snowboarder glides through the fresh powder during opening day at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","copyright":"© Francisco Kjolseth 2022","credits":{},"height":1710,"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/KQA2KFCSFNDPFGHHLELFSHWNVU.jpg","width":2800},{"_id":"HJ7K3A6JQZG47KVZRSK7NVJDPA","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) The short ski day quickly fills the parking lot as skiers and snowboarders arrive for opening day at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","copyright":"© Francisco Kjolseth 2022","credits":{},"height":1946,"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/HJ7K3A6JQZG47KVZRSK7NVJDPA.jpg","width":2800},{"_id":"2AYQWZP2WRGBBPTZ4K6OWQPVOI","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Skiers trek up to the Moonbeam Express for opening day at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","copyright":"© Francisco Kjolseth 2022","credits":{},"height":1917,"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/2AYQWZP2WRGBBPTZ4K6OWQPVOI.jpg","width":2800}],"type":"gallery"},{"_id":"PMSAYRBYLRBAZMW63T5DP7BG6A","content":"Shawn McPherron of Draper can respect the hunt for bragging rights. After all, that’s why he showed up at Solitude at 9 a.m. Thursday, when the Dean family offered him a spot on first chair with them. Maybe that’s why, after 56 years of skiing in Utah, he still likes to see the state’s resorts egg each other on.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RBMKPVYZEZBATHQOXOQKR246EU","content":"“I think it’s fun that they try to compete with each other,” he said. “I think that’s what skiing is all about, a little friendly rivalry.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TTUBES7JYRG5RH3OPFQIUUSH4A","content":"Broadaway agreed that the showdowns between ski areas are all in good fun.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DQZXVIMJTJGZHFIIWFRRPBMVCQ","content":"“My feeling is that when resorts get open and stay open late, the guests win,” she said. “So whether I beat Brighton or I beat Snowbird, it’s just super fun to, you know, jab about it during the season. But ultimately, the skiers and mountain enthusiasts win.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"64S4H62NONFSRL2P7VAGDQHUAU","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Shawn McPherron, left, joins Liz Dean and her two boys Rainier, 7, and Theodore, 5, for first chair as skiers and snowboarders enjoy opening day at Solitude Mountain Resort Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/64S4H62NONFSRL2P7VAGDQHUAU.jpg"},{"_id":"TCTHCU6GAVHCJL7L5YLQMER4OE","content":"She’ll get no argument from young Rainier, who had a Snowbird sticker plastered across his red helmet. He has big plans for this season, including skiing down a triple black diamond run and jumping off cliffs. And he has been ready to get going on them ever since the snow started falling. So if it’s competition that gets the lifts turning sooner, he’ll take it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KC477UY4IJB2HDNERY24OTTWBY","content":"“I was like, ‘Oh, come on, I really wish we could be skiing right now,” he said of seeing the snow piling up near his Cottonwood Heights home. “I was like, just, ‘I need to ski!’”","type":"text"},{"_id":"5WKL7XWA3NBG7DKW5ECLBLQTQA","content":"Now, he and everyone else on the Wasatch front finally can.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CORC2T7E5BEQFAUKZR5NVIREWM","citation":{},"content_elements":[{"_id":"HJH4LVM3K5FXBAOF65NAQERHGA","type":"header"},{"_id":"UCZOUKBXSND4TB4TBZZOVMRTLM","type":"text"},{"_id":"5242SL4WXVDVBGEGHSOSBDUNI4","type":"text"},{"_id":"55Q6QJA42RFOHC6IB3UM5SIRMU","type":"text"},{"_id":"SNYW2INH4RGI3N3SAWFEAJ2NHI","type":"text"},{"_id":"6SW5YLLKCFH4FP2LMIRRGNLZFQ","type":"text"},{"_id":"HCJVQHAUXVAI5J3B4ZQFAT55LY","type":"text"},{"_id":"MYEAMKG5BFHB3DAOIEZE2FZ34A","type":"text"},{"_id":"LLZNMWHJTZGSXJNQS6SY6DCERQ","type":"text"},{"_id":"C2WHDZ7H4JG2XPVPNOCJVADJOE","type":"text"},{"_id":"LNHXV7VA3BB55LZMMW5CTJG4F4","type":"text"},{"_id":"BLLV4D2KHRALLKSF7D5NT2EEKA","type":"text"},{"_id":"QIPMFOVHIBHRJOKDAZPXFRKJ4A","type":"text"},{"_id":"RUEYUMB6WRDMDOYZQEO4HLHACQ","type":"text"},{"_id":"4BHZDMFSEZFSNPDHOKAHH6CP3A","type":"text"},{"_id":"HZKI3GZIABE6FDIELNR3KXEOW4","type":"text"},{"_id":"NUF2LMQMS5C2XPHXFHF5BTQ6BY","type":"text"}],"type":"quote"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2022-11-11T13:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Brighton beats Solitude for ski opener bragging rights but competition among resorts is heating up"},"last_updated_date":"2022-12-09T20:32:38.556Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Theodore Dean, 5, adjust his gear as he gets ready to ride first chair with his family after arriving more than five hours ahead of the afternoon opening at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/T3F72GKSJRFLLNKHI27J3MRCFE.jpg"}},"publish_date":"2022-12-09T20:32:38.192Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Solitude picks new, friendly fight with Snowbird for #LongestSeasoninUtah"},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"Tag for other recreation & outdoors stories","slug":"recreation","text":"Recreation"},{"description":"Skiing","slug":"skiing","text":"Skiing"},{"description":"Solitude Mountain Resort","slug":"solitude-mountain-resort","text":"Solitude Mountain Resort"},{"description":"Brighton Resort","slug":"brighton-resort","text":"Brighton Resort"},{"description":"Snowbird","slug":"snowbird","text":"Snowbird"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2022/11/11/brighton-beats-solitude-ski"},{"_id":"7BBXT2C7FBEVFMKPI6B26IPRI4","canonical_url":"/sports/2022/10/31/brian-head-resort-readies-one","content_elements":[{"_id":"YE6NZAS7HBCBVJK6LS533W3DN4","content":"For Skiers and snowboarders in the Wasatch Mountains, the snow brought by <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/10/25/utah-skiers-revel-october-storm//" target=\"_blank\">last week’s storms</a> was but an amuse bouche. Though many got in a few backcountry runs, it was just enough to whet their appetites.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DTOPORU4DJCCFNLF27CU5HLXMA","content":"Their central Utah brethren, meanwhile, are about to be delivered the main course.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AUWVY2JWXFDRTDLT2GVZ6GR3LA","content":"On Monday, <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.brianhead.com//" target=\"_blank\">Brian Head Resort</a>, located near Cedar City announced it would be opening for the season this Friday. The Nov. 4 date is believed to be the earliest opener in Brian Head history and the among the top five earliest ever for the state.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RQKATDSUTRFKNJNVOC5CSSBTEY","content":"Park City Resort opened on Oct. 26 for the 1996-97 season, long before its 2015 merged with The Canyons to become Park City Mountain Resort. According to a <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.deseret.com/1996/10/25/19273702/no-go-at-times-as-snow-shellacks-n-utah?_amp=true\%22 target=\"_blank\">Deseret News article</a>, that was the second-earliest opener in the ski area’s history. Meanwhile, Brighton Resort, which usually claims the state’s bragging rights as the first to open, opened the 2004-05 season on Oct. 29. It opened Nov. 4 for the 2009 season.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MN7LWOZPQJCGLCOT3BBPS2OKWE","content":"Brian Head’s previous earliest opener, according to general manager Marilyn Butler, who said she looked back through 22 years of data, was Nov. 10. That was during the 2000-01 season.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OKM7HIHVIBE3DHQQWVI2WSZRL4","content":"“We usually pride ourselves on getting open by Thanksgiving,” Butler said, “and this year we were fortunate to open Nov. 4.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7TOQ74L7TBHH3D4HI73FL46H3Y","content":"Only three North American <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.skicentral.com/openareas-skireport.html/" target=\"_blank\">ski areas are currently open</a>, all of them in Colorado: Arapahoe Basin, Winter Park and Keystone.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CP3HCVUWUJBTBBC35P4PQ2ZHWU","content":"The early opening stands in stark contrast to last season, when most Utah resorts had to <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2021/11/16/this-is-when-utahs-ski//" target=\"_blank\">push back their openers </a>at least a week because of warm temperatures and lack of natural snow","type":"text"},{"_id":"K3HOFKMW35A4TKCZLQCYBF6MI4","content":"Butler said the resort received 17 inches of snow from last week’s storm, which also blanketed the Wasatch Mountains. Another 23 inches is expected to fall at the resort — which has the state’s highest base elevation at 9,600 feet — between Wednesday and Friday, Butler said. That combined with snowmaking efforts have resort operators confident there will be enough coverage to allow at least one lift to get up and running.","type":"text"},{"_id":"26ASMTDAGBFTZGRLGCBF3GY73Q","content":"Brian Head will run its Navajo Express, a high-speed detachable quad, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday both this weekend and next. More lift carriers have been added to that lift this season, Butler said, noting it should get people to the top of the mountain faster.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DDTNT4L2P5DLREZJRH5IYV5CSE","content":"Daily operations will begin Nov. 18, Butler said. That’s the day Brian Head originally pegged as its opening date. <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/10/05/alta-brian-head-park-city//" target=\"_blank\">Park City Mountain Resort, Solitude and Alta</a> also have announced plans to open that day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PYHPOANJ5BFF5KSUUNBKBL44CA","content":"Or at least that’s when lifts are scheduled to start turning. The last two weekends, backcountry skiers and splitboarders eager for winter to get underway have formed a conga line skinning up to the top of Alta, which received 25 inches in the latest storm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"56YRYOYZZFHGXL57TMUVAOTPJA","content":"<b>Update:</b> Nov. 1, 11:50 a.m. &gt;&gt; <i>This article has been updated to note that Park City Resort opened its ski season in October at least twice, including on Oct. 26, 1996.</i>","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2022-10-31T22:42:04.859Z","headlines":{"basic":"A Utah ski resort will open Friday, one of the earliest openings in recent history"},"last_updated_date":"2022-12-09T20:33:25.300Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"Brian Head Resort\n\nBrian Head Resort, the southernmost ski area in Utah, announced it will open Friday. If it can pull it off, it will be the earliest opener in the resort's history and one of the earliest ever for the state.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/IRFVJ3JNLBA7BLF35OUP6AMM4U.jpg"}},"publish_date":"2022-12-09T20:33:24.860Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Brian Head’s newly announced opening is believed to be the fourth earliest in state history."},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"Tag for other recreation & outdoors stories","slug":"recreation","text":"Recreation"},{"description":"Skiing","slug":"skiing","text":"Skiing"},{"description":"sports features","slug":"sports-featured","text":"Sports Featured"},{"description":"Brian Head Resort","slug":"brian-head-resort","text":"Brian Head Resort"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2022/10/31/brian-head-resort-readies-one"},{"_id":"U2IBDARQ6FHCFIPTMSYB5EQATA","canonical_url":"/sports/2022/10/26/how-snowbasin-teen-died-came","content_elements":[{"_id":"G633VKL76JGGPLRRKO4TSC7EFI","content":"It would not be inaccurate to call Tyler Blocker an overachiever. He’s the kind of kid who sees the prize and creates a route to it — often in record time and occasionally against expert advice.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OD57ENTTMBFWDGIVTY5ZEJUB3A","content":"Take his life goal for example. He’s just 17, and he’s already searching for a new one after being selected to appear in the latest Warren Miller ski film: “Daymaker.” The film was making its Utah swing this week, starting in Orem on Wednesday before hitting Ogden, Salt Lake City and Park City.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7QH7SO7EHBH5XAFRJ5DTPEIFQU","content":"“My list of goals growing up was like, No. 1 was to be in a ski movie,” said Blocker, a Mountain Green resident who began skiing at nearby Snowbasin Resort at age 2. “That was No. 1. Not to win competitions or any of that. I’ve always wanted to be in a ski movie. So [I] knocked that off. So that was kind of nice.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YJG2TJDI6NCJVLCDW3KHJVZQSU","content":"Still, the Morgan High senior’s selection to appear alongside Olympian Jonny Moseley and pro freeskier Marcus Caston of Salt Lake City in a film produced by the granddaddy of ski flick makers came as a shock. Prior to the film, Blocker hadn’t won any major freeskiing contests, caught the eye of any big sponsors or generated much publicity. He didn’t even have a real coach. His dad technically held that title, but Blocker taught himself by studying films of other skiers. Yet Blocker has one thing: a knack for making things happen on his own, warp-speed timeline, especially when skiing is involved.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6AOUOA67VVHWFKP3NOLUWJGFRY","content":"Just ask his dad — or his doctors.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YWETW3JISZHRDGQGZKCPZ44UPI","caption":"(Warren Miller Films) Tyler Blocker,16, of Mountain Green drops in at Snowbasin Resort in March 2022. Professional skiers Marcus Caston of Salt Lake City and Jonny Moseley surprised Blocker at the resort and informed him he was selected to appear in the 2022 Warren Miller film \"Daymaker.\"","subtitle":"","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/YWETW3JISZHRDGQGZKCPZ44UPI.jpg"},{"_id":"KX33ZS4W2NBPREUJELDYGUKLBU","content":"Blocker’s shockingly quick recovery from a potentially fatal ruptured spleen a year earlier and his unwavering devotion to skiing were the points Rob Blocker emphasized when he nominated his son to appear in “Daymaker.” This year was the first time in the nearly 70-year history of Warren Miller films that the company had asked fans to suggest local riders for an appearance.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F67LROXKKJEDDIAPY4HFYEGBKM","content":"“Really where he got his training from was from films like Warren Miller,” said Rob Blocker, who has made a tradition of attending the annual film with his family. “I expressed that pretty strongly and then, you know, this whole drama about his accident the year before. I think that made for a good story.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YDF37GXE3BBUDCJPUEYCIXKB2I","content":"Yeah, briefly dying and then coming back to life can be pretty compelling.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TFALIOH74FGN7FEJPVTDWJSOQI","content":"That’s how Blocker and his anesthesiologist father view what happened to him in February 2021. He had been hustling down a groomed run at Snowbasin to catch the bus home when his skis caught an edge and he crashed. He hit his head and blacked out for a moment. When he came to, he couldn’t move his legs. He could, however, wiggle his toes. The resort personnel who attended to him told him he wasn’t paralyzed, but that he could be bleeding internally.","type":"text"},{"_id":"34CEPJ4QBRFTHCEQTX6H6SLVYI","caption":"(Warren Miller Films) Tyler Blocker, left, 16, of Mountain Green gets ready for a ski session at Snowbasin Resort with professional skier Marcus Caston, center, of Salt Lake City in March 2022. The session was filmed and will appear in the 2022 Warren Miller film \"Daymaker.\"","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/34CEPJ4QBRFTHCEQTX6H6SLVYI.jpg"},{"_id":"NDMN5J2DHVCMZCE3J4BJ45TPOA","content":"Blocker’s first call was to his father, an anesthesiologist who left work early to pick him up. When Rob arrived, Blocker seemed just a little beaten up. Still, Rob thought it would be worth taking his son to the hospital to make sure he was OK. As he helped his son stand up to walk to the car, Blocker went limp.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5T2TSAXXJNHX3L4QFWMA77AALY","content":"“My eyes literally just rolled back into my head, and I literally just coded right there,” Blocker said. “Lost pulse. Heart nothing. Just lifeless.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"RSUE3WHZFZABFJNHJM6PJRG7ZE","content":"The episode only lasted a moment. Doctors would later pinpoint two major issues that caused Blocker’s collapse. One was a pinched artery to his kidney, which he eventually lost. The other was the explosion of his spleen, which required an emergency splenectomy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3XAYYCBNTNDFFFG3V2CUA5ZOFQ","content":"Tyler barely ate or drank while he was in the hospital. In fact, to be released, he said, all doctors required was that he drink one cup of water. It took him 30 pounds and 10 days.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LVXNHLEUVREJRK7LPQJTCTPZVM","content":"Less than a week later, though, he asked his dad if he could ski.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y4DZESOWFNFCDB3R5WYQS7WSTM","content":"Blocker’s doctors had told him it would take six weeks of mostly bedrest to recover.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UPXE4AAJ5JCATB2T25SLRFUZUY","content":"“And that’s just that’s just not who I am,” Blocker said. “I can’t stay still for that long.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"SSPY2G52JFHMVD24S5G4YARV6E","content":"So he did some research and found a study that advised light exercise as a way to speed recovery from a splenectomy. Other studies his father found backed the research up. So, against Blocker’s mother’s wishes, Rob gave his son the green light — with one condition: Tyler had to stay on the bunny hill.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U243NJSGNJFPDFFAF67B65F5VE","content":"Well, that didn’t last long, either.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GP6BIT4EZJGWBHZXDSXKZHVTSI","content":"“I went skiing [up] Little Cat and I felt fine,” Blocker said. “And so I decided to go up the bigger lift, John Paul. And I remember, I didn’t even do a groomer lap. I just went straight underneath the lift, [where there’s] just, like, moguls.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NXSJJRRR7RFKZJ7G6VQCG5X5W4","content":"When Blocker went in for a checkup a couple of weeks later, his doctors were both furious and fascinated. By then, Blocker estimates, he was 95% recovered.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UWZC2LCJTVBYZHDKIKT6HPCARQ","content":"“The doctors were like, ‘We’ve never seen a recovery that fast, ever,’” Blocker said. “And the doctors were also really, really mad that I went skiing.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"IT2YSHQSZNCLDEOOSGMQBA424I","content":"Fast-forward a full year, and it was Blocker who was surprised as he exited the locker room at Snowbasin only to catch sight of a camera crew and, moments later, Moseley and Caston. When they asked if he was Tyler, Blocker went tongue-tied, completely fumbling his on-camera debut.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SHGNR5JJ2BF7TJYYERMOCUHRLE","caption":"(Warren Miller Films) Tyler Blocker,16, of Mountain Green waits to drop in at Snowbasin Resort in March 2022. Professional skiers Marcus Caston of Salt Lake City and Jonny Moseley surprised Blocker at the resort and informed him he was selected to appear in the 2022 Warren Miller film \"Daymaker.\"","subtitle":"","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/SHGNR5JJ2BF7TJYYERMOCUHRLE.jpg"},{"_id":"URFXS5IMKZEHBD2YFXT5OM6EME","content":"He made a much better impression on the mountain. On the first day, he dropped into a rarely skied line called First Finger. His father had warned him that with the spring conditions, there wasn’t a way out of it. He called it “a cliff to nowhere.” Yet, somehow, Blocker found a line, launching himself off the cliff and landing in a two-foot-wide gap before gliding out of it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"POG6GGXMDRCXFNHH6YJ2FRED3U","content":"“The first couple of days, couple of runs especially, it’s a little like feeling it out. You know, [seeing] what he can do,” said Caston, who added he had no idea what to expect from Blocker. “But then we pretty much got after it right away. And he killed it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"EH3CURIVKJC6VF6KTMOJRI6ZRA","content":"Caston, 34, also made his film debut in a Warren Miller production in his early 20s. He said it changed the course of his life.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4PFQMZFDDVFMTNKJ3LME2LQ5C4","content":"“Ten years later, it still maybe hasn’t settled in,” he said. “But it’s really cool. It’s been about a decade now that I’ve been able to travel around the world and see new places and meet new people through the opportunities that I’ve had through Warren Miller. It’s been huge in shaping who I am.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"OLTXXBD4SRAEHGC36D4EH5P5LU","content":"Blocker would like his appearance in “Daymaker” to bear similar fruit. It’s already elevated him onto Snowbasin’s roster of sponsored pro athletes, a distinction typically reserved for athletes 18 and older, and brought him a gear sponsorship with K2.","type":"text"},{"_id":"COFCSRN2IJFTTDLQ26UWT6AIII","content":"He’s aiming for something bigger, though. Call it life goal No. 1.2.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IT7FR3IIXBCXLMMWZRFK7ZEDAY","content":"“Honestly, [it’s] being in a second Warren Miller movie,” he said. “Cause I guess I just went with the plot in the first one. But if they actually chose me to be in the second one? That would be really cool.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"J7F6XZZ2RFBQPKTAOUIQFKCGGU","content":"He may just need a little time to make it happen.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FLJVWLHBFNFANH7YSPKDGE5NVM","citation":{},"content_elements":[{"_id":"MDZ7W5HQTBFT5GAX6V2ELNPRGE","type":"header"},{"_id":"Q2LCX5W6WREUPELUACKUM2NLNQ","type":"text"},{"_id":"X3SZJXRVMBAP5DIMDZ6MQARTY4","type":"text"},{"_id":"V7LPMPSPCBEFXPA3KRHGYXUSLQ","type":"text"},{"_id":"2AOYCU6CSRDDTK642JM64WA3EE","type":"text"},{"_id":"GZC4PQY3QJA6FLNYHK5NUHDPA4","type":"text"},{"_id":"RSJ74PFZAFGBHMZVJNOHJYK4AY","type":"text"}],"type":"quote"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2022-10-26T12:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"A Snowbasin teen ruptured his spleen, lost a kidney and briefly died. A year later, he was starring in a Warren Miller ski film."},"last_updated_date":"2022-12-09T20:34:05.451Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Warren Miller Films) Tyler Blocker, 16, of Mountain Green gets some air off a cliff at Snowbasin Resort. Blocker was surprised by professional skiers Johnny Moseley and Marcus Caston, of Salt Lake City, who informed Blocker he as selected to appear in the 2022 Warren Miller film \"Daymaker.\"","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/AO5PLE7YE5B2VFT5RYASKDKHWA.jpg"}},"publish_date":"2022-12-09T20:34:04.843Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Morgan High senior Tyler Blocker ruptured his spleen and lost his kidney a year before his selection for “Daymaker.” "},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"sports features","slug":"sports-featured","text":"Sports Featured"},{"description":"Tag for other recreation & outdoors stories","slug":"recreation","text":"Recreation"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2022/10/26/how-snowbasin-teen-died-came"},{"_id":"HOXGGYB5L5BRBHXBVFVTIW2V4U","canonical_url":"/sports/2022/10/03/park-city-mountain-resorts-new","content_elements":[{"_id":"CGH5HCWZJ5CVJA2VTJBYW3RLFA","content":"Dressed in a chambray button-up shirt and blue jeans and wearing a faint smile, Deirdra Walsh looks relaxed as she sits in a no-frills conference room on the second floor of a brick building in the Mountain Village of the Park City Mountain Resort. After the late-August sun finishes climbing over the ski area’s hills, it peeks through the windows, casting the resort’s new vice president and chief operating officer in a warm glow.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OE7D7JHHCFG3RCZDNN7TXYMTNI","content":"It’s the calm before the winter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QLNY4WTIJBAODJ4HQMVAOLE4WY","content":"This ski and snowboarding season, PCMR plans to put into place some of its most contentious changes since 2015 when it took over operation of The Canyons and became the largest ski area in North America. While Walsh did not initiate many of the resort’s new policies for the 2022-23 season — like charging for daily parking in the Mountain Village lots and capping the sale of walk-up lift tickets — it will be her job to usher them in.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K22E2RC77FG5RGJHHTBLHAFABE","content":"Armed with roots in the community and a history of creating consonance, Walsh believes she’s up for the challenge.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XRKCWUGWKZCW5DEYZMNW5F5TTE","content":"“I didn’t come in, certainly, to the resort unprepared for the challenges. And there have been some things that have been more surprising than others,” she said. “But certainly that doesn’t deter me.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LQPDGY3JTNC7ZOI52VQHGY3UPE","content":"“Right now, the only way is forward.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MPULBBKQRBFSPPKR5KKK6O7GNY","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) People take to the slopes of Park City Mountain Resort as clear skies and some recent fresh snow draws the crowds on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/MPULBBKQRBFSPPKR5KKK6O7GNY.jpg"},{"_id":"CWCMNUB34NFGNBPRXKVEULG3M4","content":"When she officially stepped into her new role in May after holding the same position at Northstar Ski Resort in Lake Tahoe, Calif., since 2019, Walsh waded right into the muck. Just two weeks after the 44-year-old<a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/05/10/park-city-mountain-resort//"> took the resort’s reins from Mike Goar</a>, the Park City Planning Commission voted to block PCMR from upgrading two lifts — one of which was planned to be Vail Resorts’ first eight-pack — after four Parkites raised concerns about overcrowding and the <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/news/environment/2022/07/11/secret-formula-that-ski-resorts//">equation the resort uses to determine comfortable carrying capacity</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W66EK7IRNFA5VK64S2KIYDZR7Q","content":"Walsh’s first official statements as the head of PCMR came in the form of a rebuke.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XDHCNBFB25BZDMVCJJ2323AZ6E","content":"“We are fundamentally concerned with, and confused by, the City blocking this significant investment in the guest experience at Park City Mountain,” she said in a prepared statement in June.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7JKT6IOIQREDRHT2RD32YP4QFY","content":"Vail Resorts, which counts PCMR among its 41 ski areas, has since <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.parkrecord.com/news/park-city/vail-resorts-appeals-decision-on-pcmr-lift-upgrade//">filed an appeal</a> with a Summit County district court. Meanwhile, it announced Wednesday that the <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/09/29/park-city-mountain-will-send-ski//" target=\"_blank\">lifts would be shipped to Canada</a> for installation at Whistler Blackcomb, another Vail Resorts property, next year. If Park City is granted permission to install lifts in 2023, it will have to order new ones.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LGVZ6U2F7BCAPKNOJXMFJJDYRQ","content":"The hubub over the lifts exposed a long festering rift in trust between community members and the resort.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5XPAO2ZOMJDDLBSLJ2WNGVE4NE","content":"That rift can be mended, Walsh said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RC7BCY37NZH33H6R6LN7R3WEYI","content":"“I think,” she said, “there’s an opportunity to reset right now.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NXDD6QSTB5EK7JSANS5SZ6RTEA","caption":"(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Parts for building a new Eagle lift at Park City Mountain Resort lie scattered around the resorts parking lot, Thursday, July 7, 2022. Residents last month blocked the resort from being able to install the lift because of discrepancies in resort capacities by two firms. ","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/NXDD6QSTB5EK7JSANS5SZ6RTEA.jpg"},{"_id":"JHEF42A7NRFQBJWYV2NWB6X2TM","content":"Walsh said she has received “a really warm welcome” from the Park City community. Part of that she credits to her history in the area. Originally from Missouri, she moved with her then-boyfriend, now husband, Rob, to Park City in 2004. She learned to snowboard at Park City Mountain and got her first job in the ski industry there in 2007, when she was hired in conference sales.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UPQKW2OIEVELHMIKUOU5255BUI","content":"Nudged by the support of her female superiors throughout her career — she’s one of three women currently at the helm of a Utah resort — the mother of two young children worked her way up to director and then senior director of the mountain dining division. So when Park City Mountain was combined with The Canyons in 2015, it was up to her to merge their dining operations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3QCSQFSTLFDWLJEHKFYTB7F43A","content":"“I think the actual integration of resorts was probably one of the most challenging and exciting things that I was a part of,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5RNOAHOH2VFF3LIWOSUACNWD6Q","content":"She started the conversation between the two groups by asking one question:","type":"text"},{"_id":"M43FNDPP25BJRMIAPCHQ5342XE","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Deirdra Walsh, new Vice President and COO of Park City Mountain Resort, is pictured on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022, as she takes over for Mike Goar at a pivotal time for the ski area. ","subtitle":"","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/M43FNDPP25BJRMIAPCHQ5342XE.jpg"},{"_id":"DWQFLRGCBBCGZJDTFIYQBDFHDA","content":"“What do we have in common?” she said. “And if we can start there, then I know that we can create something that feels true to us being one team.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZHGBT5PKJJDY5DGTDXIAIJZSOM","content":"Her approach to leading PCMR is similar. She said she spent most of her first months at the helm having coffee or lunch or the occasional glass of wine with elected officials and community members and other stakeholders. She used those conversations in part, she said, to find common ground.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UJYZ664XEVD6LGS7QHWDWJAH7M","content":"Hopefully it’s also solid ground, because those relationships are likely to be tested by the ticket and parking policies PCMR intends to institute this winter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GVJ4DFMJFRCTZOLKXVGMFMMK5E","content":"As part of a Vail Resorts-wide initiative, PCMR will cap online and walk-up lift ticket sales every day of the season, expanding on a pilot program last year that limited ticket sales during holidays. The hope is the cap will keep the slopes and restaurants from becoming overcrowded — which was one of the main criticisms levied against PCMR last year. Vail Resorts’ effort to bolster the workforce, and therefore the amount of terrain and services it can offer, by adding employee housing and raising the minimum wage to $20/hour should also give guests more space.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PVL3J4HEZNDJ3I2XRMHQBYX4UE","content":"However, capping daily tickets has been criticized as a tactic employed by resorts to cajole people into buying passes and committing early to visiting a specific ski area. In addition, it can be a point of frustration for locals as they look for last-minute tickets to take advantage of powder days that might otherwise be blacked out on their passes or to entertain out-of-town visitors. (PCMR has said it will allow Epic Pass holders to purchase buddy tickets even on capped days.)","type":"text"},{"_id":"6GZB4CDO3NCBPCCJISDNXKDYPE","content":"“So you can never just decide to go on a trip…,” <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://twitter.com/liftblog/status/1561743369121972224/">wrote one Twitter user</a>, responding to a post about the caps, “you have to be a super planner.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3YFSZD5EENCUBEJN4HZUCTW53A","content":"A metrics team will determine when the cap should be employed, Walsh said, using “a lot of inputs.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2ELZUMKSIFALJNQWZQPX53YDQI","content":"The ticket cap has garnered little attention, however, compared to the angst generated by the <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.parkcitymountain.com/explore-the-resort/about-the-resort/getting-here.aspx/">resort’s new parking plan</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SFPRZHBGEBENVH4MYAUTHVAPUQ","content":"From Dec. 12 to April 2, PCMR will require reservations and a $25 fee to park in its Mountain Village lots — Main, First Time and Silver King — every day between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Carpoolers with four or more people in a vehicle can park for free but still must have a reservation. Parking outside of those hours does not require a reservation and is free regardless of vehicle occupancy. Visitors can also park for free daily at The Canyons in the Cabriolet lot and on weekends and holidays at Park City High.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KNBOR7YEHBDOVA5YKIMEV7KIHE","content":"Its intent, in part, is to reduce the traffic congestion around the main village and deter people from visiting the area if they don’t have reservations, which is expected to cut down on vehicles parking in neighborhoods. It’s also a way of coaxing people to carpool or take the bus.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YZPPEBVOZBBNLNJTFSK4Q6NXXU","content":"PCMR will be the first of the three Park City resorts to charge for parking, but it’s a tool used by most of the Cottonwood Canyons resorts as well as Sundance Resort.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S6GKKTZ3GJHILDZNKG5IR23AQY","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) People navigate a full parking lot at Park City Mountain Resort as clear skies and some recent fresh snow draws the crowds on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/S6GKKTZ3GJHILDZNKG5IR23AQY.jpg"},{"_id":"RZWTLBTBZ5GEVLMSD3RDELNNQY","content":"Some <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.parkrecord.com/news/park-city/parkites-torn-on-park-city-mountain-resorts-new-paid-parking-system//">locals have applauded the program</a> and PCMR for making an effort to curb traffic issues. To many Utah skiers and snowboarders, however, parking policy comes off as a money grab. And it hits especially hard in the wake of <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/news/2022/09/28/major-move-uta-sharply-cut-back//">Utah Transit Authority’s announcement</a> Wednesday that it will be cutting back bus service between Salt Lake City and Park City this winter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BGKKJNXRVVAWLCH7FCPIA3X4NY","content":"(Once skiers and riders get to Kimball Junction, however, they can jump on one of High Valley Transit’s buses, which will run no-fare routes to The Canyons and PCMR’s Mountain Village daily on 15-minute intervals, according to Summit County Planning Director Caroline Rodriguez.)","type":"text"},{"_id":"FADTLI35BNAVXNJ6CWFZPHA3VA","content":"“Well, since greed runs this resort, they had to make up for limiting skiiers (sic),” wrote a commenter on a Tribune story announcing the paid parking. “At 25$ (sic) a car, they will make a hefty profit they could have gotten for the skiiers they turn away. Skiing is too expensive for most locals anyway. This resort is for out of towners willing to pay.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"UV7LLEX3WVHCHFT6WER72P6PAI","content":"Walsh wants to change that perception.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q4WM4Z2UUZCN5CY4RXQ4QOMHAM","content":"Her big-picture goal is to make a resort that encompasses 7,300 acres, 43 lifts and 330 trails more intimate. Doing that will take more capital investment, though she didn’t elaborate on where that investment is most needed, and attention to detail. The end result, she said, should be a memorable, enjoyable experience for visitors, regardless of where they hail from or how much they paid for a ticket.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XKNTZYENGNF4XKTXSR6HBGJTSI","content":"“I try to think about the guest experience, and every single person that steps on a lift is a guest,” she said. “And I think all tides rise together, so a better guest experience is a better guest experience, whoever it is.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VVCOKRVVU5BOFPSGDY4HIKKN4I","content":"It’s setting up to be a harsh winter for Walsh, but she’s confident she can weather it with some good conversation … and some good wine. And maybe as soon as next summer she’ll be sitting back and basking in a warm glow — one created by a closer connection between her resort and its community.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PANEGN64KBAZXCJXVYOXGHHLQY","content":"<b>Editor’s note •</b> <i>This story is available to Salt Lake Tribune subscribers only. Thank you for supporting local journalism.</i>","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2022-10-03T12:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Park City Mountain Resort’s new COO ushers in ticket caps, paid parking in a moment of community unrest"},"last_updated_date":"2022-12-09T20:36:48.641Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Deirdra Walsh, new Vice President and COO of Park City Mountain Resort, is pictured on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022, as she takes over for Mike Goar at a pivotal time for the ski area.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/Z5QXOYXIUFGW5CKYRYKZ3L4BHE.jpg"}},"publish_date":"2022-10-03T12:00:04.544Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Deirdra Walsh believes her roots in Park City, and plenty of conversations, can lead to a “reset”."},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"sports features","slug":"sports-featured","text":"Sports Featured"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2022/10/03/park-city-mountain-resorts-new"},{"_id":"B5MNH3DL6VGZPF6OODFICV7QGI","canonical_url":"/sports/2022/09/29/park-city-mountain-will-send-ski","content_elements":[{"_id":"USTU5WILSJDKHJ4B36ZJVTMU64","content":"Park City Mountain Resort had a chance this season to become just the third resort in North America — and the first owned by Vail Resorts — to run an eight-person lift. Now that notoriety, and the lift, will go to Whistler Blackcomb.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JKMAXQSFLZB2VOK7WFSDB3AQWM","content":"PCMR expected to replace its Silverlode lift with the high-speed eight-pack and to reconfigure its Eagle and Eaglet lifts and replace them with a single high-speed six-pack this summer. That plan stalled in June, however, when the <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.parkrecord.com/news/park-city/park-city-planning-commission-rules-against-pcmr-lift-upgrades//" target=\"_blank\">Park City Planning Commission effectively voted to block </a>their installation after four Parkites raised concern about overcrowding and<a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/news/environment/2022/07/11/secret-formula-that-ski-resorts//" target=\"_blank\"> questioned the equation the resort uses to determine comfortable carrying capacity</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7EFHHAQS6JEIPAYUCN6XFFFEPM","content":"Vail Resorts <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.parkrecord.com/news/park-city/vail-resorts-appeals-decision-on-pcmr-lift-upgrade//">filed an appeal</a> in July with a Summit County district court. However, PCMR officials said it would not be possible to install the lifts before summer 2023.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6MED23OVMJE63HYEOVDYCOWBWM","content":"Rather than wait to see if PCMR would win its appeal, its parent company decided to ship the lifts to Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Canada. Vail Resorts CEO Kiersten Lynch announced the relocation of the lifts Wednesday when the company released its <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://investors.vailresorts.com/news-releases/news-release-details/vail-resorts-reports-fiscal-2022-fourth-quarter-and-full-year/" target=\"_blank\">fourth-quarter fiscal report and 2023 capital plan</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2Y66A4POBNDDRNC5BBSQXRTMT4","content":"She said the six-pack will replace the four-person high-speed Jersey Cream lift and eight-pack will replace the four-person high-speed Fitzsimmons lift. That would make it the first high-speed eight-pack lift in Canada. The lifts are expected to be installed next year, pending approvals.","type":"text"},{"_id":"73SLAMWFQZCUBN4EMNXVF73CRQ","caption":"(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Park City Mountain Resort employees move parts designated for the resort's new Eagle lift, Thursday, July 7, 2022. Residents last month blocked the resort from being able to install the lift because of discrepancies in resort capacities by two firms. ","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/73SLAMWFQZCUBN4EMNXVF73CRQ.jpg"},{"_id":"JKGM3SURWZB23HAS6P7O4RVTBA","content":"The lifts had already been delivered to PCMR and unpacked in its First Timer parking lot when the planning commission made its decision. They remained there for most of the summer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EGJEMVB3YJAEZOWGBFC76C7AKQ","content":"Deirdra Walsh, the COO and vice president of PCMR, said the resort has not abandoned its plans for the Silverlode and Eagle lifts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SSSYUUBJRJA3XOOAXYSUYMGDV4","content":"“We will continue to pursue our permit to upgrade the Silverlode and Eagle chairlifts because we are committed to investing in the guest experience at the resort,” Walsh said in a press statement. “Once we have resolved our permit with the city, we plan to procure the lifts and equipment necessary for the installation.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"UKMNSFEELFGBFLVFBT7SRYMQMA","content":"In the meantime, Walsh added, by moving the lifts to Whistler Blackcomb “they can have a positive impact on the guest experience in time for the 2023/24 season.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ULBTI7FAMVH6BJ3EBHZ7FDPYS4","content":"The Park City lifts and a lift at Keystone in Colorado that also was not installed are expected to cost $10 million, according to the report. It said Vail Resorts expects to incur an additional $20 million in expenses related to those lifts in 2023.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U3EAH4VANZEKFIKNMLVPOZYKTM","content":"Vail Resorts reported a net income of $347.9 million for fiscal year 2022, more than twice the $127.9 million it made the year prior. It attributes the difference to the impact of COVID-19 in 2021.","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2022-09-29T12:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Park City Mountain will send ski lifts caught in red tape to another resort"},"last_updated_date":"2022-12-09T20:34:46.192Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Park City Mountain Resort employees move parts designated for the resort's new Eagle lift, Thursday, July 7, 2022. Residents last month blocked the resort from being able to install the lift because of discrepancies in resort capacities by two firms. ","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/7E5A6YTZ6BGPLFGY62XIILFOT4.jpg"}},"publish_date":"2022-09-29T12:00:03.433Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Lift intended as an upgrade to Silverlode will instead become the first eight-pack in Canada."},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"sports features","slug":"sports-featured","text":"Sports Featured"},{"description":"Tag for other recreation & outdoors stories","slug":"recreation","text":"Recreation"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2022/09/29/park-city-mountain-will-send-ski"},{"_id":"VE5XM5HPQRFSTOXHQFGLYDAUKE","canonical_url":"/sports/2022/09/18/olympic-skier-mcrae-williams","content_elements":[{"_id":"F4724VLWJRDOHDWMHRR5RGRPGM","content":"It only seems fitting that McRae Williams’ first flick with Teton Gravity Research, a titan of powder porn, is called “Magic Hour.” It will be <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://tour.tetongravity.com/event/magic-hour-slc//" target=\"_blank\">showing Monday at the Red Butte Garden Amphitheater</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CFDLHMBV7NCHXMWHI2IPPTPJ54","content":"The magic hour, sometimes known as the golden hour, is a term photographers use to describe the brief period shortly after sunrise or shortly before sunset when the world is cast in a rosy glow. It also aptly describes the aura around the <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2018/02/04/the-zen-of-mcrae-williams-park-citys-freeskiing-first-time-olympian-does-things-his-way//" target=\"_blank\">2018 Olympian from Park City</a> these days as he enters a new stage of his ski career.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BJFKAK4T5BAB3IU6ZYRKGBINII","content":"The question is, is the sun just rising or is it about to set on McRae Williams?","type":"text"},{"_id":"ON2RUAF6KBFQNAEXQZ3Z2ZYDWY","content":"Even he doesn’t know the answer, but he’s applying suntan lotion, just in case.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XFLV5EA5AVFDXDFYEJEG2RVJXM","caption":"(Tyler Ravelle | TGR) McRae Williams of Park City is making the transition from 2018 Olympian to a skier in Teton Gravity Research's latest film, \"Magic Hour,\" which will be shown at Red Butte Garden on Monday, Sept. 19, 2022. Williams is in the magic hour of his pro career, but is unsure if the sun is rising or setting on him.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/XFLV5EA5AVFDXDFYEJEG2RVJXM.jpg"},{"_id":"P2DZCIHMNJGLTFKTNQWNAH7FFE","content":"“It would be an honor to be a full-time member of the TGR fam,” he said, “but whether it be TGR or some other production company or even perhaps my own YouTube channel, there’s no doubt I’m going to continue grinding and doing what I love to do. There’s plenty of opportunity out there, and if you’re doing what you love and working hard for it everything just seems to fall into place.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"K6JZG4YUDRGQ7AZBAIQ62L5AEA","content":"At 27, Williams was already an old man in his sport when he <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=56199300&itype=CMSID\%22 target=\"_blank\">qualified to compete in slopestyle</a> at the Pyeongchang Games in 2018 — just the second time the event based on park skiing was included in the Olympics. He had no intentions, then, of trying to make the team for this year’s Winter Games in Beijing, where fellow <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/02/14/how-park-city-became//" target=\"_blank\">Parkites Alex Hall, Nick Goepper and Colby Stevenson all brought home medals</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3V2XIKNCOJEYJMP2NTIN2UOOUA","content":"Instead, his transition plan included fulfilling his obligations for his main sponsor, Rockstar, and continuing to film with the grassroots production company Level 1. Both options fell through.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AAUQIYFBGZC7VCDL7OBTGM62FI","content":"“That was a hard hit to take,” Williams, 31, said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZOVP6PGJFJBQTNP5YMHAJBXTYY","content":"To his credit, Williams had seen that day coming — though he didn’t think it would happen so soon — and had saved for it. For the past couple years, he’s been living on that savings while keeping his eyes open for opportunities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J6SNAPE5SZA6JIHGDE6G3SQLDQ","caption":"(Tyler Ravelle | TGR) McRae Williams of Park City is making the transition from 2018 Olympian to a skier in Teton Gravity Research's latest film, \"Magic Hour,\" which will be shown at Red Butte Garden on Monday, Sept. 19, 2022. Williams is in the magic hour of his pro career, but is unsure if the sun is rising or setting on him.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/J6SNAPE5SZA6JIHGDE6G3SQLDQ.jpg"},{"_id":"LO2LCY6OQJECPBYIPPAKWLO5GI","content":"One came in the form of an early investment in an energy drink, though a completely different kind from Rockstar. It’s a yerba mate company called Yerba Cha that, the part-owner said, “has absolutely taken off.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CAEF44OFWBAVVJEO4ARWWPD5AE","content":"He also kept skiing and filming, even if it was just for small projects. And, as it so happened, one of those projects — <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://youtu.be/QxDnyu0Ak-w/" target=\"_blank\">“Must Be Nice” with John Spriggs</a> — which had been more of a labor of love than a film intended for a general audience, got picked up by TGR.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L4RNLFDM2VAL7OAXMK7JUJTLCE","content":"“It was huge for us and resulted in an insane amount of views,” Williams said. “I think over 100,000 views on the movie, which our plan was to maybe get a couple thousand on some random YouTube channel.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GDA4DYEXZJDSFNFXPRTJECCBWM","content":"That also cracked open the door for Williams to appear in “Magic Hour.” For his segment, he was paired with two Canadian skiers — Simon Hillis, 18, and Nick McNutt, 33 — for a heliskiing expedition in British Columbia’s Valhalla Range.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YSOVFUZZQBHCJL7EZFUMRA5VRQ","content":"Just as with his Olympic career, Williams is on the older side of athletes active in the backcountry film scene — especially with young rippers like Hillis and 15-year-old Kai Owens laying down fresh tracks and tricks. But for inspiration he can turn to some of TGR’s older guard, such as <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2021/09/20/skier-kai-jones-blood-is//" target=\"_blank\">Utah’s Tim Durtschi</a>, who is 36.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2RHNWUR5KZFJFE3IXHLVTPF3SY","content":"It also helps that his current employers look at him worldly rather than geriatric, and they seem keen on putting him in future TGR films.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TN7SSFZ7HJE27C6Q6EEETVZJY4","caption":"(Tyler Ravelle | TGR) McRae Williams of Park City is making the transition from 2018 Olympian to a skier in Teton Gravity Research's latest film, \"Magic Hour,\" which will be shown at Red Butte Garden on Monday, Sept. 19, 2022. Williams is in the magic hour of his pro career, but is unsure if the sun is rising or setting on him.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/TN7SSFZ7HJE27C6Q6EEETVZJY4.jpg"},{"_id":"4RNHHTIKWJD5NHARAIID2MI5C4","content":"“As an Olympian and X Games gold medalist, McRae has clearly been a powerhouse in slopestyle, but as his desire and experience in backcountry skiing has grown he has been a great addition to the TGR family,” <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.tetongravity.com/story/ski/Jon-J-K-Klaczkiewicznamed-T-G-R-2540031/" target=\"_blank\">Jon “J.K.” Klaczkiewicz</a>, TGR’s longtime head of production, said in an email. “... I think he just scratched the surface, and we are excited to get more days in the backcountry with McRae in the future.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"XAJGXNR3I5GN7NUDF2LSOZ5YUA","content":"Does that mean the sun is actually rising on the 31-year-old former Olympian? It’s certainly looking that way. And even if this stage of his skiing career only has as much sunlight as a day in late December, he’s going to revel in every last shimmer of it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X7ZLDCXVBVH6PDXB7SBUWQGG2I","content":"“I don’t think any parent would ever tell their kid to do it my way,” he admitted. “But it’s worked out along the way, just staying driven and believing and stuff.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PANEGN64KBAZXCJXVYOXGHHLQY","content":"<b>Editor’s note •</b> <i>This story is available to Salt Lake Tribune subscribers only. Thank you for supporting local journalism.</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"B5Y4POK4BJERDEZUCNXHKVVIFI","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"TYBW5VO3FBB2NAINSAUWKHLQNQ","content":"IF YOU GO","type":"header"},{"_id":"NZX4A63UHZBLJIPC2OH3L7ZQP4","content":"“Magic Hour”","type":"header"},{"_id":"XDGVKMHANJBFFHULTGUYR6WHFM","content":"<b>What:</b> Annual TGR ski film and festival","type":"text"},{"_id":"XCSH7XTZUVE3DHP666QEW7MFMU","content":"<b>When:</b> Monday, 6 p.m. (film at dusk, ~8:30 p.m.)","type":"text"},{"_id":"H7FDEBP6P5E77GEDEQNJVTTI5U","content":"<b>Where:</b> Red Butte Garden Amphitheater, 2188 Red Butte Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84108","type":"text"},{"_id":"RKAHSSDMXVFUPNLCEJ4C3P64DA","content":"<b>Tickets:</b> $25/adults, $10 children 16-under","type":"text"},{"_id":"R5FTBYBAHZBHNN255CB76RTAMM","content":"<b>Details:</b> <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://tour.tetongravity.com/event/magic-hour-slc//" target=\"_blank\">https://tour.tetongravity.com/event/magic-hour-slc/</a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"VHZBFI2A3NG4JM6FJESYG55NNU","content":"<br/>","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2022-09-18T12:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Olympic skier McRae Williams’ career is in its ‘Magic Hour,’ but is it the end or just the beginning?"},"last_updated_date":"2022-12-09T20:36:13.637Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Tyler Ravelle | TGR) McRae Williams of Park City is making the transition from 2018 Olympian to a skier in Teton Gravity Research's latest film, \"Magic Hour,\" which will be shown at Red Butte Garden on Monday, Sept. 19, 2022. Williams is in the magic hour of his pro career, but is unsure if the sun is rising or setting on him.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/JOLJG2OTS5C4FLZKWJWQOMOIW4.jpg"}},"publish_date":"2022-09-18T12:00:00.503Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"At 31, Park City slopestyle athlete is making his debut with Teton Gravity Research in a film that is showing Monday at Red Butte Garden."},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"sports features","slug":"sports-featured","text":"Sports Featured"},{"description":"Tag for other recreation & outdoors stories","slug":"recreation","text":"Recreation"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2022/09/18/olympic-skier-mcrae-williams"}],"_id":"999c48b0e15ccedeac745f4941c293c8acc5a0ae8b040a4811439b1b67fe46e5"}">","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"APMSUAKMORGI3HIU5AKURRG5RQ","content":"“I think it might be a knight. Or a jester or something?” he said. “I don’t know if it’s prince, but hey, I’ll take that. I’ll take whatever I can get.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TUUJZ5MTRNFSLJ2CW347N2EG7A","content":"Wilson, like Kunst, made his Kings and Queens debut last year, entered with a backflip and followed it up with another one midmountain. Unlike the other two, he knew his parameters as soon as he looked down from the start gate..","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZUNNYTW7NJBLXLKM2AKJLON5ZI","content":"“The entrance is really tight at the top. It feels, like, claustrophobic left to right,” Wilson said. “I didn’t really want to do a spinning trick because I tend to drift. And, like, that last wall is not a good zone to land — not that the right wall is any better. I thought that if I just did a backflip off of it, I could keep everything nice and straight.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"46CZT46W5JECDOZ7WA55U2ETFQ","content":"The King and Queen of Corbet’s contest began in 2018 and has been gaining in prestige in the years since. It pits skiers vs. snowboarders and park jibbers vs. big mountain riders. Kunst said her favorite part is that it mixes men and women in the lineup, with the order selected via a draw. Each competitor gets two runs and afterward the athletes serve as the judges, rewatching the videos in a theater and voting for the winner.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XGWKZCB2FJACHPVIKSF773BVLU","content":"Skier Claire McPherson, 19, of Canada won the queen crown this year, but the two prior queens hailed from Utah: Kunst and Salt Lake City snowboarder Madison Blackley. Stevenson is the first Utahn to take the king’s crown.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JUZ7YYC52FG3JMGAH75YBP7JTY","caption":"(Amy Jimmerson | Red Bull) Piper Kunst of Salt Lake City flies high near the bottom of the narrow Corbet's Couloir during the Kings and Queens of Corbet's big mountain competition on Feb. 7, 2023. Kunst, the 2022 queen, placed second.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/JUZ7YYC52FG3JMGAH75YBP7JTY.jpg"},{"_id":"KVENFULOWFFW5OWSOWZCRAFUAY","content":"He said he plans to be back. He’s found his kin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EDPUKBICBNAARJ7R3OZHW46RGQ","content":"“It’s just a nice, like, starting point for me to get into something like this and kind of change the direction of my career,” said Stevenson, who also is competing in World Cup and Dew Tour events this month as well as doing some filming. “I’m really excited to do more events like that down the road.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"H5DC6N7FXNHK3G4XZGZNM3WMM4","content":"A<a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.redbull.com/us-en/videos/kings-and-queens-of-corbets-2023-recap-show/" target=\"_blank\"> recap of the event</a> can be found online at redbull.com.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I7ZJTNB6BRG7BDTPCSOHLX45WA","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2023-02-19T13:00:52.118Z","headlines":{"basic":"Utahns crowned skiing royalty at King and Queen of Corbet’s"},"last_updated_date":"2023-02-22T18:03:05.134Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Amy Jimmerson | Red Bull) Colby Stevenson of Park City begins his blind entry into the narrow Corbet's Couloir during the Kings and Queens of Corbet's big mountain competition on Feb. 7, 2023. Stevenson won the king's crown.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/MYODSKXR3JHMBPVX4CGZTWIU6Q.jpeg"}},"publish_date":"2023-02-19T13:00:52.274Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Olympic medalist Colby Stevenson crowned king on his first attempt in event that shows he “has a screw loose.”"},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"Skiing","slug":"skiing","text":"Skiing"},{"description":"Olympics","slug":"olympics","text":"Olympics"},{"description":"Park City","slug":"park-city","text":"Park City"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2023/02/19/utahns-crowned-skiing-royalty-king"},{"_id":"WD7R3BS7JJD7DIF2YNAA2I5I6A","canonical_url":"/sports/2023/02/19/with-jams-jibs-snowboarders","content_elements":[{"_id":"PPFLFYKBVVBBZAGWHNLHUDLCQY","content":"Sure, Mac McClung leapt over two people, kissed the ball off the glass and then dropped it down the hoop on his way to winning the NBA’s Slam Dunk contest Saturday night at Vivint Arena. But could he throw down a jam while sliding over a rail on a snowboard?","type":"text"},{"_id":"E3PVMBHJZJBPXO4FIFVXDA3KCE","content":"A few hours earlier Nate Haust could and did during the Grit Rail Jam held just down the street at The Gateway. An NBA All-Star Weekend event meant to bring together two of Utah’s greatest sporting passions — basketball and snow sports — the free pro snowboarding competition drew more than 10,000 fans to the outdoor mall’s Olympic Plaza.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7IKET56HY5ESDCWFZ5WXIYA7W4","content":"Some knew enough about park snowboarding to be able to provide running commentary on the event. Others wouldn’t even know how to strap in. Then again, the same could be said for the disparity in basketball knowledge among the crowd.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WQQTXHMB5VEENFM52FHTORUZIM","content":"Irvin Butterfass, a new transplant to Utah from Minnesota who could call out each trick, was singled out by his group of about 10 friends watching from the upper level as “the basketball guy.” It was a title he quickly denied.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KDFQVMGZTNBBXJVDWS476W45GY","content":"“I know that you can take two steps,” Butterfass, 18, said, “and that’s about it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YNKTDEJXSVCXLPCL3VZVT4NQM4","caption":"(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Pro snowboarder Nate Haust flies over emcee Josh Nilsen on Saturday. Thousands of huckfest enthusiasts watched professional snowboarders throw down tricks on handrails at GRIT Rail Jam at The Gateway's Olympic Plaza on Feb. 18, 2023 as part of the NBA All-Star Weekend. ","subtitle":"","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/YNKTDEJXSVCXLPCL3VZVT4NQM4.jpg"},{"_id":"F4Q5OBX26VHMFIO77XJGVIAOQU","content":"Wherever fans fell in the snowboarding familiarity spectrum, though, they seemed to appreciate the display of balance, hops and bravado the 20 riders made on the manufactured course. It included a two-story tall hill built on a scaffolding that was covered in trucked-in snow and littered with boxes, stairs and thick railings meant for sliding.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RF2OTZUYCND3ZE5SJQ7SJKHGBQ","content":"Salt Lake City snowboarder Jill Perkins consulted with event organizer and <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/11/04/searching-unicorns-can//" target=\"_blank\">snowboarding legend Jeremy Jones</a> in the design of the setup. As tends to be the case with courses built on scaffolding, she said it was “a death trap” the way it was originally built. After some safety alterations, Saturday’s final design must have suited her much better, though, because she came away with the women’s title and a $10,000 check. Jaylen Hanson of Minnesota took second and $5,000 and another Salt Lake City rider, Kaleah Opal, placed third after hitting her head midway through the finals and having to sit out the last half.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2P3T3FUTJRAKJO6MUO6V5HWELM","content":"Haust won the men’s event over Pat Fava of Salt Lake City and Dusty Hendrickson of Big Bear, Calif. He said the roar and energy of the crowd carried him to victory.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FTMO6PT6QVDEHE4IS6THW4IN3U","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"QPLWQ35TVBCWHD34AJHHWXXPYY","content":"“The crowd is wild right now. Everyone’s going crazy,” Haust, 30, said. “And obviously it’s a big weekend and there’s a lot of positive energy and that’s one thing that gets me fired up and helps me ride better, I guess.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4FRBPRCBDFCQVGRXXWZUQG3R7E","content":"Haust’s backside 450 and backflips and Perkins’ rail slide off with a knock off the Grit backboard sent the onlookers into a frenzy. That roar was only amplified by a surprise appearance by Olympic and X Games medalist <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/04/06/shaun-white-takes-triple//" target=\"_blank\">Shaun White</a>, as well as Jones and rapper Travis Scott, a snowboarder who helped sponsor the event.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YIBZ5VUU5RGNFEFK7T72XIYPSA","content":"Scott was the main draw for a group of high school friends from West Haven and Farr West who arrived early enough to secure spots against the fence right below the jump. They planned to spend the rest of their evening checking out the various pop-up shops in the area while keeping an eye out for NBA stars.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P2KFDU2S3JFKTCQZWFQO4X5RGU","caption":"(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Jill Perkins of Salt Lake City flies high on Saturday. Thousands of huckfest enthusiasts watched professional snowboarders throw down tricks on handrails at GRIT Rail Jam at The Gateway's Olympic Plaza on Feb. 18, 2023 as part of the NBA All-Star Weekend. ","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/P2KFDU2S3JFKTCQZWFQO4X5RGU.jpg"},{"_id":"JHL2RCDMHJCZ5JIU7G62BVDOLQ","content":"They said they didn’t find anything odd about the juxtaposition of a snowboarding event with the <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/artsliving/2023/02/16/how-take-part-all-star-weekend//" target=\"_blank\">NBA All-Star Weekend</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CYITCL6WBVFCFDICQ7UMJP2LVY","content":"“I think it integrates well with Utah,” Hunter Smith, 18, said. “With this being Utah, I think it’s perfect.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YB3GWJ5Y35CFFO5UACFHJPL4HY","content":"If the main rail jam itself seemed a little out of place among the basketball-centric events, its encore was not. Once the finals ended, riders were invited to participate in a slam dunk contest on snowboards.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G2IL2WFSLJDJHBRHWIXFKSDJKA","content":"Salt Lake’s Egan Wint won the women’s title with pure grit and determination. Haust, meanwhile, made one stylish and impressive slam after another to win the men’s event. This even though he reluctantly admitted he doesn’t play or follow a lick of basketball.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HM2RJFTTFZGYXGPAAEEXYPUWNE","caption":"(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Olympic snowboarder Shaun White is greeted by rapper Travis Scott on Saturday. Thousands of huckfest enthusiasts watched professional snowboarders throw down tricks on handrails at GRIT Rail Jam at The Gateway's Olympic Plaza on Feb. 18, 2023 as part of the NBA All-Star Weekend. ","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/HM2RJFTTFZGYXGPAAEEXYPUWNE.jpg"},{"_id":"6XE2YUI455EADPPPCVJBBXS2TY","content":"Still, he and possibly organizers are hoping this event might create some mutual admiration and interest.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QLJOUGKJQVGNFEVOWN2DULKQLY","content":"“I think this is gonna do really good things for the industry,” Haust said. “I would imagine as I don’t pay attention to basketball, I’m sure a lot of these basketball fans don’t know much about snowboarding. So I think this is a great opportunity to get in front of a lot of eyes and hopefully it can get more people on hill.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"76PXBIVJOFAMNJE6A4BCOFCRXA","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2023-02-19T13:00:08.253Z","headlines":{"basic":"Rapper Travis Scott, Olympian Shaun White turn The Gateway into a snowboarding showcase during All-Star Weekend"},"last_updated_date":"2023-02-22T18:01:28.625Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Snowboarder Dusty Hendrickson from Big Bear, Calif., throws down tricks on handrails at GRIT Rail Jam at The Gateway's Olympic Plaza on Feb. 18, 2023 as part of the NBA All-Star Weekend.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/BWQFSZRQNVD7TNKGZOXN2DF4NA.jpg"}},"publish_date":"2023-02-19T13:35:38.502Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"The thousands of fans didn’t need to know anything about the sport to appreciate the flips, spins and slides they saw performed on the scaffolding setup in Olympic Plaza."},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"Skiing","slug":"skiing","text":"Skiing"},{"description":"Olympics","slug":"olympics","text":"Olympics"},{"description":"NBA","slug":"nba","text":"NBA"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2023/02/19/with-jams-jibs-snowboarders"},{"_id":"BNOUZN2U2VEJ3KCE5EAAORHO6Y","canonical_url":"/sports/2023/02/17/alta-hits-500-inches-snow-battle","content_elements":[{"_id":"CYC3OEMKVFFENLD3LIG7KG5WVI","content":"The revered 500-inch February has arrived at Alta Ski Area, and it’s early — historically early.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4CMHSOVT5BEANNI2HS5NGMDJ7Y","content":"The ski-only playground at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon has a reputation for collecting the most snow in Utah and some of the most in North America each season with an average of 540 inches. In the best seasons it hits 500 inches of snow — more than most resorts will ever see in an entire season — by mid-February.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5MQ75XDALRCL3KI7XYB6H3ZZIA","content":"This year, Alta hit that milestone earlier than ever before thanks to Tuesday’s sweet 5-inch skiff.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WGOD4R2KS5BIRKKIL2DF3FUOGU","content":"“No other winters have we surpassed 500 [inches] on Valentine’s Day,” Alta spokesperson Andria Huskinson wrote in a text. “In 1982 we had 497 [inches] on Valentine’s Day.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"RSH4RHREMJGNDPVTWJ6WRDHIXU","content":"Alta got another inch of snow Wednesday, giving it <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.alta.com/weather?utm_source=Inntopia&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=14137690\%22 target=\"_blank\">502 for the season</a>, its most to date.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IEGPDHI4VBGKFDAMJGC3QU6ESE","content":"The 2022-23 season’s reign will soon be usurped, though. In 1981-82, which is generally heralded as the snowiest ski season in the Wasatch Mountains, Alta got another storm Feb. 16-17 that put it at more than 502 inches. With no storm in sight through this weekend, this season is expected to fall back into second place.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ELQO2HQTAREY3C44F6F6RQRPC4","content":"Another storm is expected for Presidents Day, however, which could again shift the standings. <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"http://opensnow.com//" target=\"_blank\">OpenSnow.com</a> has forecast up to 44 new inches of snowfall between Monday and Wednesday at Alta. If the storm is an overachiever, Alta will have surpassed its annual average snowfall with more than two months left in the season.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QV5M75WVCZB4BAGRATKVTSFNGQ","content":"Other resorts need just one or two more storms to tickle the 500-inch mark. <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://brightonresort.com/conditions/" target=\"_blank\">Brighton</a>, at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, reports receiving 498 inches of snow this season as of Thursday. Snowbird reports 470 inches, while <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.solitudemountain.com/mountain-and-village/conditions-and-maps#/\" target=\"_blank\">Solitude</a> is sitting at 431. Park City Mountain Resort comes in at 336 inches to date. Ogden-area resorts <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.snowbasin.com/the-mountain/conditions//" target=\"_blank\">Snowbasin</a> and <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.powdermountain.com/resort/the-mountain/conditions/snow-report/" target=\"_blank\">Powder Mountain</a> say they have seen 284 and 270 inches, respectively, while Beaver Mountain near Logan has gotten 246 inches.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D637VQNKYBDPRHQEO5EUDEQ5LU","content":"Last month, <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2023/01/25/alta-snaps-snowfall-record-after//" target=\"_blank\">Alta also set a record</a> for the most early-season snowfall.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BJMWSAPSQRG37LMI7YVA4S2C6I","content":"Despite the back-and-forth when it comes to total snowfall to date, though, the 1981-82 still has a strong hold on the top spot in terms of water content, at least at Alta. Huskinson said that season’s snow up to this point contained 6.5 more inches of water than this season’s.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E2EMII742JDKXFEISTYAZ6HOLQ","content":"Again, though, a few wet storms in March — the month Alta typically receives the most snow — could change all that.","type":"text"},{"_id":"56ZX3YRBHBFLLE7SANRMY2QKZA","content":"“We’ll have to see,” Huskinson said, “how the remainder of winter goes.”","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2023-02-17T13:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Alta hits 500 inches of snow as battle for best ski season in history continues"},"last_updated_date":"2023-02-22T18:04:13.358Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) A field of skiers makes some turns at Alta Ski Area on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023. The resort hit 500 inches of snowfall for the season on Feb. 14, the earliest it has ever reached that milestone.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/Q4NVM4UHJ5GK3EBUQQZ2GE3LBU.JPG"}},"publish_date":"2023-02-17T13:00:04.469Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Milestone arrives earlier than ever, but snowpack has less moisture than in 1981-82."},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"Alta Ski Area","slug":"alta-ski-area","text":"Alta Ski Area"},{"description":"Alta","slug":"alta","text":"Alta"},{"description":"Weather","slug":"weather","text":"Weather"},{"description":"Skiing","slug":"skiing","text":"Skiing"},{"description":"Brighton Resort","slug":"brighton-resort","text":"Brighton Resort"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2023/02/17/alta-hits-500-inches-snow-battle"},{"_id":"PZUE2LJEWND25MGB55PE74HNHA","canonical_url":"/sports/2023/02/02/parkite-colby-stevenson-wins-x","content_elements":[{"_id":"MAU3KDGSYJFIDO2QL7COB263CY","content":"In his fourth X Games, Park City’s Colby Stevenson said he felt prepared and at ease as he rode through the freestyle skiing slopestyle contest Saturday in Aspen, Colorado.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3BS5JXFOCRD2PBG43JPF6OSLLY","content":"“I wasn’t scared to do my run because I’ve done it so many times,” he said. “It was like the first event I can remember dropping in for [when] I wasn’t nervous for my run. I wasn’t scared of the tricks, and so I was able to just kind of lock in and just ride with a lot of confidence.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"T7QAMFFWWVD47OPCVWGZR7EJJY","content":"He landed tricks on three rails and four jumps during the run.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3VJYBW6CTZBSNH3E5IFLGOS6JU","content":"Behind him, Mac Forehand of Connecticut won silver, and Norwegian Ferdinand Dahl came away with bronze. Others competing in the event included Olympic gold medalist Alex Hall of Park City and Olympic gold medalist Birk Ruud from Norway.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F4RCLEXRBVBDZHN7KQD5ACJ57A","content":"Saturday was stormy in Aspen. Stevenson said fresh snow on the ground may have slowed some opponents, but not him because he took a fast, direct line down the course.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H4ZHWBS63FHXBKP4ISED4JTGIU","content":"<a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.kpcw.org/park-city/2023-02-01/parkite-colby-stevenson-wins-x-games-gold-in-aspen/" target=\"_blank\">To read more, visit KPCW.org. </a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"GEWJ7TE4G5BGHLOE7ONRRKGTDA","content":"<i>This article is published through the Utah News Collaborative, a partnership of news organizations in Utah that aim to inform readers across the state.</i>","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Ben Lasseter | KPCW"}]},"display_date":"2023-02-02T13:44:20.726Z","headlines":{"basic":"Parkite Colby Stevenson wins X Games gold in Aspen"},"last_updated_date":"2023-02-02T13:44:21.607Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Jamie Schwaberow | X Games) Colby Stevenson celebrates with the gold medal he won in the men's ski slopestyle event Saturday at the 2023 X Games in Aspen, Colorado.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/2ZB5QCH6IRGPBIN6O6OWVL4IDU.png"}},"publish_date":"2023-02-02T13:44:20.726Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Stevenson brought home Team USA’s first gold medal in the 2023 Winter X Games. "},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports","name":"Sports","parent_id":"/","path":"/sports"},"sites":[{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"},{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"}],"tags":[{"description":"Park City","slug":"park-city","text":"Park City"},{"description":"Skiing","slug":"skiing","text":"Skiing"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2023/02/02/parkite-colby-stevenson-wins-x"},{"_id":"XNRA2NRBKJCWVA3FGLSFCUN4ZY","canonical_url":"/artsliving/food/2022/12/16/getting-tipsy-top-utahs-ski","content_elements":[{"_id":"TPHASPTCHFFY7AAIXSKT4HDVDI","content":"Taking laps on the runs at Utah’s resorts is thirsty work.","type":"text"},{"_id":"574CJNIGLFESHD3FRHAYYC7BBA","content":"Seeking refuge in a lodge after a few hours on the snow, when the volume of complaints coming from your tired legs becomes difficult to ignore, is a requisite. But then the question becomes: What to order? If you’re paying resort prices for a drink, you’d better make it a good one.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5MPPMMS2BBHNNKLNLAKTDTNIEY","content":"So, to help ease the burden on your snow-blitzed brain, we asked ski area reps to recommend the best, most unique or most in-character drinks — alcoholic or not — their resort has to offer this season.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KT3D56HLHFGJLPY6BX2OLGCUZM","content":"Whether it’s a blizzard or a bluebird day, one of these should be perfect for you to toast to another session on your snowboard or skis (or snowblades, if that’s your thing).","type":"text"},{"_id":"YH55G4UN6RCVXPWUTASWUMVSGY","content":"Built for blizzards","type":"header"},{"_id":"3EDFQEVDS5H6JN46WKGTUJ24CM","content":"SNOWBASIN","type":"text"},{"_id":"TBWLLP4SFBHQVFZDWFJRCXHFEQ","content":"<b>Rumplesnuggler:</b> A hot drink offered at The Overlook, the Rumplesnuggler is made with Rumple Minze, Bailey’s Irish Cream, hot chocolate and whipped cream.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LOUQNHULOJF2PNDIUHTL762ZCQ","content":"ALTA","type":"text"},{"_id":"7P6ESALJZJEKVAUYELX4VB7LCE","content":"<b>Alta Bomb:</b> Perhaps the best-known apres- (or even pre-) ski drink in the Wasatch, it’s a shot of espresso and a Pabst Blue Ribbon served specially at the Goldminer’s Daughter. Though traditionally taken together shot-style, <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2021/10/26/experts-only-pro-skiers//">Olympian Brita Sigourney</a> said she likes to sip the coffee first, then wash it down with the PBR.","type":"text"},{"_id":"POYAU2Q4OJAEDPSQZVI34JKVGY","content":"<iframe src=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FAltaGoldminersDaughterLodge%2Fvideos%2F326129241351179%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0\%22 width=\"560\" height=\"314\" style=\"border:none;overflow:hidden\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowFullScreen=\"true\"></iframe>","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"HH62OEG4BJFIHLUHDNZSH5WDJE","content":"WOODWARD PARK CITY","type":"text"},{"_id":"DZPSHWMD2RESHELN55B2IQVP3E","content":"<b>Ancho Chili &amp; Cinnamon Margarita:</b> This drink is spicy in all the best ways. It combines ancho chili and cinnamon stick simple syrup with lime, dry curacao and tequila.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YT264UQHKZGMFKSLFG3OWHM63A","content":"PARK CITY MOUNTAIN RESORT","type":"text"},{"_id":"GYVWJEZSGND4NJ264JLFCBTD3U","content":"<b>McConkey’s Hot Chocolate:</b> This decadent drink mixes Absolut vodka, Bailey’s Irish Cream and Ritual hot chocolate with a Bailey’s whipped cream. It’s served at the Mountain Village at both the Mid-Mountain Public House and Legends Bar and Grill.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6LQY27I6U5CYJI27NNWMWFALUU","content":"Bluebird beverages","type":"header"},{"_id":"Z7MSWDVWOZGWBI2MI2VE5H6UGU","content":"SOLITUDE","type":"text"},{"_id":"HAP4AKCMYZHYLH6UU74AM3QARI","content":"<b>Creekside Old Fashioned:</b> Maple syrup and black walnut bitters give a creative twist to this belly-warming staple. It’s available at the Honeycomb Grill and has become so popular it’s now on both the summer and winter cocktail menus.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SMDJZZYG6ZGQTCTVZI2WMFQBUE","content":"SUNDANCE","type":"text"},{"_id":"HZBG2PWMG5EGVMSQGD7ZPD5B6Y","content":"<b>Lady Brightside:</b> Taking the name of the resort’s newest ski run, this is a play on a New York Sour. It is made with artisanal Bozal mezcal, cranberry juice, rosemary, orange simple syrup and a few cracks of black pepper. New for the season, it will be served in the Foundry Grill.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D7FSJXFKANHJ7IAPBCD6QR6OPY","caption":"(Sundance Resort) Taking the name of Sundance Resort's newest ski run, the Lady Brightside is a play on a New York Sour. It is made with artisanal Bozal mezcal, cranberry juice, rosemary and orange simple syrup, as well as a few cracks of black pepper.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/D7FSJXFKANHJ7IAPBCD6QR6OPY.jpeg"},{"_id":"VTOT3ONRXRGKTMEKM5PZWCU5VA","content":"NORDIC VALLEY","type":"text"},{"_id":"D6KXQQGQ5FE3DMR3KYJYNAT53Q","content":"<b>Talisman Killer Grove:</b> The Aid Room, a beer bar run out of an old ski patrol shack, is new this year at Nordic Valley. It promises to feature a steady rotation of local beers on tap. One of the best, according to food and beverage manager Zach Dobbins, is this wheat beer out of Ogden, which pairs honey malt with blood orange.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LDVPOCX2OZDP7O2J3CJOFGBPQU","content":"BRIAN HEAD","type":"text"},{"_id":"PT57RVSBABAEVFRNNXRNM2WTEM","content":"<b>Mango Bomb:</b> This beer cocktail will give you just the boost you need for an afternoon of skiing. It combines Golden Road’s Mango Cart wheat beer with Tropical Red Bull and has a Tajin rim plus a dried mango for garnish.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WBTDYFII3FDWLIAXHUMIFOKUSM","content":"DEER VALLEY","type":"text"},{"_id":"I56WSA2K55AL3JE7DVYZIA3WPM","content":"<b>Champion Margarita:</b> Named for the iconic run featured in many World Cup moguls competitions as well as the 2002 Olympics, this refreshing favorite for apres ski is found at Fresh Tracks Kitchen inside the Snow Park Lodge. It consists of tequila, Aperol, Cointreau, lime juice and grapefruit juice all shaken together and served in a margarita glass with a salted rim and a grapefruit garnish.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5G3WIMGCJZDFFDDKSB7G5EFJZI","caption":"The Champion Margarita is a specialty found at Deer Valley Resort's Fresh Tracks Kitchen. It consists of tequila, Aperol, Cointreau, lime juice and grapefruit juice and is served with a salted rim and grapefruit garnish.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/5G3WIMGCJZDFFDDKSB7G5EFJZI.jpg"},{"_id":"YD2CKJM6UFFZ7PU4VH5K3LNYAI","content":"SNOWBIRD","type":"text"},{"_id":"I7LLT4SE7FEZ5JAJW6RVGMIXYE","content":"<b>Aerie Original:</b> A high-quality drink with a view to match. The Aerie Original is made with High West rye whiskey, B&amp;B and sweet vermouth and is topped with a burnt orange slice. It is available at the Aerie, located on the 10th floor of The Cliff Lodge.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I4AGHGWNLBFWHMWUWLKI3VVJYI","content":"THE CANYONS","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZH7JXLE57BGMTPDHJE46NINV3M","content":"<b>Maple Old Fashioned:</b> For a soul-warming winter drink try this mixture of High West bourbon, Courvoisier, Fernet Branca, maple syrup and Angostura bitters. It’s served at The Farm at Canyons Village.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WZXYA2BJPBE6VKNWNINFG43TUI","content":"Nonalcoholic Nips","type":"header"},{"_id":"7SYITDILFJD3FOGOZAUZTOFOYI","content":"BRIGHTON","type":"text"},{"_id":"2645K7NL6ZC4NGQIQB6FRQEQDU","content":"<b>Majestic Mint:</b> Heading to the Blind Miner for a pre-lap fix is a tradition for a lot of Brighton riders. Next time you’re waiting for the lifts to start running, some of this chocolatey, minty, coffee goodness guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. Hot chocolate versions are available for the kids.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2GWVNXE4BRB45KPPKUKTAUCMUE","content":"NORDIC VALLEY","type":"text"},{"_id":"BQ3VZGY6CVEF7P3OUB33Z3V6TQ","content":"<b>Powder Floats:</b> Because it’s never too cold for ice cream, kids of any age can have their choice of soda from the Pepsi fountain on top of a scoop of rich vanilla.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AAAA6ETBLVD4ZFQ7GVBLWVELJY","caption":"(Kayla McFarland | Snowbasin)\n\nA hot drink offered at The Overlook, the Rumplesnuggler is made with Rumple Minze, Bailey’s Irish Cream, hot chocolate and whipped cream.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/AAAA6ETBLVD4ZFQ7GVBLWVELJY.jpg"},{"_id":"OVKM7XLDYFHZDJJLRPTZJZ2LNU","content":"ALTA","type":"text"},{"_id":"K6JOTLZMTVGNTMJJV2OHYZIYXI","content":"<b>Honey Badger:</b> A little like a holiday in a cup, this espresso drink found at Baldy Brews is made with honey and cinnamon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EBOAHTITWFCOVKSCDRON2VEIDE","content":"SNOWBIRD","type":"text"},{"_id":"FI5465SEVVFVLNQZBFB32HQS3A","content":"<b>Juicy Julep:</b> Served at SeventyOne, a new 1970s-themed restaurant in The Cliff Lodge, this mocktail combines pineapple, orange and lime juices with mint and ginger ale for a refreshing apres drink that won’t slow you down the next day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WPFPVEK5KVCBZH74JNPQPZNLAY","content":"<b>Editor’s note •</b> <i>This story is available to Salt Lake Tribune subscribers only. Thank you for supporting local journalism.</i>","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2022-12-16T13:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Need to slake your thirst after a day on the slopes in Utah? Here are your best options."},"last_updated_date":"2022-12-18T00:28:55.575Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Andrew Kooyman) Stopping by the Blind Miner for a pre-lap fix is a tradition for a lot of Brighton riders. Try a Majestic Mint for some chocolatey, minty, coffee goodness. Hot chocolate versions are available for the kids.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/HQNIWLNH2VBVPNPSILZHE52BD4.jpeg"}},"publish_date":"2022-12-16T16:07:08.964Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"A guide to Utah ski resorts’ signature cocktails and mocktails."},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Food","path":"/artsliving/food"},{"name":"Arts & Living","path":"/artsliving"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"Featured Arts","slug":"featured-arts","text":"Featured Arts"},{"description":"Food","slug":"food","text":"Food"},{"description":"Skiing","slug":"skiing","text":"Skiing"},{"description":"Tag for other recreation & outdoors stories","slug":"recreation","text":"Recreation"},{"description":"Outdoors","slug":"outdoors","text":"Outdoors"},{"description":"Put stories behind the paywall.","slug":"paywall","text":"Paywall"}]},"website_url":"/artsliving/food/2022/12/16/getting-tipsy-top-utahs-ski"},{"_id":"OKC2YVNU2JF3VBQYYEM7YMIRG4","canonical_url":"/sports/ski-n-board/2022/12/13/utah-ski-area-makes-unplanned","content_elements":[{"_id":"WATY5F3XFBFY3HJXDW33GVXGEU","content":"Cherry Peak Resort was scheduled to be closed Monday through Wednesday this week due to a staffing shortage.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VL75RYIXYBAZHBBTKQGQYBDGUY","content":"Then Mother Nature did her thing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A2REKT236NDPPFTQSOUO4XPR4I","content":"The ski hill near Richmond, one of the smallest in the state, saw 10 inches of snow fall between Sunday night and Monday and just as much between Monday and Tuesday. With that much “white cold smoke powder” on the ground, owner Dustin Hansen decided it would be unfair to deny his customers a chance to play in it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KY4OJ4OF4FFXBHWYEGY76BDD6E","content":"“The Pow Has Spoken ...” was the headline of an email sent Monday afternoon announcing that <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.skicpr.com//" target=\"_blank\">Cherry Peak</a> would be open for skiing that night. It followed that up with the boast that the ski area had received 91 inches so far this winter. But the snow kept coming, and by Tuesday afternoon, Hansen decided to keep Cherry Peak open every day this week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5AOB6NL7ZNFQZGPVN75JYYTI3A","content":"So if it seems like the Salt Lake Valley and the Wasatch Mountains have gotten a lot of snow recently, they have.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KIFHY37X3JEHJK65FMELRSP5MA","content":"After this week’s storms, which brought more than 2 feet to the Cottonwood Canyons, most every resort in the state has <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/wcc/home/quicklinks/imap#version=167&elements=&networks=!&states=UT&basins=!&hucs=&minElevation=&maxElevation=&elementSelectType=any&activeOnly=true&activeForecastPointsOnly=false&hucLabels=true&hucIdLabels=false&hucParameterLabels=true&stationLabels=&overlays=&hucOverlays=state&basinOpacity=65&basinNoDataOpacity=40&basemapOpacity=100&maskOpacity=45&mode=data&openSections=dataElement,parameter,date,basin,options,elements,location,networks,baseMaps,overlays,labels&controlsOpen=true&popup=&popupMulti=&popupBasin=&base=esriNgwm&displayType=basin&basinType=ut_8&dataElement=WTEQ&depth=-8&parameter=PCTMED&frequency=DAILY&duration=I&customDuration=4&dayPart=E&monthPart=E&forecastPubDay=1&forecastExceedance=50&useMixedPast=true&seqColor=1&divColor=7&scaleType=D&scaleMin=&scaleMax=&referencePeriodType=POR&referenceBegin=1981&referenceEnd=2010&minimumYears=20&hucAssociations=true&relativeDate=-1&lat=39.748&lon=-111.921&zoom=7.3\" target=\"_blank\">a base layer that is at least 150% of average</a>. Brian Head now has a base of 48 inches, which is 193% of average, according to <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"http://opensnow.com//" target=\"_blank\">OpenSnow.com</a>, while the base at <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://opensnow.com/user/favorites/locations/snow-report/" target=\"_blank\">Snowbird (78 inches) registered at 191% </a>of average.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JAOIGP2ECJF6JPW4AROTDBQ3G4","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"S2T5CFGX45BABLVMXPYXL3KX5Q","content":"And it just keeps coming. Evan Thayer, the Utah forecaster for OpenSnow.com, predicts a few more inches in the coming days.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WWIYKAG34ZDO7KKVIQD243PVEQ","content":"“While we aren’t going to see any big totals, snowflakes are likely to be in the air from time to time over the next 2-3 days,” he wrote in his blog. “We should finally clear out for good on Friday and stay dry and cool through the weekend.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"JTSVWLQCTRAY3JROKNUKY5ZVQY","content":"More than 2 feet of snow fell in Little Cottonwood Canyon between Sunday night and Tuesday morning, adding 29 and 28 inches, respectively, to already fat bases at Alta and Snowbird. In Big Cottonwood Canyon, OpenSnow.com reported Solitude has a new 25-inch layer and Brighton has 2 fresh feet.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XXV2MU7ELNGZDBL3CKY4IVKNWE","content":"The Ogden resorts didn’t get left out, either. Nordic Valley (24 inches), Snowbasin (25) and Powder Mountain (22) all plastered their social media feeds Tuesday with pictures and videos of skiers and snowboarders coated in powder.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7QS66RMV4JH6ND4AVJ757QJH6A","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"FQQLE4QOOZGYDFH2P5662UQULA","content":"In Park City, Deer Valley Resort reported getting 18 inches in 48 hours and Park City Mountain saw 15 inches.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PUAHDBHPVNDZLOONKPQW4ZG6Q4","content":"Hansen has seen how fleeting conditions this good can be. In fact, Thayer wrote that other than a potential small storm next week, no other snowfall is expected until after Christmas. So even though he “still needs staff very badly,” Hansen said he couldn’t in good conscience keep Cherry Peak closed this week. It will be open evenings through Wednesday before switching to its holiday schedule, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., from Dec. 21 to Jan. 2.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DV4DDJWCNNFLHHYGMSM23OXSB4","content":"“We can’t let any clients or anybody not experience the white cold smoke powder,” Hansen said. “We’re pulling some strings and going to make things work [to have] smiles on everybody’s face across this mountain.”","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2022-12-13T22:07:08.580Z","headlines":{"basic":"Utah ski area makes unplanned opening after big storm. Here’s how much snow resorts have seen so far"},"last_updated_date":"2022-12-14T18:56:39.839Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Cherry Peak) A skier enjoys a coating of powder while skiing at Cherry Peak Resort near Richmond on Feb. 24, 2022.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/3DQTNBYUFRGUNMVUJMR4NQQEXA.jpg"}},"publish_date":"2022-12-14T18:56:39.163Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Resorts across the state receive roughly 2 feet of “white cold smoke powder.” "},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"Skiing","slug":"skiing","text":"Skiing"},{"description":"Logan","slug":"logan","text":"Logan"},{"description":"Weather","slug":"weather","text":"Weather"}]},"website_url":"/sports/ski-n-board/2022/12/13/utah-ski-area-makes-unplanned"},{"_id":"VPECYGKCNFAUTDMXTJHDAXFRLI","canonical_url":"/sports/2022/12/02/utah-skiers-snowboarders-taking","content_elements":[{"_id":"KEAOD7OJNBEMVAC2ZEJVHBRXRQ","content":"<b>Park City • </b>Inside the Deer Valley Resort eatery where Kim and Mark Abbett were warming up with a bowl of chili Tuesday, it felt like early season. Crowds were sparse, more like pockets of people, scattered throughout the vast Snow Park Lodge. Downstairs, prospective employees were waiting to speak to someone in human resources. And those already working were navigating the nuances of computer systems and the customer service standards that are the hallmark of the ski-only resort that attracts guests from around the world.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AMOL35HDJ5HTLHAX4PIPSLK4SQ","content":"Outside, though? Outside it felt like midseason. Only it was better. Way better.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DBC4M5QBKNHWVLZ63C7BT2POFM","content":"Utah is having one of its best starts to the season in nearly 30 years with early resort openings and powder hits galore. But because the snow came long before the tourists usually do, the Abbetts — and everyone else in the state — are reveling in having the spoils mostly to themselves.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3TRYKRINDNFXVCWU7BWJQ3NMCM","content":"“This is a bonus. This is a huge bonus,” said Mark Abbett, 49, who moved to Park City with Kim and their kids in 2016. “Usually it feels like we go right into busy season. And this feels different. It still feels like it’s our town.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"SUG34TXUEBAXNJFL4XRHQMXNMU","content":"Imagine no conga line of traffic leading to or from a resort. No jammed parking lots. No circling like a shark for an empty table at lunchtime. No lift lines. Just miles and miles of open terrain with few other skiers and boarders in sight.","type":"text"},{"_id":"27NQUPR345BDHA5WOV6CYBQB2E","content":"“It’s a dream right now,” said Jim Steenburgh, a University of Utah professor of atmospheric sciences and an avid skier, “for everybody in the ski industry.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"LBYLJOCJKNAQLDPCYADJ2DUXZI","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"FAQK7TZWKJBRFLKMPMS2OSZCQQ","content":"Yes, overcrowding was an issue during the season’s earliest days. A combination of months of pent-up desire to ski, accelerated by an abundance of fresh snow, collided with a lack of open resorts and led to <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/11/15/will-you-be-stuck-long-lift//">viral images of long lift lines and parking woes at Solitude and Brighton</a>. As more resorts have opened, and as they have opened more terrain, however, those issues have all but evaporated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S5JKQJX24BF6JI5LWD5HX56AIM","content":"The scarcity of crowds, which is not entirely uncommon this time of year, isn’t enough to have locals loving life, though. It’s that combined with the quality and quantity of snow.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RYGE7T3DTNEFLIDYLOJBVU3GOI","content":"The <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/10/25/utah-skiers-revel-october-storm//">storms started arriving in late October</a>, just as they did last year. That season, though, most resorts had to delay their openings because that early snow was followed by a warm, dry stretch. This year, the snow has just kept coming. Even when it didn’t, temperatures have been cold enough to keep it from melting and to allow resorts to make some snow of their own.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T62R7SBLMNGSPLHKQJSQJNFS3U","content":"Steenburgh said this November, or the first 28 days of it at least, was the state’s coldest since 2003. By mid-November, the state’s <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.skiutah.com/blog/authors/yeti/utah-snowpack-off-to-best-start-in/">snowpack was 433% of normal</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6QJTRZSQOJBCTIQE3QYLVAB47Q","caption":"(Julie Jag | The Salt Lake Tribune) Jesse Mullen, 10, of Heber couldn't wait to get his skis on the snow for his first runs of the 2022-23 season at Deer Valley Resort's opening day Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022. The resort moved up its opener for just the second time in its 40-year history.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/6QJTRZSQOJBCTIQE3QYLVAB47Q.jpg"},{"_id":"3V2DQV3VKFGKRODQMRZUXVACKU","content":"But the snow just keeps coming. Resorts across the Wasatch Range received between 6 and 19 inches of snow earlier this week, according to <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"http://opensnow.com//" target=\"_blank\">OpenSnow.com</a>, giving most of them nearly 200% of their average base depth for this time of year. Another storm is expected to drop another foot or more at most resorts Friday with even <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/11/29/utahs-ski-resorts-loading-up//">more snow in the forecast for Sunday and Monday</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"44CEOXW6AVAAZNMQNFE5EGZSAI","content":"It’s been so good that at least half of <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/10/31/brian-head-resort-readies-one//">Utah’s resorts actually opened earlier than expected</a>. That included <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/11/18/deer-valley-resort-moves-up//">Deer Valley, which moved up its start date</a> for just the second time in its 40-year history. It had nine lifts, 35 runs and one bowl open Tuesday. On last year’s opening day, on Dec. 4, it had seven lifts and nine runs available.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4LJI2VY35BHXNCVAAVPIMPZKQU","content":"“This is ... I’ve never seen anything like it,” said Kim Abbett, who has both Ikon and Epic season passes. “And there’s more lifts, more terrain open. It’s crazy.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"T6UJHB5I5BF77OBLO2ADCCJKJA","content":"Mark Abbett nodded enthusiastically.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J7TORZM3XJFJRCZ6LAKFFSYQPA","content":"“I think today I got better powder,” at a resort, he said, “than I did any time last year.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"HKL7GGHC75CHVN2IBLID4IM744","content":"For some perspective, it’s more similar to mid-December conditions than midseason, Steenburgh said, and it’s not a record snowpack. He noted that Alta, which averages the most snowfall in the state, has received 123 inches so far this year. In comparison, in 1994 the <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://utahavalanchecenter.org/alta-monthly-snowfall/">Alta Guard station</a> recorded 205.9 inches in November alone. Steenburgh said that’s the benchmark, but that high snow totals were commonplace in the 1980s and ‘90s.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NWCRZ33QR5FFBGQBZKYBWBESI4","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"YK2CQ5UCK5CYLA27J2NPWL4P3Q","content":"“My joke usually is that your parents or your grandparents had better skiing than you do,” he said. “This is a great year [though]. I mean, certainly we’re off to a really good start.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VJKC6SSO7RHJHMCCZZI37YUSEQ","content":"And most of the people who have gotten to enjoy it live in Utah. Deer Valley estimated that 80% of its guests during its passholder opener Monday and its official opening Tuesday were locals.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FFTQB7ISS5HPDLHM5MWDJNJXLQ","content":"One was fifth-grader Jesse Mullen of Heber. He didn’t have any problem missing school Tuesday so he could finally get on the slopes — and probably get some fresh powder, too.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DTRBFH7I6BDHBEVD35ZK34QZOQ","content":"“Yesterday it snowed a lot,” he said, “so I wanted all that snow.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"QYL6QLS6SBF2DAZ6BYC2VGVTVM","content":"The snow is expected to keep coming. Soon, too, will the tourists.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K4VOVNS6YFATBIIEH454UV2Y5M","content":"Out-of-town skiers tend to start arriving in mid-December, according to Dan Howard of Visit Park City, and they’re traditionally most plentiful around Presidents Day weekend in February. A Visit Utah poll, meanwhile, indicated that people interested in taking an overnight ski or snowboard trip in Utah would be most likely to come in January (43.4%), December (37.5%) and February (29.9%), respectively, with a considerable dropoff in the shoulder months of November and March and beyond.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U5UGXTAMZJHPPMAE5KVDDVOKPU","caption":"(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Skiers brave the high winds at Deer Valley, on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022.\r","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/U5UGXTAMZJHPPMAE5KVDDVOKPU.JPG"},{"_id":"Z2ONJRTIU5CFZFVWFYKPVMCDOY","content":"Some of them are already here. Analytics from Visit Salt Lake shows the four Cottonwood Canyon resorts — Alta, Brighton, Snowbird and Solitude — saw just as many out-of-state visitors as locals in November. That reflects a massive jump over last year, when most resorts were struggling to open. That November — and more surprisingly in December and January as well — fewer than one in five skiers traveled in from out of state.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FSAKIR2BAJGP5LT2PG5FHX4W4Q","content":"Most Utahns’ first reaction regarding the impending crush of out-of-towners might be to cringe. There goes the easy commute, the front-row parking, the reservation-less restaurant visits. But Visit Park City’s Howard pointed out that without those visitors, and the money they spend, and the jobs that creates, the resorts and their communities might have fewer amenities for everyone to enjoy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SAOEE6JOKNCI7AHHXREIEM74R4","content":"“We are grateful for the visitation through this season, both because visitors add to the vibrancy of our culture and so many of our restaurants and shops are here because of the support that visitors give us in Park City,” he wrote in an email. “And of course we have two ski resorts in our town that we can ride and ski daily because of the visitation that we receive throughout the season from all corners of the country and from around the world.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4HZKJHK2QNBKPDW3DX2JDB7JEY","content":"Ski Utah reported that out-of-state skiers account for 82% of all money spent on skiing and snowboarding. To that end, Howard said 66% of Park City’s annual income is generated during the roughly 16 weeks of the ski season. As that money trickles out to neighboring communities, it can even lead to a reduction in taxes and an increase in services.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W4XHGITTRZDLTI3KCZV6HPB724","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"RHZ2GCTSQBFB7DPFFRH5WHPVGE","content":"Is that enough to sway Utah skiers and riders into believing they shouldn’t mind sharing the slopes with tourists? It might not be, but they’re coming anyway. So the best approach is probably to soak in these bonus weeks while they’ve got them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NU43TBJK5JAOJIZEHCA5XYB5ZE","content":"That’s Kim Abbett’s strategy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GXKNEBO7AZALNKIBWRKQLWK2H4","content":"“I’m super excited because we can ski right now when it’s not crowded,” she said. “If we don’t ski on the holidays, oh well. It’s not that big of a deal.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UPU7OESC2ZGMBOT5J2PKCYAAIU","content":"“But to be able to get out right now with the conditions like this? I want to get out as much as possible.”","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2022-12-02T13:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Utah skiers, snowboarders taking advantage of ‘bonus’ season, anticipating arrival of tourists"},"last_updated_date":"2022-12-09T20:05:30.512Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Skiers brave the high winds at Deer Valley, on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022.\r","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/ZXZ4AK3DRVDV3HN3T66TG2TA7U.JPG"}},"publish_date":"2022-12-02T13:22:25.425Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Midseason snow with early season turnout gives locals experiences of a lifetime."},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"Skiing","slug":"skiing","text":"Skiing"},{"description":"Tag for other recreation & outdoors stories","slug":"recreation","text":"Recreation"},{"description":"Deer Valley Resort","slug":"deer-valley-resort","text":"Deer Valley Resort"},{"description":"Tourism","slug":"tourism","text":"Tourism"},{"description":"Park City","slug":"park-city","text":"Park City"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2022/12/02/utah-skiers-snowboarders-taking"},{"_id":"TDLO3GFO2JBI5I6INKKC2KNMKI","canonical_url":"/sports/2022/11/29/utahs-ski-resorts-loading-up","content_elements":[{"_id":"O25KPA7XO5BTDNWUHN55SRC23Y","content":"The weather outside is more fantastic than frightful for Utah skiers and snowboarders. And yes, on the slopes it should be perfectly delightful.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VUXJTSMXX5CFBCE6N2XQBGMVBQ","content":"Too early for holiday song puns? Nah. Especially not when Mother Nature is in a giving mood, and it seems that she is.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TGYZQ72OSRDVBJ5U3XSHF5UFMA","content":"Resorts in the Cottonwood Canyons reported receiving up to 17 inches of snow between Monday and Tuesday morning, including some <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2021/08/04/will-utahs-snow-shrink//">lake effect enhancement</a>. Plus, according to the snow forecasting site <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"http://opensnow.com//" target=\"_blank\">OpenSnow.com</a>, there will be more where that came from.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HNH7QE2YDRBU7OHBFCU25XDZWQ","content":"Within the next five days, Alta, Snowbird, Solitude and Powder Mountain are all forecast to have 2 feet of fresh powder. Brighton could see as much as 22 fresh inches during that time, while Deer Valley, Park City Mountain, Beaver Mountain and Snowbasin will be closer to a foot and a half.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XJII2IAA2FHTVDJ6ERAJ63ZCYU","content":"“I don’t want to jinx it and I’m keeping my expectations in check,” Evan Thayer, the OpenSnow forecaster for Utah wrote in his daily blog, “but this does have the characteristics of one of those storms where it seems like it just keeps snowing in [Lower Cottonwood Canyon].”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2RWX4GNA65B5ZKTVIHGOTHOO3E","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"4YRLVKCLIBFN3AWJQ2URSAWP2U","content":"In Little Cottonwood Canyon, Alta reported receiving 16 fresh inches between Monday and 7 a.m. Tuesday and Snowbird reported 15 inches with snow still falling. The Utah Department of Transportation noted on its Twitter account that state route 210 is slippery and that traction laws are in effect.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YUUJLVQVLREU3LXPWRSWZQRYZI","content":"In Big Cottonwood Canyon, Brighton boasted 17 inches of new snow and Solitude said it had 15 inches at mid-mountain as of 7 a.m. Tuesday. In Park City, Deer Valley reported 10 inches overnight and Park City Mountain Resort said it had 15 in the past 24 hours.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6YBF2R3L35DVNDXW33HH6CEY5A","content":"Another storm is expected to hit Sunday and next Monday. This one will be bringing what Thayer called “sloppy seconds” after it hits the Sierra Nevada range in California. Still, it could pile anywhere from 8 to 24 inches atop base depths that are already close to 200% of average for this time of year at most Utah ski areas.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LRA42Y6ONRDBDBYZSGVSOYS5E4","content":"Not all presents will be distributed equally.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4Z3NNEQQEBCU5IQ5FEZWVHD6XU","content":"<a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/11/18/deer-valley-resort-moves-up//" target=\"_blank\">Beaver Mountain and Cherry Peak</a>, two of the state’s smallest resorts, have taken a wait-and-see approach to setting an opening date. Next week’s storm might push Beaver, which could get 16 inches, closer to opening. Cherry Peak won’t benefit as much from the coming storms, but the Logan-area ski hill hinted in a recent email that it planned to open soon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OJTB6SDMSNFAJEXG4ZXBOVBCIY","content":"Eagle Point could get about nine inches on Dec. 5, but it is not expected to waver from its announced Dec. 16 opening date. Nordic Valley, which opened Nov. 23, should get about 14 inches from that storm. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"7NSC4WYZ2RCT5CWRGHF52SUYG4","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"XXALFQJ2URAQVJ3P76I73HI62Q","content":"For Deer Valley and Sundance, though, the timing couldn’t be better. Earlier this month, <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/11/18/deer-valley-resort-moves-up//" target=\"_blank\">Deer Valley said it would open ahead of schedule</a> for just the second time in the resort’s 40-year history thanks to the bounty of early season storms. Yet those waiting in line for first chair Tuesday will also be waiting to be the first to dive into a thick, natural blanket of fresh powder. Then, after a small midweek break in the weather, a storm should settle in Friday, one day before Provo’s <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/news/2021/03/11/sundance-resorts-new//" target=\"_blank\">Sundance resort</a> starts its lifts spinning — also nearly a week earlier than expected.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XUNBYXYTXBGBBGCQMRS5D7VWTA","content":"Mother Nature may have goodies for those anxious to get out at Powder Mountain, too. The resort, which does not use any snowmaking, is scheduled to open Dec. 8. However, general manager Kevin Mitchell said that’s negotiable.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZCNCGXMZTBB2FDHOY45RTEYRPM","content":"“If some of the snow that’s peeking out around the corner shows up a little early,” he said, “then stay tuned for an earlier date.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"O3IZDLLSBZGXDGDN5OQSIP3AHQ","content":"So go ahead and break out the carols along with that board or skis, because it looks like Christmas might actually be coming early in Utah.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WWMOIBZEM5HEHNY3PONJ7JTAMA","content":"<b>Correction:</b> Dec. 1, 2022, 2:25 p.m. &gt;&gt; <i>Nordic Valley opened on Nov. 23. The original version of this article had an incorrect opening date.</i>","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2022-11-29T13:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Utah’s ski resorts loading up on snow in the coming week"},"last_updated_date":"2022-12-09T20:06:56.921Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) People hit the slopes at Deer Valley on Friday, Dec. 12, 2019. On Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022, the Park City-area resort will open ahead of schedule for just the second time in its 40-year history, and it will do so with a blanket of fresh powder.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/7HJ7Q6BXKFBQLHTGGTPGQKDYSA.jpg"}},"publish_date":"2022-12-01T21:26:31.948Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Deer Valley, Sundance, Powder Mountain all should have fresh powder to open their seasons."},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"Skiing","slug":"skiing","text":"Skiing"},{"description":"Sundance Mountain Resort","slug":"sundance-mountain-resort","text":"Sundance Mountain Resort"},{"description":"Tag for other recreation & outdoors stories","slug":"recreation","text":"Recreation"},{"description":"Alta Ski Area","slug":"alta-ski-area","text":"Alta Ski Area"},{"description":"Snowbird","slug":"snowbird","text":"Snowbird"},{"description":"Brighton Resort","slug":"brighton-resort","text":"Brighton Resort"},{"description":"Solitude Mountain Resort","slug":"solitude-mountain-resort","text":"Solitude Mountain Resort"},{"description":"Park City Mountain Resort","slug":"park-city-mountain-resort","text":"Park City Mountain Resort"},{"description":"Deer Valley Resort","slug":"deer-valley-resort","text":"Deer Valley Resort"},{"description":"Brian Head Resort","slug":"brian-head-resort","text":"Brian Head Resort"},{"description":"Weather","slug":"weather","text":"Weather"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2022/11/29/utahs-ski-resorts-loading-up"},{"_id":"W6YBWPH7C5F2VEMUART7ILY6J4","canonical_url":"/sports/2022/11/18/deer-valley-resort-moves-up","content_elements":[{"_id":"2LR5N7OH2JCK5K67G4WHISHIZE","content":"The snow in Utah is so good right now, even Deer Valley Resort had to get in on the action.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CRXGTW4EKNFNRBVJRC4VQ3C7HI","content":"Only once in its 41-year history has the posh Park City ski area opened early. Typically, it stays on schedule, preferring to give its customers a highly trained staff and meticulously groomed runs rather than risk those to enter the race to be the first Utah resort to open.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3ZNBFAV4P5GXTEWG5G2R7K4LFU","content":"This year, though, Deer Valley is breaking with tradition. After <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/10/25/utah-skiers-revel-october-storm//" target=\"_blank\">receiving nearly 60 inches of snow</a> in the last three weeks, it announced Wednesday that it plans to open Nov. 29 — almost a week ahead of its projected opening date of Dec. 3.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HWALMJ5G2NFFLG6BMSH3NVEUPQ","content":"“VERY rare,” was how resort spokesperson Emily Summers referred to the opening in an email to the Tribune.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UF4XNOWNWJF25HDH4IOMCCWUHA","content":"“We’ve never been the resort to enter the ‘race’ to be the first to open,” she said. “We always base our opening on being able to provide a quality on-mountain experience that lives up to our reputation for great snow conditions due to our grooming and snowmaking capabilities.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"LQSW7RJPWRDKPBXTVIPTBOJIUE","content":"But if all those things are in place, why not throw open the gates?","type":"text"},{"_id":"5P6FNRMXORBXTBUE3Q5LVYRXHE","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) The afternoon sun backlights the snow and ice as skiers and snowboarders enjoy opening day at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/5P6FNRMXORBXTBUE3Q5LVYRXHE.jpg"},{"_id":"G433CV4UANGYDCXRI43LUGSUY4","content":"While Deer Valley has been working with its staff for a couple of weeks now, it’s Mother Nature that has done most of the heavy lifting. As of last week, Utah is at 433% of its snowpack for this time of year, according to Ski Utah President and CEO Nathan Rafferty. Plus, temperatures have been low enough and winds calm enough to allow for snowmaking.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LSRKYYWYPFCLXBW6CNGGZRJ6TE","content":"“We are off to a fantastic start to the ski season,” Rafferty said. “We couldn’t have scripted it any better.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ISJ44HKTDVECPG5OLUSKDSBYQ4","content":"Deer Valley still won’t win the race to open first. That honor went to Utah’s southernmost resort, <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/10/31/brian-head-resort-readies-one/" target=\"_blank\">Brian Head Resort</a>, which began its operations Nov. 4. That ranks among the top five earliest ski season openers in state history.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6GNSI46NEZBKROK6MFIIQFF3TA","content":"<a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/11/15/will-you-be-stuck-long-lift//" target=\"_blank\">Brighton and Solitude</a> followed suit last week, with <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/11/11/brighton-beats-solitude-ski//" target=\"_blank\">Solitude opening a week ahead of schedule</a>. And <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/10/03/park-city-mountain-resorts-new//" target=\"_blank\">Park City Mountain</a> joined in the mix Wednesday, two days before the date it pegged to begin the 2022-23 season.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C6R5JWJPSVG6NEJHFUIQFRSMZA","content":"This will be an exciting weekend for skiers and snowboarders across the state with four resorts opening Friday: Alta, Snowbasin, Snowbird and Woodward Park City.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6BVZXTNGURDDLNUCXKCOUGA4LU","content":"Woodward made its announcement Tuesday, noting it would have seven tubing lanes and a surface-lift-serviced jib park available. Night skiing will begin Saturday at the Parleys Summit snow park.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RG7Z3VKQTNHUHHJL4DUNH6KQNM","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Skiers revel in a little bit of Alta history as they ride the Albion two-person ski lift on its final day of operation on Tuesday, April 12, 2022. Installed in 1962, the lift will be torn down in addition to the Sunnyside lift that services the same area to make room for a new six-person high-speed lift next season.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/RG7Z3VKQTNHUHHJL4DUNH6KQNM.jpg"},{"_id":"D76CVCTSDBEE3P7OQABH5K6GGU","content":"Snowbasin will be celebrating the earliest start to the season in its 80-year-plus history. It will have Needles Gondola, Middle Bowl Express, Littlecat Express and its Wildcat tow lift running.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B7EL5PYVWBCGDMYYLI35QI4L3Y","content":"Snowbird, which boasts a 67-inch base, will allow skiing and riding in Gad Valley and Peruvian Gulch.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6FYOJHCDJ5AXBOCXQABP2M6DHA","content":"Almost all the offerings at Alta will be in intermediate and advanced terrain since installation of the new Sunnyside lift has been delayed by supply chain issues. It will have its Collins, Wildcat and Sugarloaf lifts turning Friday and expects to add Supreme to the mix Saturday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XC57P27IEVEKREDAGLIIWOM4AU","content":"Powder Mountain recently announced Dec. 8 as its opening date and nearby Nordic Valley is set for Dec. 9. Sundance is also slated to begin operations Dec. 9, though a spokesperson said that date might get moved forward. Eagle Mountain is eyeing Dec. 16. Meanwhile, two of the state’s smallest ski and snowboard mountains — Beaver Mountain and Cherry Peak — are all taking a wait-and-see approach. Both, however, anticipate being open by mid-December.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GPRFD6XMPRDTBP4VPFCWOINIMQ","content":"Summers said Deer Valley hadn’t opened in November in more than three decades. The only other time it opened early was within a few years of its 1981 construction.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K6KXQA42YRE2HATBJBQOVU2YRA","content":"“The start of ski season always brings a lot of energy and anticipation and it’s even better when Mother Nature delivers ideal conditions right away,” Deer Valley President and COO Todd Bennett said in a press release. “We are thrilled to have the snow for one of our earliest openings ever while still providing the exceptional on-mountain experience Deer Valley is known for.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"E5A2MEAA7JB5NETWNOLLLYQ5UY","content":"Deer Valley will only be open to resort season passholders on its first day of operation. Snowbasin also will only be open to passholders on Day 1, though that includes those with the Ikon Pass and <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.ikonpass.com/en/shop-passes/ikon-base-pass/" target=\"_blank\">Ikon Base Plus Pass</a>. Every day after that, they will be open to the general public.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VFPMJXFMBVGVDJRRLRMVLWI5PU","content":"<b>Correction</b>: Nov. 22, 1:15 p.m. &gt;&gt; <i>This article has been changed to reflect that the name of the Deer Valley spokesperson is Emily Summers.</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"WQ7JX4TAXFHANICN4XKNO7OULY","citation":{},"content_elements":[{"_id":"Y4H4GKNQPRC7NP7OS7OTVT5WNA","type":"header"},{"_id":"A5OLRZLX4BEFJJQ56C332EJ2T4","type":"text"},{"_id":"B2PBW2KVYJAZVA4LLA3EGTEIUI","type":"text"},{"_id":"T7X573A4AJAH5JGTUOFDNMVGDM","type":"text"},{"_id":"GHUNCUPXDRBWRLSO7EYRFMRVLQ","type":"text"},{"_id":"5V5IMCUBTZB7XJCKFOXIHQ67OY","type":"text"},{"_id":"KSUTUE5AKRCWBKQESS5ACEO3IY","type":"text"},{"_id":"WK46U44VTVFRLNOGBSIIIBDQKA","type":"text"},{"_id":"RULJLJW5AFHZREFKB2P54KOX5Q","type":"text"},{"_id":"KCXFYF63FBB6BNTVMHMRTI6DIE","type":"text"},{"_id":"TKZJ24WDMNBWNIOEBYDOHCDTAI","type":"text"},{"_id":"XUQTQJSQKVCJLCYM2D5HPVWH24","type":"text"},{"_id":"KOZTPMXU25HVLLF24XOFIMM254","type":"text"},{"_id":"QOCJ5JZJG5GIHFNANIHRYOKNFM","type":"text"},{"_id":"R4JANHYKPJHPRLC6JPL2XAEACE","type":"text"},{"_id":"2KFY4OU62ZENZMWAFA25R6BNWM","type":"text"},{"_id":"5FUY2Y2FN5AVNFK7EY5OMHSKWA","type":"text"}],"type":"quote"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2022-11-18T13:00:53Z","headlines":{"basic":"Deer Valley Resort moves up opening day of ski season for first time in decades"},"last_updated_date":"2022-12-09T20:08:56.456Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) People hit the slopes at Deer Valley on Friday, Dec. 12, 2019. Deer Valley plans to open earlier than scheduled this season, just the second time in the resort's 41-year history that it has moved its opening date and started the ski season in November. It was set to open Dec. 4 but will now start lifts turning Nov. 29 for passholders and Nov. 30 for the general public.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/5HG5ZJQ6TFATDKDZY53Q2HH6HE.jpg"}},"publish_date":"2022-12-09T20:08:56.068Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Alta, Snowbasin, Snowbird and Woodward Park City firing up lifts Friday; Powder Mountain announces opening date"},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"Tag for other recreation & outdoors stories","slug":"recreation","text":"Recreation"},{"description":"Skiing","slug":"skiing","text":"Skiing"},{"description":"Deer Valley Resort","slug":"deer-valley-resort","text":"Deer Valley Resort"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2022/11/18/deer-valley-resort-moves-up"},{"_id":"457JT7FZJVFX7DM26PICGFWPTI","canonical_url":"/sports/2022/11/11/brighton-beats-solitude-ski","content_elements":[{"_id":"KKMVKVTXFZEM3D2FN3FFZ5KQHI","content":"Rainier Dean embodied the stoke of the opening day of ski season — all 3 ½ feet of him.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AEC25LA4VJG7DMPJBLMG25Q3LE","content":"The 7-year-old stood in line for first chair at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday alongside his mom, Liz, and his 5-year-old brother. As the minutes ticked down to official start, and as hundreds of skiers and snowboarders filed in behind them, the Butler Elementary student became increasingly animated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P6VYYYX3UVBM5L2YMQMBFNKGIM","content":"His family had gotten in line at 8:30 a.m., and even a five-plus hour wait in ski boots hadn’t dampened Rainier’s excitement.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KJIEZJG6SJCNHCPV65PHW7X7V4","content":"He said he couldn’t wait to “Just to get some snow and some powder and just to hit it — because we’ve been waiting like a year now.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"5G5ZL7UQZBC6DC2MCZ5IGKMNGM","content":"In second-grader years, that’s practically a lifetime.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B75ZB3EG3VDPTM72FHYYVX3CGQ","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"RFXGSWGQ6FD3VGF7NQSYTZGUWY","content":"Don’t tell Rainier, but Solitude’s ski opener wasn’t the first this season, or even that day, in Utah. The state’s southernmost resort, Brian Head, surprised most of the state when it opened Nov. 4. And in a bit of gamesmanship Thursday, <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://brightonresort.com//" target=\"_blank\">Brighton Resort</a> one-upped its Big Cottonwood Canyon neighbor by opening its season at 11 a.m.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NW7R56GLP5FKBE7N76OG4SC4HM","content":"“We knew we were going to open today at some point,” Brighton spokesperson Jared Winkler said, noting it was just waiting on the go-ahead from ski patrol. “It happened a little earlier than expected. And it was just sort of nice to get the jump on Solitude.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"24NU6DY7LBGLLLGPVUPZVD6NTM","content":"For years, Brighton and Solitude have engaged in a friendly tit-for-tat over which will open first. The winner typically also opens the ski season in Utah. And it’s usually Brighton.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZRRRKXI3A5EGFIROEPNYVHA5LI","content":"This year looked to be Solitude’s season, however. The resort initially was among <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/10/05/alta-brian-head-park-city//">four Utah resorts that pegged Nov. 18 as their opening day</a>. After the ski areas received manna from heaven in the form of moisture-heavy snow and temperatures cold enough for making snow, however, Solitude reset its opening day to Friday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y62GZA5UWZDUNCPMYKVHMV5VLU","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) The stoke is high for opening day at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/Y62GZA5UWZDUNCPMYKVHMV5VLU.jpg"},{"_id":"HTTNZAOUIFGB7B47CXGQJXIGUY","content":"All eyes were on Brighton after that, with the expectation it would open early this week. This year, though, Brighton had taken on some large projects, such as adding lights for expanded night skiing, and Winkler said it was still trying to wrap those up when the snow started flying. On Wednesday morning, though, the announcement finally came: Brighton, with a 51-inch base, planned to open at 9 a.m. Friday. Three hours later, Solitude, with a 59-inch base, said it would actually open Thursday afternoon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IS55ZZG6XVAQXICGHXRF2OACUI","content":"But, as Winkler said, “It’s like poker. They played their cards too soon and we jumped on it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2YEIPFN4GZBRXIDUUDOTRGFIKY","content":"At 10:50 a.m. Thursday, Brighton announced it would open to passholders at 11 — three hours before Solitude.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R37PQKUBTNG3HMWS2KODEIAK7U","content":"<a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2021/10/30/shes-charge-solitude-ski//" target=\"_blank\">Amber Broadaway</a>, Solitude’s president and COO, said she expected as much.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T6ZL7PQYB5G75JUQYYMHW4H7XE","content":"“The rivalry, the pressure, really it’s very fun with Brighton,” she said. “So, you know, we make our plans and we always kind of know they’re going to figure it out.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"XCBDPTBJ5FEIZG2TFXKD2H5E6A","content":"Anyway, Solitude has moved onto the next fight. Last week, it quietly began a competition with another neighboring resort, Snowbird, over bragging rights for having the longest season of the state’s 15 ski areas. A Nov. 4 Twitter post, in which Solitude first announced it would be opening earlier than expected, was tagged with #longestseasoninUtah, which has traditionally been Snowbird’s slogan.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TVE4L4URAJDPPE7GKQZKKZYQ74","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"CJNA3TOZMBABRLRBUYUGGIKDWU","content":"When asked about it in the comments, a reply from the official Solitude account said, “We had the longest season in Utah last winter and are opening 12 days earlier this season and plan to stay open later than last year if conditions allow.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"F4Q35V3YMRCJJC36RY4NRMOSH4","content":"On Thursday, Snowbird cut into Solitude’s lead when it <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.snowbird.com//" target=\"_blank\">announced it would also be opening early</a>, on Nov. 18 rather than Nov. 30. But Snowbird spokesperson Kelsey Johnson said the resort’s earliest opener since 2012 is a result of its 67-inch base, not because Solitude threw down the gauntlet.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HO52ZW3JLVCGRPGJ6XFKVOH4Z4","content_elements":[{"_id":"EMOOJBQFKREW5OX45JB5D3YFR4","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Scott Svatos is all smiles as he joins other Solitude Mountain Resort staff for opening day on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","copyright":"© Francisco Kjolseth 2022","credits":{},"height":1759,"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/EMOOJBQFKREW5OX45JB5D3YFR4.jpg","width":2800},{"_id":"GZRAWJHHM5DK7HS2S4AS3TT2TU","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Some fresh powder is to be had as a skier takes a run for opening day at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","copyright":"© Francisco Kjolseth 2022","credits":{},"height":1768,"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/GZRAWJHHM5DK7HS2S4AS3TT2TU.jpg","width":2800},{"_id":"LU4RKLT3RFDGNKFBZPWXR3MAUM","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Loren Cox joins the crowd as he waits to put in his first turns of the season for opening day at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","copyright":"© Francisco Kjolseth 2022","credits":{},"height":1867,"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/LU4RKLT3RFDGNKFBZPWXR3MAUM.jpg","width":2800},{"_id":"WKSRL5KT2RCBXNGASJFGVOZJAA","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Snowboarders glide over the powder as they enjoy opening day at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","copyright":"© Francisco Kjolseth 2022","credits":{},"height":2800,"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/WKSRL5KT2RCBXNGASJFGVOZJAA.jpg","width":2217},{"_id":"5P6FNRMXORBXTBUE3Q5LVYRXHE","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) The afternoon sun backlights the snow and ice as skiers and snowboarders enjoy opening day at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","copyright":"© Francisco Kjolseth 2022","credits":{},"height":1852,"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/5P6FNRMXORBXTBUE3Q5LVYRXHE.jpg","width":2800},{"_id":"KQA2KFCSFNDPFGHHLELFSHWNVU","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) A snowboarder glides through the fresh powder during opening day at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","copyright":"© Francisco Kjolseth 2022","credits":{},"height":1710,"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/KQA2KFCSFNDPFGHHLELFSHWNVU.jpg","width":2800},{"_id":"HJ7K3A6JQZG47KVZRSK7NVJDPA","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) The short ski day quickly fills the parking lot as skiers and snowboarders arrive for opening day at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","copyright":"© Francisco Kjolseth 2022","credits":{},"height":1946,"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/HJ7K3A6JQZG47KVZRSK7NVJDPA.jpg","width":2800},{"_id":"2AYQWZP2WRGBBPTZ4K6OWQPVOI","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Skiers trek up to the Moonbeam Express for opening day at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","copyright":"© Francisco Kjolseth 2022","credits":{},"height":1917,"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/2AYQWZP2WRGBBPTZ4K6OWQPVOI.jpg","width":2800}],"type":"gallery"},{"_id":"PMSAYRBYLRBAZMW63T5DP7BG6A","content":"Shawn McPherron of Draper can respect the hunt for bragging rights. After all, that’s why he showed up at Solitude at 9 a.m. Thursday, when the Dean family offered him a spot on first chair with them. Maybe that’s why, after 56 years of skiing in Utah, he still likes to see the state’s resorts egg each other on.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RBMKPVYZEZBATHQOXOQKR246EU","content":"“I think it’s fun that they try to compete with each other,” he said. “I think that’s what skiing is all about, a little friendly rivalry.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TTUBES7JYRG5RH3OPFQIUUSH4A","content":"Broadaway agreed that the showdowns between ski areas are all in good fun.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DQZXVIMJTJGZHFIIWFRRPBMVCQ","content":"“My feeling is that when resorts get open and stay open late, the guests win,” she said. “So whether I beat Brighton or I beat Snowbird, it’s just super fun to, you know, jab about it during the season. But ultimately, the skiers and mountain enthusiasts win.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"64S4H62NONFSRL2P7VAGDQHUAU","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Shawn McPherron, left, joins Liz Dean and her two boys Rainier, 7, and Theodore, 5, for first chair as skiers and snowboarders enjoy opening day at Solitude Mountain Resort Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/64S4H62NONFSRL2P7VAGDQHUAU.jpg"},{"_id":"TCTHCU6GAVHCJL7L5YLQMER4OE","content":"She’ll get no argument from young Rainier, who had a Snowbird sticker plastered across his red helmet. He has big plans for this season, including skiing down a triple black diamond run and jumping off cliffs. And he has been ready to get going on them ever since the snow started falling. So if it’s competition that gets the lifts turning sooner, he’ll take it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KC477UY4IJB2HDNERY24OTTWBY","content":"“I was like, ‘Oh, come on, I really wish we could be skiing right now,” he said of seeing the snow piling up near his Cottonwood Heights home. “I was like, just, ‘I need to ski!’”","type":"text"},{"_id":"5WKL7XWA3NBG7DKW5ECLBLQTQA","content":"Now, he and everyone else on the Wasatch front finally can.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CORC2T7E5BEQFAUKZR5NVIREWM","citation":{},"content_elements":[{"_id":"HJH4LVM3K5FXBAOF65NAQERHGA","type":"header"},{"_id":"UCZOUKBXSND4TB4TBZZOVMRTLM","type":"text"},{"_id":"5242SL4WXVDVBGEGHSOSBDUNI4","type":"text"},{"_id":"55Q6QJA42RFOHC6IB3UM5SIRMU","type":"text"},{"_id":"SNYW2INH4RGI3N3SAWFEAJ2NHI","type":"text"},{"_id":"6SW5YLLKCFH4FP2LMIRRGNLZFQ","type":"text"},{"_id":"HCJVQHAUXVAI5J3B4ZQFAT55LY","type":"text"},{"_id":"MYEAMKG5BFHB3DAOIEZE2FZ34A","type":"text"},{"_id":"LLZNMWHJTZGSXJNQS6SY6DCERQ","type":"text"},{"_id":"C2WHDZ7H4JG2XPVPNOCJVADJOE","type":"text"},{"_id":"LNHXV7VA3BB55LZMMW5CTJG4F4","type":"text"},{"_id":"BLLV4D2KHRALLKSF7D5NT2EEKA","type":"text"},{"_id":"QIPMFOVHIBHRJOKDAZPXFRKJ4A","type":"text"},{"_id":"RUEYUMB6WRDMDOYZQEO4HLHACQ","type":"text"},{"_id":"4BHZDMFSEZFSNPDHOKAHH6CP3A","type":"text"},{"_id":"HZKI3GZIABE6FDIELNR3KXEOW4","type":"text"},{"_id":"NUF2LMQMS5C2XPHXFHF5BTQ6BY","type":"text"}],"type":"quote"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2022-11-11T13:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Brighton beats Solitude for ski opener bragging rights but competition among resorts is heating up"},"last_updated_date":"2022-12-09T20:32:38.556Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Theodore Dean, 5, adjust his gear as he gets ready to ride first chair with his family after arriving more than five hours ahead of the afternoon opening at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/T3F72GKSJRFLLNKHI27J3MRCFE.jpg"}},"publish_date":"2022-12-09T20:32:38.192Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Solitude picks new, friendly fight with Snowbird for #LongestSeasoninUtah"},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"Tag for other recreation & outdoors stories","slug":"recreation","text":"Recreation"},{"description":"Skiing","slug":"skiing","text":"Skiing"},{"description":"Solitude Mountain Resort","slug":"solitude-mountain-resort","text":"Solitude Mountain Resort"},{"description":"Brighton Resort","slug":"brighton-resort","text":"Brighton Resort"},{"description":"Snowbird","slug":"snowbird","text":"Snowbird"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2022/11/11/brighton-beats-solitude-ski"},{"_id":"7BBXT2C7FBEVFMKPI6B26IPRI4","canonical_url":"/sports/2022/10/31/brian-head-resort-readies-one","content_elements":[{"_id":"YE6NZAS7HBCBVJK6LS533W3DN4","content":"For Skiers and snowboarders in the Wasatch Mountains, the snow brought by <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/10/25/utah-skiers-revel-october-storm//" target=\"_blank\">last week’s storms</a> was but an amuse bouche. Though many got in a few backcountry runs, it was just enough to whet their appetites.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DTOPORU4DJCCFNLF27CU5HLXMA","content":"Their central Utah brethren, meanwhile, are about to be delivered the main course.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AUWVY2JWXFDRTDLT2GVZ6GR3LA","content":"On Monday, <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.brianhead.com//" target=\"_blank\">Brian Head Resort</a>, located near Cedar City announced it would be opening for the season this Friday. The Nov. 4 date is believed to be the earliest opener in Brian Head history and the among the top five earliest ever for the state.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RQKATDSUTRFKNJNVOC5CSSBTEY","content":"Park City Resort opened on Oct. 26 for the 1996-97 season, long before its 2015 merged with The Canyons to become Park City Mountain Resort. According to a <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.deseret.com/1996/10/25/19273702/no-go-at-times-as-snow-shellacks-n-utah?_amp=true\%22 target=\"_blank\">Deseret News article</a>, that was the second-earliest opener in the ski area’s history. Meanwhile, Brighton Resort, which usually claims the state’s bragging rights as the first to open, opened the 2004-05 season on Oct. 29. It opened Nov. 4 for the 2009 season.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MN7LWOZPQJCGLCOT3BBPS2OKWE","content":"Brian Head’s previous earliest opener, according to general manager Marilyn Butler, who said she looked back through 22 years of data, was Nov. 10. That was during the 2000-01 season.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OKM7HIHVIBE3DHQQWVI2WSZRL4","content":"“We usually pride ourselves on getting open by Thanksgiving,” Butler said, “and this year we were fortunate to open Nov. 4.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7TOQ74L7TBHH3D4HI73FL46H3Y","content":"Only three North American <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.skicentral.com/openareas-skireport.html/" target=\"_blank\">ski areas are currently open</a>, all of them in Colorado: Arapahoe Basin, Winter Park and Keystone.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CP3HCVUWUJBTBBC35P4PQ2ZHWU","content":"The early opening stands in stark contrast to last season, when most Utah resorts had to <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2021/11/16/this-is-when-utahs-ski//" target=\"_blank\">push back their openers </a>at least a week because of warm temperatures and lack of natural snow","type":"text"},{"_id":"K3HOFKMW35A4TKCZLQCYBF6MI4","content":"Butler said the resort received 17 inches of snow from last week’s storm, which also blanketed the Wasatch Mountains. Another 23 inches is expected to fall at the resort — which has the state’s highest base elevation at 9,600 feet — between Wednesday and Friday, Butler said. That combined with snowmaking efforts have resort operators confident there will be enough coverage to allow at least one lift to get up and running.","type":"text"},{"_id":"26ASMTDAGBFTZGRLGCBF3GY73Q","content":"Brian Head will run its Navajo Express, a high-speed detachable quad, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday both this weekend and next. More lift carriers have been added to that lift this season, Butler said, noting it should get people to the top of the mountain faster.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DDTNT4L2P5DLREZJRH5IYV5CSE","content":"Daily operations will begin Nov. 18, Butler said. That’s the day Brian Head originally pegged as its opening date. <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/10/05/alta-brian-head-park-city//" target=\"_blank\">Park City Mountain Resort, Solitude and Alta</a> also have announced plans to open that day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PYHPOANJ5BFF5KSUUNBKBL44CA","content":"Or at least that’s when lifts are scheduled to start turning. The last two weekends, backcountry skiers and splitboarders eager for winter to get underway have formed a conga line skinning up to the top of Alta, which received 25 inches in the latest storm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"56YRYOYZZFHGXL57TMUVAOTPJA","content":"<b>Update:</b> Nov. 1, 11:50 a.m. &gt;&gt; <i>This article has been updated to note that Park City Resort opened its ski season in October at least twice, including on Oct. 26, 1996.</i>","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2022-10-31T22:42:04.859Z","headlines":{"basic":"A Utah ski resort will open Friday, one of the earliest openings in recent history"},"last_updated_date":"2022-12-09T20:33:25.300Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"Brian Head Resort\n\nBrian Head Resort, the southernmost ski area in Utah, announced it will open Friday. If it can pull it off, it will be the earliest opener in the resort's history and one of the earliest ever for the state.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/IRFVJ3JNLBA7BLF35OUP6AMM4U.jpg"}},"publish_date":"2022-12-09T20:33:24.860Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Brian Head’s newly announced opening is believed to be the fourth earliest in state history."},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"Tag for other recreation & outdoors stories","slug":"recreation","text":"Recreation"},{"description":"Skiing","slug":"skiing","text":"Skiing"},{"description":"sports features","slug":"sports-featured","text":"Sports Featured"},{"description":"Brian Head Resort","slug":"brian-head-resort","text":"Brian Head Resort"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2022/10/31/brian-head-resort-readies-one"},{"_id":"U2IBDARQ6FHCFIPTMSYB5EQATA","canonical_url":"/sports/2022/10/26/how-snowbasin-teen-died-came","content_elements":[{"_id":"G633VKL76JGGPLRRKO4TSC7EFI","content":"It would not be inaccurate to call Tyler Blocker an overachiever. He’s the kind of kid who sees the prize and creates a route to it — often in record time and occasionally against expert advice.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OD57ENTTMBFWDGIVTY5ZEJUB3A","content":"Take his life goal for example. He’s just 17, and he’s already searching for a new one after being selected to appear in the latest Warren Miller ski film: “Daymaker.” The film was making its Utah swing this week, starting in Orem on Wednesday before hitting Ogden, Salt Lake City and Park City.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7QH7SO7EHBH5XAFRJ5DTPEIFQU","content":"“My list of goals growing up was like, No. 1 was to be in a ski movie,” said Blocker, a Mountain Green resident who began skiing at nearby Snowbasin Resort at age 2. “That was No. 1. Not to win competitions or any of that. I’ve always wanted to be in a ski movie. So [I] knocked that off. So that was kind of nice.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YJG2TJDI6NCJVLCDW3KHJVZQSU","content":"Still, the Morgan High senior’s selection to appear alongside Olympian Jonny Moseley and pro freeskier Marcus Caston of Salt Lake City in a film produced by the granddaddy of ski flick makers came as a shock. Prior to the film, Blocker hadn’t won any major freeskiing contests, caught the eye of any big sponsors or generated much publicity. He didn’t even have a real coach. His dad technically held that title, but Blocker taught himself by studying films of other skiers. Yet Blocker has one thing: a knack for making things happen on his own, warp-speed timeline, especially when skiing is involved.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6AOUOA67VVHWFKP3NOLUWJGFRY","content":"Just ask his dad — or his doctors.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YWETW3JISZHRDGQGZKCPZ44UPI","caption":"(Warren Miller Films) Tyler Blocker,16, of Mountain Green drops in at Snowbasin Resort in March 2022. Professional skiers Marcus Caston of Salt Lake City and Jonny Moseley surprised Blocker at the resort and informed him he was selected to appear in the 2022 Warren Miller film \"Daymaker.\"","subtitle":"","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/YWETW3JISZHRDGQGZKCPZ44UPI.jpg"},{"_id":"KX33ZS4W2NBPREUJELDYGUKLBU","content":"Blocker’s shockingly quick recovery from a potentially fatal ruptured spleen a year earlier and his unwavering devotion to skiing were the points Rob Blocker emphasized when he nominated his son to appear in “Daymaker.” This year was the first time in the nearly 70-year history of Warren Miller films that the company had asked fans to suggest local riders for an appearance.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F67LROXKKJEDDIAPY4HFYEGBKM","content":"“Really where he got his training from was from films like Warren Miller,” said Rob Blocker, who has made a tradition of attending the annual film with his family. “I expressed that pretty strongly and then, you know, this whole drama about his accident the year before. I think that made for a good story.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YDF37GXE3BBUDCJPUEYCIXKB2I","content":"Yeah, briefly dying and then coming back to life can be pretty compelling.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TFALIOH74FGN7FEJPVTDWJSOQI","content":"That’s how Blocker and his anesthesiologist father view what happened to him in February 2021. He had been hustling down a groomed run at Snowbasin to catch the bus home when his skis caught an edge and he crashed. He hit his head and blacked out for a moment. When he came to, he couldn’t move his legs. He could, however, wiggle his toes. The resort personnel who attended to him told him he wasn’t paralyzed, but that he could be bleeding internally.","type":"text"},{"_id":"34CEPJ4QBRFTHCEQTX6H6SLVYI","caption":"(Warren Miller Films) Tyler Blocker, left, 16, of Mountain Green gets ready for a ski session at Snowbasin Resort with professional skier Marcus Caston, center, of Salt Lake City in March 2022. The session was filmed and will appear in the 2022 Warren Miller film \"Daymaker.\"","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/34CEPJ4QBRFTHCEQTX6H6SLVYI.jpg"},{"_id":"NDMN5J2DHVCMZCE3J4BJ45TPOA","content":"Blocker’s first call was to his father, an anesthesiologist who left work early to pick him up. When Rob arrived, Blocker seemed just a little beaten up. Still, Rob thought it would be worth taking his son to the hospital to make sure he was OK. As he helped his son stand up to walk to the car, Blocker went limp.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5T2TSAXXJNHX3L4QFWMA77AALY","content":"“My eyes literally just rolled back into my head, and I literally just coded right there,” Blocker said. “Lost pulse. Heart nothing. Just lifeless.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"RSUE3WHZFZABFJNHJM6PJRG7ZE","content":"The episode only lasted a moment. Doctors would later pinpoint two major issues that caused Blocker’s collapse. One was a pinched artery to his kidney, which he eventually lost. The other was the explosion of his spleen, which required an emergency splenectomy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3XAYYCBNTNDFFFG3V2CUA5ZOFQ","content":"Tyler barely ate or drank while he was in the hospital. In fact, to be released, he said, all doctors required was that he drink one cup of water. It took him 30 pounds and 10 days.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LVXNHLEUVREJRK7LPQJTCTPZVM","content":"Less than a week later, though, he asked his dad if he could ski.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y4DZESOWFNFCDB3R5WYQS7WSTM","content":"Blocker’s doctors had told him it would take six weeks of mostly bedrest to recover.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UPXE4AAJ5JCATB2T25SLRFUZUY","content":"“And that’s just that’s just not who I am,” Blocker said. “I can’t stay still for that long.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"SSPY2G52JFHMVD24S5G4YARV6E","content":"So he did some research and found a study that advised light exercise as a way to speed recovery from a splenectomy. Other studies his father found backed the research up. So, against Blocker’s mother’s wishes, Rob gave his son the green light — with one condition: Tyler had to stay on the bunny hill.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U243NJSGNJFPDFFAF67B65F5VE","content":"Well, that didn’t last long, either.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GP6BIT4EZJGWBHZXDSXKZHVTSI","content":"“I went skiing [up] Little Cat and I felt fine,” Blocker said. “And so I decided to go up the bigger lift, John Paul. And I remember, I didn’t even do a groomer lap. I just went straight underneath the lift, [where there’s] just, like, moguls.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NXSJJRRR7RFKZJ7G6VQCG5X5W4","content":"When Blocker went in for a checkup a couple of weeks later, his doctors were both furious and fascinated. By then, Blocker estimates, he was 95% recovered.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UWZC2LCJTVBYZHDKIKT6HPCARQ","content":"“The doctors were like, ‘We’ve never seen a recovery that fast, ever,’” Blocker said. “And the doctors were also really, really mad that I went skiing.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"IT2YSHQSZNCLDEOOSGMQBA424I","content":"Fast-forward a full year, and it was Blocker who was surprised as he exited the locker room at Snowbasin only to catch sight of a camera crew and, moments later, Moseley and Caston. When they asked if he was Tyler, Blocker went tongue-tied, completely fumbling his on-camera debut.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SHGNR5JJ2BF7TJYYERMOCUHRLE","caption":"(Warren Miller Films) Tyler Blocker,16, of Mountain Green waits to drop in at Snowbasin Resort in March 2022. Professional skiers Marcus Caston of Salt Lake City and Jonny Moseley surprised Blocker at the resort and informed him he was selected to appear in the 2022 Warren Miller film \"Daymaker.\"","subtitle":"","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/SHGNR5JJ2BF7TJYYERMOCUHRLE.jpg"},{"_id":"URFXS5IMKZEHBD2YFXT5OM6EME","content":"He made a much better impression on the mountain. On the first day, he dropped into a rarely skied line called First Finger. His father had warned him that with the spring conditions, there wasn’t a way out of it. He called it “a cliff to nowhere.” Yet, somehow, Blocker found a line, launching himself off the cliff and landing in a two-foot-wide gap before gliding out of it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"POG6GGXMDRCXFNHH6YJ2FRED3U","content":"“The first couple of days, couple of runs especially, it’s a little like feeling it out. You know, [seeing] what he can do,” said Caston, who added he had no idea what to expect from Blocker. “But then we pretty much got after it right away. And he killed it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"EH3CURIVKJC6VF6KTMOJRI6ZRA","content":"Caston, 34, also made his film debut in a Warren Miller production in his early 20s. He said it changed the course of his life.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4PFQMZFDDVFMTNKJ3LME2LQ5C4","content":"“Ten years later, it still maybe hasn’t settled in,” he said. “But it’s really cool. It’s been about a decade now that I’ve been able to travel around the world and see new places and meet new people through the opportunities that I’ve had through Warren Miller. It’s been huge in shaping who I am.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"OLTXXBD4SRAEHGC36D4EH5P5LU","content":"Blocker would like his appearance in “Daymaker” to bear similar fruit. It’s already elevated him onto Snowbasin’s roster of sponsored pro athletes, a distinction typically reserved for athletes 18 and older, and brought him a gear sponsorship with K2.","type":"text"},{"_id":"COFCSRN2IJFTTDLQ26UWT6AIII","content":"He’s aiming for something bigger, though. Call it life goal No. 1.2.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IT7FR3IIXBCXLMMWZRFK7ZEDAY","content":"“Honestly, [it’s] being in a second Warren Miller movie,” he said. “Cause I guess I just went with the plot in the first one. But if they actually chose me to be in the second one? That would be really cool.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"J7F6XZZ2RFBQPKTAOUIQFKCGGU","content":"He may just need a little time to make it happen.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FLJVWLHBFNFANH7YSPKDGE5NVM","citation":{},"content_elements":[{"_id":"MDZ7W5HQTBFT5GAX6V2ELNPRGE","type":"header"},{"_id":"Q2LCX5W6WREUPELUACKUM2NLNQ","type":"text"},{"_id":"X3SZJXRVMBAP5DIMDZ6MQARTY4","type":"text"},{"_id":"V7LPMPSPCBEFXPA3KRHGYXUSLQ","type":"text"},{"_id":"2AOYCU6CSRDDTK642JM64WA3EE","type":"text"},{"_id":"GZC4PQY3QJA6FLNYHK5NUHDPA4","type":"text"},{"_id":"RSJ74PFZAFGBHMZVJNOHJYK4AY","type":"text"}],"type":"quote"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2022-10-26T12:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"A Snowbasin teen ruptured his spleen, lost a kidney and briefly died. A year later, he was starring in a Warren Miller ski film."},"last_updated_date":"2022-12-09T20:34:05.451Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Warren Miller Films) Tyler Blocker, 16, of Mountain Green gets some air off a cliff at Snowbasin Resort. Blocker was surprised by professional skiers Johnny Moseley and Marcus Caston, of Salt Lake City, who informed Blocker he as selected to appear in the 2022 Warren Miller film \"Daymaker.\"","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/AO5PLE7YE5B2VFT5RYASKDKHWA.jpg"}},"publish_date":"2022-12-09T20:34:04.843Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Morgan High senior Tyler Blocker ruptured his spleen and lost his kidney a year before his selection for “Daymaker.” "},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"sports features","slug":"sports-featured","text":"Sports Featured"},{"description":"Tag for other recreation & outdoors stories","slug":"recreation","text":"Recreation"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2022/10/26/how-snowbasin-teen-died-came"},{"_id":"HOXGGYB5L5BRBHXBVFVTIW2V4U","canonical_url":"/sports/2022/10/03/park-city-mountain-resorts-new","content_elements":[{"_id":"CGH5HCWZJ5CVJA2VTJBYW3RLFA","content":"Dressed in a chambray button-up shirt and blue jeans and wearing a faint smile, Deirdra Walsh looks relaxed as she sits in a no-frills conference room on the second floor of a brick building in the Mountain Village of the Park City Mountain Resort. After the late-August sun finishes climbing over the ski area’s hills, it peeks through the windows, casting the resort’s new vice president and chief operating officer in a warm glow.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OE7D7JHHCFG3RCZDNN7TXYMTNI","content":"It’s the calm before the winter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QLNY4WTIJBAODJ4HQMVAOLE4WY","content":"This ski and snowboarding season, PCMR plans to put into place some of its most contentious changes since 2015 when it took over operation of The Canyons and became the largest ski area in North America. While Walsh did not initiate many of the resort’s new policies for the 2022-23 season — like charging for daily parking in the Mountain Village lots and capping the sale of walk-up lift tickets — it will be her job to usher them in.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K22E2RC77FG5RGJHHTBLHAFABE","content":"Armed with roots in the community and a history of creating consonance, Walsh believes she’s up for the challenge.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XRKCWUGWKZCW5DEYZMNW5F5TTE","content":"“I didn’t come in, certainly, to the resort unprepared for the challenges. And there have been some things that have been more surprising than others,” she said. “But certainly that doesn’t deter me.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LQPDGY3JTNC7ZOI52VQHGY3UPE","content":"“Right now, the only way is forward.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MPULBBKQRBFSPPKR5KKK6O7GNY","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) People take to the slopes of Park City Mountain Resort as clear skies and some recent fresh snow draws the crowds on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/MPULBBKQRBFSPPKR5KKK6O7GNY.jpg"},{"_id":"CWCMNUB34NFGNBPRXKVEULG3M4","content":"When she officially stepped into her new role in May after holding the same position at Northstar Ski Resort in Lake Tahoe, Calif., since 2019, Walsh waded right into the muck. Just two weeks after the 44-year-old<a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/05/10/park-city-mountain-resort//"> took the resort’s reins from Mike Goar</a>, the Park City Planning Commission voted to block PCMR from upgrading two lifts — one of which was planned to be Vail Resorts’ first eight-pack — after four Parkites raised concerns about overcrowding and the <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/news/environment/2022/07/11/secret-formula-that-ski-resorts//">equation the resort uses to determine comfortable carrying capacity</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W66EK7IRNFA5VK64S2KIYDZR7Q","content":"Walsh’s first official statements as the head of PCMR came in the form of a rebuke.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XDHCNBFB25BZDMVCJJ2323AZ6E","content":"“We are fundamentally concerned with, and confused by, the City blocking this significant investment in the guest experience at Park City Mountain,” she said in a prepared statement in June.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7JKT6IOIQREDRHT2RD32YP4QFY","content":"Vail Resorts, which counts PCMR among its 41 ski areas, has since <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.parkrecord.com/news/park-city/vail-resorts-appeals-decision-on-pcmr-lift-upgrade//">filed an appeal</a> with a Summit County district court. Meanwhile, it announced Wednesday that the <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/09/29/park-city-mountain-will-send-ski//" target=\"_blank\">lifts would be shipped to Canada</a> for installation at Whistler Blackcomb, another Vail Resorts property, next year. If Park City is granted permission to install lifts in 2023, it will have to order new ones.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LGVZ6U2F7BCAPKNOJXMFJJDYRQ","content":"The hubub over the lifts exposed a long festering rift in trust between community members and the resort.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5XPAO2ZOMJDDLBSLJ2WNGVE4NE","content":"That rift can be mended, Walsh said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RC7BCY37NZH33H6R6LN7R3WEYI","content":"“I think,” she said, “there’s an opportunity to reset right now.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NXDD6QSTB5EK7JSANS5SZ6RTEA","caption":"(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Parts for building a new Eagle lift at Park City Mountain Resort lie scattered around the resorts parking lot, Thursday, July 7, 2022. Residents last month blocked the resort from being able to install the lift because of discrepancies in resort capacities by two firms. ","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/NXDD6QSTB5EK7JSANS5SZ6RTEA.jpg"},{"_id":"JHEF42A7NRFQBJWYV2NWB6X2TM","content":"Walsh said she has received “a really warm welcome” from the Park City community. Part of that she credits to her history in the area. Originally from Missouri, she moved with her then-boyfriend, now husband, Rob, to Park City in 2004. She learned to snowboard at Park City Mountain and got her first job in the ski industry there in 2007, when she was hired in conference sales.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UPQKW2OIEVELHMIKUOU5255BUI","content":"Nudged by the support of her female superiors throughout her career — she’s one of three women currently at the helm of a Utah resort — the mother of two young children worked her way up to director and then senior director of the mountain dining division. So when Park City Mountain was combined with The Canyons in 2015, it was up to her to merge their dining operations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3QCSQFSTLFDWLJEHKFYTB7F43A","content":"“I think the actual integration of resorts was probably one of the most challenging and exciting things that I was a part of,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5RNOAHOH2VFF3LIWOSUACNWD6Q","content":"She started the conversation between the two groups by asking one question:","type":"text"},{"_id":"M43FNDPP25BJRMIAPCHQ5342XE","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Deirdra Walsh, new Vice President and COO of Park City Mountain Resort, is pictured on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022, as she takes over for Mike Goar at a pivotal time for the ski area. ","subtitle":"","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/M43FNDPP25BJRMIAPCHQ5342XE.jpg"},{"_id":"DWQFLRGCBBCGZJDTFIYQBDFHDA","content":"“What do we have in common?” she said. “And if we can start there, then I know that we can create something that feels true to us being one team.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZHGBT5PKJJDY5DGTDXIAIJZSOM","content":"Her approach to leading PCMR is similar. She said she spent most of her first months at the helm having coffee or lunch or the occasional glass of wine with elected officials and community members and other stakeholders. She used those conversations in part, she said, to find common ground.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UJYZ664XEVD6LGS7QHWDWJAH7M","content":"Hopefully it’s also solid ground, because those relationships are likely to be tested by the ticket and parking policies PCMR intends to institute this winter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GVJ4DFMJFRCTZOLKXVGMFMMK5E","content":"As part of a Vail Resorts-wide initiative, PCMR will cap online and walk-up lift ticket sales every day of the season, expanding on a pilot program last year that limited ticket sales during holidays. The hope is the cap will keep the slopes and restaurants from becoming overcrowded — which was one of the main criticisms levied against PCMR last year. Vail Resorts’ effort to bolster the workforce, and therefore the amount of terrain and services it can offer, by adding employee housing and raising the minimum wage to $20/hour should also give guests more space.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PVL3J4HEZNDJ3I2XRMHQBYX4UE","content":"However, capping daily tickets has been criticized as a tactic employed by resorts to cajole people into buying passes and committing early to visiting a specific ski area. In addition, it can be a point of frustration for locals as they look for last-minute tickets to take advantage of powder days that might otherwise be blacked out on their passes or to entertain out-of-town visitors. (PCMR has said it will allow Epic Pass holders to purchase buddy tickets even on capped days.)","type":"text"},{"_id":"6GZB4CDO3NCBPCCJISDNXKDYPE","content":"“So you can never just decide to go on a trip…,” <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://twitter.com/liftblog/status/1561743369121972224/">wrote one Twitter user</a>, responding to a post about the caps, “you have to be a super planner.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3YFSZD5EENCUBEJN4HZUCTW53A","content":"A metrics team will determine when the cap should be employed, Walsh said, using “a lot of inputs.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2ELZUMKSIFALJNQWZQPX53YDQI","content":"The ticket cap has garnered little attention, however, compared to the angst generated by the <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.parkcitymountain.com/explore-the-resort/about-the-resort/getting-here.aspx/">resort’s new parking plan</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SFPRZHBGEBENVH4MYAUTHVAPUQ","content":"From Dec. 12 to April 2, PCMR will require reservations and a $25 fee to park in its Mountain Village lots — Main, First Time and Silver King — every day between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Carpoolers with four or more people in a vehicle can park for free but still must have a reservation. Parking outside of those hours does not require a reservation and is free regardless of vehicle occupancy. Visitors can also park for free daily at The Canyons in the Cabriolet lot and on weekends and holidays at Park City High.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KNBOR7YEHBDOVA5YKIMEV7KIHE","content":"Its intent, in part, is to reduce the traffic congestion around the main village and deter people from visiting the area if they don’t have reservations, which is expected to cut down on vehicles parking in neighborhoods. It’s also a way of coaxing people to carpool or take the bus.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YZPPEBVOZBBNLNJTFSK4Q6NXXU","content":"PCMR will be the first of the three Park City resorts to charge for parking, but it’s a tool used by most of the Cottonwood Canyons resorts as well as Sundance Resort.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S6GKKTZ3GJHILDZNKG5IR23AQY","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) People navigate a full parking lot at Park City Mountain Resort as clear skies and some recent fresh snow draws the crowds on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/S6GKKTZ3GJHILDZNKG5IR23AQY.jpg"},{"_id":"RZWTLBTBZ5GEVLMSD3RDELNNQY","content":"Some <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.parkrecord.com/news/park-city/parkites-torn-on-park-city-mountain-resorts-new-paid-parking-system//">locals have applauded the program</a> and PCMR for making an effort to curb traffic issues. To many Utah skiers and snowboarders, however, parking policy comes off as a money grab. And it hits especially hard in the wake of <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/news/2022/09/28/major-move-uta-sharply-cut-back//">Utah Transit Authority’s announcement</a> Wednesday that it will be cutting back bus service between Salt Lake City and Park City this winter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BGKKJNXRVVAWLCH7FCPIA3X4NY","content":"(Once skiers and riders get to Kimball Junction, however, they can jump on one of High Valley Transit’s buses, which will run no-fare routes to The Canyons and PCMR’s Mountain Village daily on 15-minute intervals, according to Summit County Planning Director Caroline Rodriguez.)","type":"text"},{"_id":"FADTLI35BNAVXNJ6CWFZPHA3VA","content":"“Well, since greed runs this resort, they had to make up for limiting skiiers (sic),” wrote a commenter on a Tribune story announcing the paid parking. “At 25$ (sic) a car, they will make a hefty profit they could have gotten for the skiiers they turn away. Skiing is too expensive for most locals anyway. This resort is for out of towners willing to pay.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"UV7LLEX3WVHCHFT6WER72P6PAI","content":"Walsh wants to change that perception.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q4WM4Z2UUZCN5CY4RXQ4QOMHAM","content":"Her big-picture goal is to make a resort that encompasses 7,300 acres, 43 lifts and 330 trails more intimate. Doing that will take more capital investment, though she didn’t elaborate on where that investment is most needed, and attention to detail. The end result, she said, should be a memorable, enjoyable experience for visitors, regardless of where they hail from or how much they paid for a ticket.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XKNTZYENGNF4XKTXSR6HBGJTSI","content":"“I try to think about the guest experience, and every single person that steps on a lift is a guest,” she said. “And I think all tides rise together, so a better guest experience is a better guest experience, whoever it is.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VVCOKRVVU5BOFPSGDY4HIKKN4I","content":"It’s setting up to be a harsh winter for Walsh, but she’s confident she can weather it with some good conversation … and some good wine. And maybe as soon as next summer she’ll be sitting back and basking in a warm glow — one created by a closer connection between her resort and its community.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PANEGN64KBAZXCJXVYOXGHHLQY","content":"<b>Editor’s note •</b> <i>This story is available to Salt Lake Tribune subscribers only. Thank you for supporting local journalism.</i>","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2022-10-03T12:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Park City Mountain Resort’s new COO ushers in ticket caps, paid parking in a moment of community unrest"},"last_updated_date":"2022-12-09T20:36:48.641Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Deirdra Walsh, new Vice President and COO of Park City Mountain Resort, is pictured on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022, as she takes over for Mike Goar at a pivotal time for the ski area.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/Z5QXOYXIUFGW5CKYRYKZ3L4BHE.jpg"}},"publish_date":"2022-10-03T12:00:04.544Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Deirdra Walsh believes her roots in Park City, and plenty of conversations, can lead to a “reset”."},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"sports features","slug":"sports-featured","text":"Sports Featured"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2022/10/03/park-city-mountain-resorts-new"},{"_id":"B5MNH3DL6VGZPF6OODFICV7QGI","canonical_url":"/sports/2022/09/29/park-city-mountain-will-send-ski","content_elements":[{"_id":"USTU5WILSJDKHJ4B36ZJVTMU64","content":"Park City Mountain Resort had a chance this season to become just the third resort in North America — and the first owned by Vail Resorts — to run an eight-person lift. Now that notoriety, and the lift, will go to Whistler Blackcomb.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JKMAXQSFLZB2VOK7WFSDB3AQWM","content":"PCMR expected to replace its Silverlode lift with the high-speed eight-pack and to reconfigure its Eagle and Eaglet lifts and replace them with a single high-speed six-pack this summer. That plan stalled in June, however, when the <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.parkrecord.com/news/park-city/park-city-planning-commission-rules-against-pcmr-lift-upgrades//" target=\"_blank\">Park City Planning Commission effectively voted to block </a>their installation after four Parkites raised concern about overcrowding and<a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/news/environment/2022/07/11/secret-formula-that-ski-resorts//" target=\"_blank\"> questioned the equation the resort uses to determine comfortable carrying capacity</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7EFHHAQS6JEIPAYUCN6XFFFEPM","content":"Vail Resorts <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.parkrecord.com/news/park-city/vail-resorts-appeals-decision-on-pcmr-lift-upgrade//">filed an appeal</a> in July with a Summit County district court. However, PCMR officials said it would not be possible to install the lifts before summer 2023.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6MED23OVMJE63HYEOVDYCOWBWM","content":"Rather than wait to see if PCMR would win its appeal, its parent company decided to ship the lifts to Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Canada. Vail Resorts CEO Kiersten Lynch announced the relocation of the lifts Wednesday when the company released its <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://investors.vailresorts.com/news-releases/news-release-details/vail-resorts-reports-fiscal-2022-fourth-quarter-and-full-year/" target=\"_blank\">fourth-quarter fiscal report and 2023 capital plan</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2Y66A4POBNDDRNC5BBSQXRTMT4","content":"She said the six-pack will replace the four-person high-speed Jersey Cream lift and eight-pack will replace the four-person high-speed Fitzsimmons lift. That would make it the first high-speed eight-pack lift in Canada. The lifts are expected to be installed next year, pending approvals.","type":"text"},{"_id":"73SLAMWFQZCUBN4EMNXVF73CRQ","caption":"(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Park City Mountain Resort employees move parts designated for the resort's new Eagle lift, Thursday, July 7, 2022. Residents last month blocked the resort from being able to install the lift because of discrepancies in resort capacities by two firms. ","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/73SLAMWFQZCUBN4EMNXVF73CRQ.jpg"},{"_id":"JKGM3SURWZB23HAS6P7O4RVTBA","content":"The lifts had already been delivered to PCMR and unpacked in its First Timer parking lot when the planning commission made its decision. They remained there for most of the summer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EGJEMVB3YJAEZOWGBFC76C7AKQ","content":"Deirdra Walsh, the COO and vice president of PCMR, said the resort has not abandoned its plans for the Silverlode and Eagle lifts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SSSYUUBJRJA3XOOAXYSUYMGDV4","content":"“We will continue to pursue our permit to upgrade the Silverlode and Eagle chairlifts because we are committed to investing in the guest experience at the resort,” Walsh said in a press statement. “Once we have resolved our permit with the city, we plan to procure the lifts and equipment necessary for the installation.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"UKMNSFEELFGBFLVFBT7SRYMQMA","content":"In the meantime, Walsh added, by moving the lifts to Whistler Blackcomb “they can have a positive impact on the guest experience in time for the 2023/24 season.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ULBTI7FAMVH6BJ3EBHZ7FDPYS4","content":"The Park City lifts and a lift at Keystone in Colorado that also was not installed are expected to cost $10 million, according to the report. It said Vail Resorts expects to incur an additional $20 million in expenses related to those lifts in 2023.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U3EAH4VANZEKFIKNMLVPOZYKTM","content":"Vail Resorts reported a net income of $347.9 million for fiscal year 2022, more than twice the $127.9 million it made the year prior. It attributes the difference to the impact of COVID-19 in 2021.","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2022-09-29T12:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Park City Mountain will send ski lifts caught in red tape to another resort"},"last_updated_date":"2022-12-09T20:34:46.192Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Park City Mountain Resort employees move parts designated for the resort's new Eagle lift, Thursday, July 7, 2022. Residents last month blocked the resort from being able to install the lift because of discrepancies in resort capacities by two firms. ","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/7E5A6YTZ6BGPLFGY62XIILFOT4.jpg"}},"publish_date":"2022-09-29T12:00:03.433Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Lift intended as an upgrade to Silverlode will instead become the first eight-pack in Canada."},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"sports features","slug":"sports-featured","text":"Sports Featured"},{"description":"Tag for other recreation & outdoors stories","slug":"recreation","text":"Recreation"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2022/09/29/park-city-mountain-will-send-ski"},{"_id":"VE5XM5HPQRFSTOXHQFGLYDAUKE","canonical_url":"/sports/2022/09/18/olympic-skier-mcrae-williams","content_elements":[{"_id":"F4724VLWJRDOHDWMHRR5RGRPGM","content":"It only seems fitting that McRae Williams’ first flick with Teton Gravity Research, a titan of powder porn, is called “Magic Hour.” It will be <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://tour.tetongravity.com/event/magic-hour-slc//" target=\"_blank\">showing Monday at the Red Butte Garden Amphitheater</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CFDLHMBV7NCHXMWHI2IPPTPJ54","content":"The magic hour, sometimes known as the golden hour, is a term photographers use to describe the brief period shortly after sunrise or shortly before sunset when the world is cast in a rosy glow. It also aptly describes the aura around the <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2018/02/04/the-zen-of-mcrae-williams-park-citys-freeskiing-first-time-olympian-does-things-his-way//" target=\"_blank\">2018 Olympian from Park City</a> these days as he enters a new stage of his ski career.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BJFKAK4T5BAB3IU6ZYRKGBINII","content":"The question is, is the sun just rising or is it about to set on McRae Williams?","type":"text"},{"_id":"ON2RUAF6KBFQNAEXQZ3Z2ZYDWY","content":"Even he doesn’t know the answer, but he’s applying suntan lotion, just in case.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XFLV5EA5AVFDXDFYEJEG2RVJXM","caption":"(Tyler Ravelle | TGR) McRae Williams of Park City is making the transition from 2018 Olympian to a skier in Teton Gravity Research's latest film, \"Magic Hour,\" which will be shown at Red Butte Garden on Monday, Sept. 19, 2022. Williams is in the magic hour of his pro career, but is unsure if the sun is rising or setting on him.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/XFLV5EA5AVFDXDFYEJEG2RVJXM.jpg"},{"_id":"P2DZCIHMNJGLTFKTNQWNAH7FFE","content":"“It would be an honor to be a full-time member of the TGR fam,” he said, “but whether it be TGR or some other production company or even perhaps my own YouTube channel, there’s no doubt I’m going to continue grinding and doing what I love to do. There’s plenty of opportunity out there, and if you’re doing what you love and working hard for it everything just seems to fall into place.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"K6JZG4YUDRGQ7AZBAIQ62L5AEA","content":"At 27, Williams was already an old man in his sport when he <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=56199300&itype=CMSID\%22 target=\"_blank\">qualified to compete in slopestyle</a> at the Pyeongchang Games in 2018 — just the second time the event based on park skiing was included in the Olympics. He had no intentions, then, of trying to make the team for this year’s Winter Games in Beijing, where fellow <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/02/14/how-park-city-became//" target=\"_blank\">Parkites Alex Hall, Nick Goepper and Colby Stevenson all brought home medals</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3V2XIKNCOJEYJMP2NTIN2UOOUA","content":"Instead, his transition plan included fulfilling his obligations for his main sponsor, Rockstar, and continuing to film with the grassroots production company Level 1. Both options fell through.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AAUQIYFBGZC7VCDL7OBTGM62FI","content":"“That was a hard hit to take,” Williams, 31, said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZOVP6PGJFJBQTNP5YMHAJBXTYY","content":"To his credit, Williams had seen that day coming — though he didn’t think it would happen so soon — and had saved for it. For the past couple years, he’s been living on that savings while keeping his eyes open for opportunities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J6SNAPE5SZA6JIHGDE6G3SQLDQ","caption":"(Tyler Ravelle | TGR) McRae Williams of Park City is making the transition from 2018 Olympian to a skier in Teton Gravity Research's latest film, \"Magic Hour,\" which will be shown at Red Butte Garden on Monday, Sept. 19, 2022. Williams is in the magic hour of his pro career, but is unsure if the sun is rising or setting on him.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/J6SNAPE5SZA6JIHGDE6G3SQLDQ.jpg"},{"_id":"LO2LCY6OQJECPBYIPPAKWLO5GI","content":"One came in the form of an early investment in an energy drink, though a completely different kind from Rockstar. It’s a yerba mate company called Yerba Cha that, the part-owner said, “has absolutely taken off.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CAEF44OFWBAVVJEO4ARWWPD5AE","content":"He also kept skiing and filming, even if it was just for small projects. And, as it so happened, one of those projects — <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://youtu.be/QxDnyu0Ak-w/" target=\"_blank\">“Must Be Nice” with John Spriggs</a> — which had been more of a labor of love than a film intended for a general audience, got picked up by TGR.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L4RNLFDM2VAL7OAXMK7JUJTLCE","content":"“It was huge for us and resulted in an insane amount of views,” Williams said. “I think over 100,000 views on the movie, which our plan was to maybe get a couple thousand on some random YouTube channel.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GDA4DYEXZJDSFNFXPRTJECCBWM","content":"That also cracked open the door for Williams to appear in “Magic Hour.” For his segment, he was paired with two Canadian skiers — Simon Hillis, 18, and Nick McNutt, 33 — for a heliskiing expedition in British Columbia’s Valhalla Range.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YSOVFUZZQBHCJL7EZFUMRA5VRQ","content":"Just as with his Olympic career, Williams is on the older side of athletes active in the backcountry film scene — especially with young rippers like Hillis and 15-year-old Kai Owens laying down fresh tracks and tricks. But for inspiration he can turn to some of TGR’s older guard, such as <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2021/09/20/skier-kai-jones-blood-is//" target=\"_blank\">Utah’s Tim Durtschi</a>, who is 36.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2RHNWUR5KZFJFE3IXHLVTPF3SY","content":"It also helps that his current employers look at him worldly rather than geriatric, and they seem keen on putting him in future TGR films.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TN7SSFZ7HJE27C6Q6EEETVZJY4","caption":"(Tyler Ravelle | TGR) McRae Williams of Park City is making the transition from 2018 Olympian to a skier in Teton Gravity Research's latest film, \"Magic Hour,\" which will be shown at Red Butte Garden on Monday, Sept. 19, 2022. Williams is in the magic hour of his pro career, but is unsure if the sun is rising or setting on him.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/TN7SSFZ7HJE27C6Q6EEETVZJY4.jpg"},{"_id":"4RNHHTIKWJD5NHARAIID2MI5C4","content":"“As an Olympian and X Games gold medalist, McRae has clearly been a powerhouse in slopestyle, but as his desire and experience in backcountry skiing has grown he has been a great addition to the TGR family,” <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.tetongravity.com/story/ski/Jon-J-K-Klaczkiewicznamed-T-G-R-2540031/" target=\"_blank\">Jon “J.K.” Klaczkiewicz</a>, TGR’s longtime head of production, said in an email. “... I think he just scratched the surface, and we are excited to get more days in the backcountry with McRae in the future.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"XAJGXNR3I5GN7NUDF2LSOZ5YUA","content":"Does that mean the sun is actually rising on the 31-year-old former Olympian? It’s certainly looking that way. And even if this stage of his skiing career only has as much sunlight as a day in late December, he’s going to revel in every last shimmer of it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X7ZLDCXVBVH6PDXB7SBUWQGG2I","content":"“I don’t think any parent would ever tell their kid to do it my way,” he admitted. “But it’s worked out along the way, just staying driven and believing and stuff.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PANEGN64KBAZXCJXVYOXGHHLQY","content":"<b>Editor’s note •</b> <i>This story is available to Salt Lake Tribune subscribers only. Thank you for supporting local journalism.</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"B5Y4POK4BJERDEZUCNXHKVVIFI","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"TYBW5VO3FBB2NAINSAUWKHLQNQ","content":"IF YOU GO","type":"header"},{"_id":"NZX4A63UHZBLJIPC2OH3L7ZQP4","content":"“Magic Hour”","type":"header"},{"_id":"XDGVKMHANJBFFHULTGUYR6WHFM","content":"<b>What:</b> Annual TGR ski film and festival","type":"text"},{"_id":"XCSH7XTZUVE3DHP666QEW7MFMU","content":"<b>When:</b> Monday, 6 p.m. (film at dusk, ~8:30 p.m.)","type":"text"},{"_id":"H7FDEBP6P5E77GEDEQNJVTTI5U","content":"<b>Where:</b> Red Butte Garden Amphitheater, 2188 Red Butte Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84108","type":"text"},{"_id":"RKAHSSDMXVFUPNLCEJ4C3P64DA","content":"<b>Tickets:</b> $25/adults, $10 children 16-under","type":"text"},{"_id":"R5FTBYBAHZBHNN255CB76RTAMM","content":"<b>Details:</b> <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://tour.tetongravity.com/event/magic-hour-slc//" target=\"_blank\">https://tour.tetongravity.com/event/magic-hour-slc/</a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"VHZBFI2A3NG4JM6FJESYG55NNU","content":"<br/>","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2022-09-18T12:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Olympic skier McRae Williams’ career is in its ‘Magic Hour,’ but is it the end or just the beginning?"},"last_updated_date":"2022-12-09T20:36:13.637Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Tyler Ravelle | TGR) McRae Williams of Park City is making the transition from 2018 Olympian to a skier in Teton Gravity Research's latest film, \"Magic Hour,\" which will be shown at Red Butte Garden on Monday, Sept. 19, 2022. Williams is in the magic hour of his pro career, but is unsure if the sun is rising or setting on him.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/JOLJG2OTS5C4FLZKWJWQOMOIW4.jpg"}},"publish_date":"2022-09-18T12:00:00.503Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"At 31, Park City slopestyle athlete is making his debut with Teton Gravity Research in a film that is showing Monday at Red Butte Garden."},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"sports features","slug":"sports-featured","text":"Sports Featured"},{"description":"Tag for other recreation & outdoors stories","slug":"recreation","text":"Recreation"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2022/09/18/olympic-skier-mcrae-williams"}],"_id":"999c48b0e15ccedeac745f4941c293c8acc5a0ae8b040a4811439b1b67fe46e5"}" section="Ski 'n Board" sltrib_deployment="production">","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"APMSUAKMORGI3HIU5AKURRG5RQ","content":"“I think it might be a knight. Or a jester or something?” he said. “I don’t know if it’s prince, but hey, I’ll take that. I’ll take whatever I can get.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TUUJZ5MTRNFSLJ2CW347N2EG7A","content":"Wilson, like Kunst, made his Kings and Queens debut last year, entered with a backflip and followed it up with another one midmountain. Unlike the other two, he knew his parameters as soon as he looked down from the start gate..","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZUNNYTW7NJBLXLKM2AKJLON5ZI","content":"“The entrance is really tight at the top. It feels, like, claustrophobic left to right,” Wilson said. “I didn’t really want to do a spinning trick because I tend to drift. And, like, that last wall is not a good zone to land — not that the right wall is any better. I thought that if I just did a backflip off of it, I could keep everything nice and straight.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"46CZT46W5JECDOZ7WA55U2ETFQ","content":"The King and Queen of Corbet’s contest began in 2018 and has been gaining in prestige in the years since. It pits skiers vs. snowboarders and park jibbers vs. big mountain riders. Kunst said her favorite part is that it mixes men and women in the lineup, with the order selected via a draw. Each competitor gets two runs and afterward the athletes serve as the judges, rewatching the videos in a theater and voting for the winner.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XGWKZCB2FJACHPVIKSF773BVLU","content":"Skier Claire McPherson, 19, of Canada won the queen crown this year, but the two prior queens hailed from Utah: Kunst and Salt Lake City snowboarder Madison Blackley. Stevenson is the first Utahn to take the king’s crown.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JUZ7YYC52FG3JMGAH75YBP7JTY","caption":"(Amy Jimmerson | Red Bull) Piper Kunst of Salt Lake City flies high near the bottom of the narrow Corbet's Couloir during the Kings and Queens of Corbet's big mountain competition on Feb. 7, 2023. Kunst, the 2022 queen, placed second.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/JUZ7YYC52FG3JMGAH75YBP7JTY.jpg"},{"_id":"KVENFULOWFFW5OWSOWZCRAFUAY","content":"He said he plans to be back. He’s found his kin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EDPUKBICBNAARJ7R3OZHW46RGQ","content":"“It’s just a nice, like, starting point for me to get into something like this and kind of change the direction of my career,” said Stevenson, who also is competing in World Cup and Dew Tour events this month as well as doing some filming. “I’m really excited to do more events like that down the road.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"H5DC6N7FXNHK3G4XZGZNM3WMM4","content":"A<a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.redbull.com/us-en/videos/kings-and-queens-of-corbets-2023-recap-show/" target=\"_blank\"> recap of the event</a> can be found online at redbull.com.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I7ZJTNB6BRG7BDTPCSOHLX45WA","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2023-02-19T13:00:52.118Z","headlines":{"basic":"Utahns crowned skiing royalty at King and Queen of Corbet’s"},"last_updated_date":"2023-02-22T18:03:05.134Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Amy Jimmerson | Red Bull) Colby Stevenson of Park City begins his blind entry into the narrow Corbet's Couloir during the Kings and Queens of Corbet's big mountain competition on Feb. 7, 2023. Stevenson won the king's crown.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/MYODSKXR3JHMBPVX4CGZTWIU6Q.jpeg"}},"publish_date":"2023-02-19T13:00:52.274Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Olympic medalist Colby Stevenson crowned king on his first attempt in event that shows he “has a screw loose.”"},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"Skiing","slug":"skiing","text":"Skiing"},{"description":"Olympics","slug":"olympics","text":"Olympics"},{"description":"Park City","slug":"park-city","text":"Park City"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2023/02/19/utahns-crowned-skiing-royalty-king"},{"_id":"WD7R3BS7JJD7DIF2YNAA2I5I6A","canonical_url":"/sports/2023/02/19/with-jams-jibs-snowboarders","content_elements":[{"_id":"PPFLFYKBVVBBZAGWHNLHUDLCQY","content":"Sure, Mac McClung leapt over two people, kissed the ball off the glass and then dropped it down the hoop on his way to winning the NBA’s Slam Dunk contest Saturday night at Vivint Arena. But could he throw down a jam while sliding over a rail on a snowboard?","type":"text"},{"_id":"E3PVMBHJZJBPXO4FIFVXDA3KCE","content":"A few hours earlier Nate Haust could and did during the Grit Rail Jam held just down the street at The Gateway. An NBA All-Star Weekend event meant to bring together two of Utah’s greatest sporting passions — basketball and snow sports — the free pro snowboarding competition drew more than 10,000 fans to the outdoor mall’s Olympic Plaza.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7IKET56HY5ESDCWFZ5WXIYA7W4","content":"Some knew enough about park snowboarding to be able to provide running commentary on the event. Others wouldn’t even know how to strap in. Then again, the same could be said for the disparity in basketball knowledge among the crowd.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WQQTXHMB5VEENFM52FHTORUZIM","content":"Irvin Butterfass, a new transplant to Utah from Minnesota who could call out each trick, was singled out by his group of about 10 friends watching from the upper level as “the basketball guy.” It was a title he quickly denied.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KDFQVMGZTNBBXJVDWS476W45GY","content":"“I know that you can take two steps,” Butterfass, 18, said, “and that’s about it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YNKTDEJXSVCXLPCL3VZVT4NQM4","caption":"(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Pro snowboarder Nate Haust flies over emcee Josh Nilsen on Saturday. Thousands of huckfest enthusiasts watched professional snowboarders throw down tricks on handrails at GRIT Rail Jam at The Gateway's Olympic Plaza on Feb. 18, 2023 as part of the NBA All-Star Weekend. ","subtitle":"","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/YNKTDEJXSVCXLPCL3VZVT4NQM4.jpg"},{"_id":"F4Q5OBX26VHMFIO77XJGVIAOQU","content":"Wherever fans fell in the snowboarding familiarity spectrum, though, they seemed to appreciate the display of balance, hops and bravado the 20 riders made on the manufactured course. It included a two-story tall hill built on a scaffolding that was covered in trucked-in snow and littered with boxes, stairs and thick railings meant for sliding.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RF2OTZUYCND3ZE5SJQ7SJKHGBQ","content":"Salt Lake City snowboarder Jill Perkins consulted with event organizer and <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/11/04/searching-unicorns-can//" target=\"_blank\">snowboarding legend Jeremy Jones</a> in the design of the setup. As tends to be the case with courses built on scaffolding, she said it was “a death trap” the way it was originally built. After some safety alterations, Saturday’s final design must have suited her much better, though, because she came away with the women’s title and a $10,000 check. Jaylen Hanson of Minnesota took second and $5,000 and another Salt Lake City rider, Kaleah Opal, placed third after hitting her head midway through the finals and having to sit out the last half.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2P3T3FUTJRAKJO6MUO6V5HWELM","content":"Haust won the men’s event over Pat Fava of Salt Lake City and Dusty Hendrickson of Big Bear, Calif. He said the roar and energy of the crowd carried him to victory.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FTMO6PT6QVDEHE4IS6THW4IN3U","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"QPLWQ35TVBCWHD34AJHHWXXPYY","content":"“The crowd is wild right now. Everyone’s going crazy,” Haust, 30, said. “And obviously it’s a big weekend and there’s a lot of positive energy and that’s one thing that gets me fired up and helps me ride better, I guess.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4FRBPRCBDFCQVGRXXWZUQG3R7E","content":"Haust’s backside 450 and backflips and Perkins’ rail slide off with a knock off the Grit backboard sent the onlookers into a frenzy. That roar was only amplified by a surprise appearance by Olympic and X Games medalist <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/04/06/shaun-white-takes-triple//" target=\"_blank\">Shaun White</a>, as well as Jones and rapper Travis Scott, a snowboarder who helped sponsor the event.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YIBZ5VUU5RGNFEFK7T72XIYPSA","content":"Scott was the main draw for a group of high school friends from West Haven and Farr West who arrived early enough to secure spots against the fence right below the jump. They planned to spend the rest of their evening checking out the various pop-up shops in the area while keeping an eye out for NBA stars.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P2KFDU2S3JFKTCQZWFQO4X5RGU","caption":"(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Jill Perkins of Salt Lake City flies high on Saturday. Thousands of huckfest enthusiasts watched professional snowboarders throw down tricks on handrails at GRIT Rail Jam at The Gateway's Olympic Plaza on Feb. 18, 2023 as part of the NBA All-Star Weekend. ","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/P2KFDU2S3JFKTCQZWFQO4X5RGU.jpg"},{"_id":"JHL2RCDMHJCZ5JIU7G62BVDOLQ","content":"They said they didn’t find anything odd about the juxtaposition of a snowboarding event with the <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/artsliving/2023/02/16/how-take-part-all-star-weekend//" target=\"_blank\">NBA All-Star Weekend</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CYITCL6WBVFCFDICQ7UMJP2LVY","content":"“I think it integrates well with Utah,” Hunter Smith, 18, said. “With this being Utah, I think it’s perfect.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YB3GWJ5Y35CFFO5UACFHJPL4HY","content":"If the main rail jam itself seemed a little out of place among the basketball-centric events, its encore was not. Once the finals ended, riders were invited to participate in a slam dunk contest on snowboards.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G2IL2WFSLJDJHBRHWIXFKSDJKA","content":"Salt Lake’s Egan Wint won the women’s title with pure grit and determination. Haust, meanwhile, made one stylish and impressive slam after another to win the men’s event. This even though he reluctantly admitted he doesn’t play or follow a lick of basketball.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HM2RJFTTFZGYXGPAAEEXYPUWNE","caption":"(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Olympic snowboarder Shaun White is greeted by rapper Travis Scott on Saturday. Thousands of huckfest enthusiasts watched professional snowboarders throw down tricks on handrails at GRIT Rail Jam at The Gateway's Olympic Plaza on Feb. 18, 2023 as part of the NBA All-Star Weekend. ","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/HM2RJFTTFZGYXGPAAEEXYPUWNE.jpg"},{"_id":"6XE2YUI455EADPPPCVJBBXS2TY","content":"Still, he and possibly organizers are hoping this event might create some mutual admiration and interest.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QLJOUGKJQVGNFEVOWN2DULKQLY","content":"“I think this is gonna do really good things for the industry,” Haust said. “I would imagine as I don’t pay attention to basketball, I’m sure a lot of these basketball fans don’t know much about snowboarding. So I think this is a great opportunity to get in front of a lot of eyes and hopefully it can get more people on hill.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"76PXBIVJOFAMNJE6A4BCOFCRXA","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2023-02-19T13:00:08.253Z","headlines":{"basic":"Rapper Travis Scott, Olympian Shaun White turn The Gateway into a snowboarding showcase during All-Star Weekend"},"last_updated_date":"2023-02-22T18:01:28.625Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Snowboarder Dusty Hendrickson from Big Bear, Calif., throws down tricks on handrails at GRIT Rail Jam at The Gateway's Olympic Plaza on Feb. 18, 2023 as part of the NBA All-Star Weekend.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/BWQFSZRQNVD7TNKGZOXN2DF4NA.jpg"}},"publish_date":"2023-02-19T13:35:38.502Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"The thousands of fans didn’t need to know anything about the sport to appreciate the flips, spins and slides they saw performed on the scaffolding setup in Olympic Plaza."},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"Skiing","slug":"skiing","text":"Skiing"},{"description":"Olympics","slug":"olympics","text":"Olympics"},{"description":"NBA","slug":"nba","text":"NBA"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2023/02/19/with-jams-jibs-snowboarders"},{"_id":"BNOUZN2U2VEJ3KCE5EAAORHO6Y","canonical_url":"/sports/2023/02/17/alta-hits-500-inches-snow-battle","content_elements":[{"_id":"CYC3OEMKVFFENLD3LIG7KG5WVI","content":"The revered 500-inch February has arrived at Alta Ski Area, and it’s early — historically early.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4CMHSOVT5BEANNI2HS5NGMDJ7Y","content":"The ski-only playground at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon has a reputation for collecting the most snow in Utah and some of the most in North America each season with an average of 540 inches. In the best seasons it hits 500 inches of snow — more than most resorts will ever see in an entire season — by mid-February.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5MQ75XDALRCL3KI7XYB6H3ZZIA","content":"This year, Alta hit that milestone earlier than ever before thanks to Tuesday’s sweet 5-inch skiff.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WGOD4R2KS5BIRKKIL2DF3FUOGU","content":"“No other winters have we surpassed 500 [inches] on Valentine’s Day,” Alta spokesperson Andria Huskinson wrote in a text. “In 1982 we had 497 [inches] on Valentine’s Day.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"RSH4RHREMJGNDPVTWJ6WRDHIXU","content":"Alta got another inch of snow Wednesday, giving it <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.alta.com/weather?utm_source=Inntopia&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=14137690\%22 target=\"_blank\">502 for the season</a>, its most to date.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IEGPDHI4VBGKFDAMJGC3QU6ESE","content":"The 2022-23 season’s reign will soon be usurped, though. In 1981-82, which is generally heralded as the snowiest ski season in the Wasatch Mountains, Alta got another storm Feb. 16-17 that put it at more than 502 inches. With no storm in sight through this weekend, this season is expected to fall back into second place.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ELQO2HQTAREY3C44F6F6RQRPC4","content":"Another storm is expected for Presidents Day, however, which could again shift the standings. <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"http://opensnow.com//" target=\"_blank\">OpenSnow.com</a> has forecast up to 44 new inches of snowfall between Monday and Wednesday at Alta. If the storm is an overachiever, Alta will have surpassed its annual average snowfall with more than two months left in the season.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QV5M75WVCZB4BAGRATKVTSFNGQ","content":"Other resorts need just one or two more storms to tickle the 500-inch mark. <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://brightonresort.com/conditions/" target=\"_blank\">Brighton</a>, at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, reports receiving 498 inches of snow this season as of Thursday. Snowbird reports 470 inches, while <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.solitudemountain.com/mountain-and-village/conditions-and-maps#/\" target=\"_blank\">Solitude</a> is sitting at 431. Park City Mountain Resort comes in at 336 inches to date. Ogden-area resorts <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.snowbasin.com/the-mountain/conditions//" target=\"_blank\">Snowbasin</a> and <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.powdermountain.com/resort/the-mountain/conditions/snow-report/" target=\"_blank\">Powder Mountain</a> say they have seen 284 and 270 inches, respectively, while Beaver Mountain near Logan has gotten 246 inches.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D637VQNKYBDPRHQEO5EUDEQ5LU","content":"Last month, <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2023/01/25/alta-snaps-snowfall-record-after//" target=\"_blank\">Alta also set a record</a> for the most early-season snowfall.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BJMWSAPSQRG37LMI7YVA4S2C6I","content":"Despite the back-and-forth when it comes to total snowfall to date, though, the 1981-82 still has a strong hold on the top spot in terms of water content, at least at Alta. Huskinson said that season’s snow up to this point contained 6.5 more inches of water than this season’s.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E2EMII742JDKXFEISTYAZ6HOLQ","content":"Again, though, a few wet storms in March — the month Alta typically receives the most snow — could change all that.","type":"text"},{"_id":"56ZX3YRBHBFLLE7SANRMY2QKZA","content":"“We’ll have to see,” Huskinson said, “how the remainder of winter goes.”","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2023-02-17T13:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Alta hits 500 inches of snow as battle for best ski season in history continues"},"last_updated_date":"2023-02-22T18:04:13.358Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) A field of skiers makes some turns at Alta Ski Area on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023. The resort hit 500 inches of snowfall for the season on Feb. 14, the earliest it has ever reached that milestone.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/Q4NVM4UHJ5GK3EBUQQZ2GE3LBU.JPG"}},"publish_date":"2023-02-17T13:00:04.469Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Milestone arrives earlier than ever, but snowpack has less moisture than in 1981-82."},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"Alta Ski Area","slug":"alta-ski-area","text":"Alta Ski Area"},{"description":"Alta","slug":"alta","text":"Alta"},{"description":"Weather","slug":"weather","text":"Weather"},{"description":"Skiing","slug":"skiing","text":"Skiing"},{"description":"Brighton Resort","slug":"brighton-resort","text":"Brighton Resort"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2023/02/17/alta-hits-500-inches-snow-battle"},{"_id":"PZUE2LJEWND25MGB55PE74HNHA","canonical_url":"/sports/2023/02/02/parkite-colby-stevenson-wins-x","content_elements":[{"_id":"MAU3KDGSYJFIDO2QL7COB263CY","content":"In his fourth X Games, Park City’s Colby Stevenson said he felt prepared and at ease as he rode through the freestyle skiing slopestyle contest Saturday in Aspen, Colorado.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3BS5JXFOCRD2PBG43JPF6OSLLY","content":"“I wasn’t scared to do my run because I’ve done it so many times,” he said. “It was like the first event I can remember dropping in for [when] I wasn’t nervous for my run. I wasn’t scared of the tricks, and so I was able to just kind of lock in and just ride with a lot of confidence.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"T7QAMFFWWVD47OPCVWGZR7EJJY","content":"He landed tricks on three rails and four jumps during the run.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3VJYBW6CTZBSNH3E5IFLGOS6JU","content":"Behind him, Mac Forehand of Connecticut won silver, and Norwegian Ferdinand Dahl came away with bronze. Others competing in the event included Olympic gold medalist Alex Hall of Park City and Olympic gold medalist Birk Ruud from Norway.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F4RCLEXRBVBDZHN7KQD5ACJ57A","content":"Saturday was stormy in Aspen. Stevenson said fresh snow on the ground may have slowed some opponents, but not him because he took a fast, direct line down the course.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H4ZHWBS63FHXBKP4ISED4JTGIU","content":"<a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.kpcw.org/park-city/2023-02-01/parkite-colby-stevenson-wins-x-games-gold-in-aspen/" target=\"_blank\">To read more, visit KPCW.org. </a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"GEWJ7TE4G5BGHLOE7ONRRKGTDA","content":"<i>This article is published through the Utah News Collaborative, a partnership of news organizations in Utah that aim to inform readers across the state.</i>","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"name":"Ben Lasseter | KPCW"}]},"display_date":"2023-02-02T13:44:20.726Z","headlines":{"basic":"Parkite Colby Stevenson wins X Games gold in Aspen"},"last_updated_date":"2023-02-02T13:44:21.607Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Jamie Schwaberow | X Games) Colby Stevenson celebrates with the gold medal he won in the men's ski slopestyle event Saturday at the 2023 X Games in Aspen, Colorado.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/2ZB5QCH6IRGPBIN6O6OWVL4IDU.png"}},"publish_date":"2023-02-02T13:44:20.726Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Stevenson brought home Team USA’s first gold medal in the 2023 Winter X Games. "},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports","name":"Sports","parent_id":"/","path":"/sports"},"sites":[{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"},{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"}],"tags":[{"description":"Park City","slug":"park-city","text":"Park City"},{"description":"Skiing","slug":"skiing","text":"Skiing"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2023/02/02/parkite-colby-stevenson-wins-x"},{"_id":"XNRA2NRBKJCWVA3FGLSFCUN4ZY","canonical_url":"/artsliving/food/2022/12/16/getting-tipsy-top-utahs-ski","content_elements":[{"_id":"TPHASPTCHFFY7AAIXSKT4HDVDI","content":"Taking laps on the runs at Utah’s resorts is thirsty work.","type":"text"},{"_id":"574CJNIGLFESHD3FRHAYYC7BBA","content":"Seeking refuge in a lodge after a few hours on the snow, when the volume of complaints coming from your tired legs becomes difficult to ignore, is a requisite. But then the question becomes: What to order? If you’re paying resort prices for a drink, you’d better make it a good one.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5MPPMMS2BBHNNKLNLAKTDTNIEY","content":"So, to help ease the burden on your snow-blitzed brain, we asked ski area reps to recommend the best, most unique or most in-character drinks — alcoholic or not — their resort has to offer this season.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KT3D56HLHFGJLPY6BX2OLGCUZM","content":"Whether it’s a blizzard or a bluebird day, one of these should be perfect for you to toast to another session on your snowboard or skis (or snowblades, if that’s your thing).","type":"text"},{"_id":"YH55G4UN6RCVXPWUTASWUMVSGY","content":"Built for blizzards","type":"header"},{"_id":"3EDFQEVDS5H6JN46WKGTUJ24CM","content":"SNOWBASIN","type":"text"},{"_id":"TBWLLP4SFBHQVFZDWFJRCXHFEQ","content":"<b>Rumplesnuggler:</b> A hot drink offered at The Overlook, the Rumplesnuggler is made with Rumple Minze, Bailey’s Irish Cream, hot chocolate and whipped cream.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LOUQNHULOJF2PNDIUHTL762ZCQ","content":"ALTA","type":"text"},{"_id":"7P6ESALJZJEKVAUYELX4VB7LCE","content":"<b>Alta Bomb:</b> Perhaps the best-known apres- (or even pre-) ski drink in the Wasatch, it’s a shot of espresso and a Pabst Blue Ribbon served specially at the Goldminer’s Daughter. Though traditionally taken together shot-style, <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2021/10/26/experts-only-pro-skiers//">Olympian Brita Sigourney</a> said she likes to sip the coffee first, then wash it down with the PBR.","type":"text"},{"_id":"POYAU2Q4OJAEDPSQZVI34JKVGY","content":"<iframe src=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FAltaGoldminersDaughterLodge%2Fvideos%2F326129241351179%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0\%22 width=\"560\" height=\"314\" style=\"border:none;overflow:hidden\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowFullScreen=\"true\"></iframe>","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"HH62OEG4BJFIHLUHDNZSH5WDJE","content":"WOODWARD PARK CITY","type":"text"},{"_id":"DZPSHWMD2RESHELN55B2IQVP3E","content":"<b>Ancho Chili &amp; Cinnamon Margarita:</b> This drink is spicy in all the best ways. It combines ancho chili and cinnamon stick simple syrup with lime, dry curacao and tequila.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YT264UQHKZGMFKSLFG3OWHM63A","content":"PARK CITY MOUNTAIN RESORT","type":"text"},{"_id":"GYVWJEZSGND4NJ264JLFCBTD3U","content":"<b>McConkey’s Hot Chocolate:</b> This decadent drink mixes Absolut vodka, Bailey’s Irish Cream and Ritual hot chocolate with a Bailey’s whipped cream. It’s served at the Mountain Village at both the Mid-Mountain Public House and Legends Bar and Grill.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6LQY27I6U5CYJI27NNWMWFALUU","content":"Bluebird beverages","type":"header"},{"_id":"Z7MSWDVWOZGWBI2MI2VE5H6UGU","content":"SOLITUDE","type":"text"},{"_id":"HAP4AKCMYZHYLH6UU74AM3QARI","content":"<b>Creekside Old Fashioned:</b> Maple syrup and black walnut bitters give a creative twist to this belly-warming staple. It’s available at the Honeycomb Grill and has become so popular it’s now on both the summer and winter cocktail menus.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SMDJZZYG6ZGQTCTVZI2WMFQBUE","content":"SUNDANCE","type":"text"},{"_id":"HZBG2PWMG5EGVMSQGD7ZPD5B6Y","content":"<b>Lady Brightside:</b> Taking the name of the resort’s newest ski run, this is a play on a New York Sour. It is made with artisanal Bozal mezcal, cranberry juice, rosemary, orange simple syrup and a few cracks of black pepper. New for the season, it will be served in the Foundry Grill.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D7FSJXFKANHJ7IAPBCD6QR6OPY","caption":"(Sundance Resort) Taking the name of Sundance Resort's newest ski run, the Lady Brightside is a play on a New York Sour. It is made with artisanal Bozal mezcal, cranberry juice, rosemary and orange simple syrup, as well as a few cracks of black pepper.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/D7FSJXFKANHJ7IAPBCD6QR6OPY.jpeg"},{"_id":"VTOT3ONRXRGKTMEKM5PZWCU5VA","content":"NORDIC VALLEY","type":"text"},{"_id":"D6KXQQGQ5FE3DMR3KYJYNAT53Q","content":"<b>Talisman Killer Grove:</b> The Aid Room, a beer bar run out of an old ski patrol shack, is new this year at Nordic Valley. It promises to feature a steady rotation of local beers on tap. One of the best, according to food and beverage manager Zach Dobbins, is this wheat beer out of Ogden, which pairs honey malt with blood orange.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LDVPOCX2OZDP7O2J3CJOFGBPQU","content":"BRIAN HEAD","type":"text"},{"_id":"PT57RVSBABAEVFRNNXRNM2WTEM","content":"<b>Mango Bomb:</b> This beer cocktail will give you just the boost you need for an afternoon of skiing. It combines Golden Road’s Mango Cart wheat beer with Tropical Red Bull and has a Tajin rim plus a dried mango for garnish.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WBTDYFII3FDWLIAXHUMIFOKUSM","content":"DEER VALLEY","type":"text"},{"_id":"I56WSA2K55AL3JE7DVYZIA3WPM","content":"<b>Champion Margarita:</b> Named for the iconic run featured in many World Cup moguls competitions as well as the 2002 Olympics, this refreshing favorite for apres ski is found at Fresh Tracks Kitchen inside the Snow Park Lodge. It consists of tequila, Aperol, Cointreau, lime juice and grapefruit juice all shaken together and served in a margarita glass with a salted rim and a grapefruit garnish.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5G3WIMGCJZDFFDDKSB7G5EFJZI","caption":"The Champion Margarita is a specialty found at Deer Valley Resort's Fresh Tracks Kitchen. It consists of tequila, Aperol, Cointreau, lime juice and grapefruit juice and is served with a salted rim and grapefruit garnish.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/5G3WIMGCJZDFFDDKSB7G5EFJZI.jpg"},{"_id":"YD2CKJM6UFFZ7PU4VH5K3LNYAI","content":"SNOWBIRD","type":"text"},{"_id":"I7LLT4SE7FEZ5JAJW6RVGMIXYE","content":"<b>Aerie Original:</b> A high-quality drink with a view to match. The Aerie Original is made with High West rye whiskey, B&amp;B and sweet vermouth and is topped with a burnt orange slice. It is available at the Aerie, located on the 10th floor of The Cliff Lodge.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I4AGHGWNLBFWHMWUWLKI3VVJYI","content":"THE CANYONS","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZH7JXLE57BGMTPDHJE46NINV3M","content":"<b>Maple Old Fashioned:</b> For a soul-warming winter drink try this mixture of High West bourbon, Courvoisier, Fernet Branca, maple syrup and Angostura bitters. It’s served at The Farm at Canyons Village.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WZXYA2BJPBE6VKNWNINFG43TUI","content":"Nonalcoholic Nips","type":"header"},{"_id":"7SYITDILFJD3FOGOZAUZTOFOYI","content":"BRIGHTON","type":"text"},{"_id":"2645K7NL6ZC4NGQIQB6FRQEQDU","content":"<b>Majestic Mint:</b> Heading to the Blind Miner for a pre-lap fix is a tradition for a lot of Brighton riders. Next time you’re waiting for the lifts to start running, some of this chocolatey, minty, coffee goodness guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. Hot chocolate versions are available for the kids.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2GWVNXE4BRB45KPPKUKTAUCMUE","content":"NORDIC VALLEY","type":"text"},{"_id":"BQ3VZGY6CVEF7P3OUB33Z3V6TQ","content":"<b>Powder Floats:</b> Because it’s never too cold for ice cream, kids of any age can have their choice of soda from the Pepsi fountain on top of a scoop of rich vanilla.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AAAA6ETBLVD4ZFQ7GVBLWVELJY","caption":"(Kayla McFarland | Snowbasin)\n\nA hot drink offered at The Overlook, the Rumplesnuggler is made with Rumple Minze, Bailey’s Irish Cream, hot chocolate and whipped cream.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/AAAA6ETBLVD4ZFQ7GVBLWVELJY.jpg"},{"_id":"OVKM7XLDYFHZDJJLRPTZJZ2LNU","content":"ALTA","type":"text"},{"_id":"K6JOTLZMTVGNTMJJV2OHYZIYXI","content":"<b>Honey Badger:</b> A little like a holiday in a cup, this espresso drink found at Baldy Brews is made with honey and cinnamon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EBOAHTITWFCOVKSCDRON2VEIDE","content":"SNOWBIRD","type":"text"},{"_id":"FI5465SEVVFVLNQZBFB32HQS3A","content":"<b>Juicy Julep:</b> Served at SeventyOne, a new 1970s-themed restaurant in The Cliff Lodge, this mocktail combines pineapple, orange and lime juices with mint and ginger ale for a refreshing apres drink that won’t slow you down the next day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WPFPVEK5KVCBZH74JNPQPZNLAY","content":"<b>Editor’s note •</b> <i>This story is available to Salt Lake Tribune subscribers only. Thank you for supporting local journalism.</i>","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2022-12-16T13:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Need to slake your thirst after a day on the slopes in Utah? Here are your best options."},"last_updated_date":"2022-12-18T00:28:55.575Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Andrew Kooyman) Stopping by the Blind Miner for a pre-lap fix is a tradition for a lot of Brighton riders. Try a Majestic Mint for some chocolatey, minty, coffee goodness. Hot chocolate versions are available for the kids.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/HQNIWLNH2VBVPNPSILZHE52BD4.jpeg"}},"publish_date":"2022-12-16T16:07:08.964Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"A guide to Utah ski resorts’ signature cocktails and mocktails."},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Food","path":"/artsliving/food"},{"name":"Arts & Living","path":"/artsliving"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"Featured Arts","slug":"featured-arts","text":"Featured Arts"},{"description":"Food","slug":"food","text":"Food"},{"description":"Skiing","slug":"skiing","text":"Skiing"},{"description":"Tag for other recreation & outdoors stories","slug":"recreation","text":"Recreation"},{"description":"Outdoors","slug":"outdoors","text":"Outdoors"},{"description":"Put stories behind the paywall.","slug":"paywall","text":"Paywall"}]},"website_url":"/artsliving/food/2022/12/16/getting-tipsy-top-utahs-ski"},{"_id":"OKC2YVNU2JF3VBQYYEM7YMIRG4","canonical_url":"/sports/ski-n-board/2022/12/13/utah-ski-area-makes-unplanned","content_elements":[{"_id":"WATY5F3XFBFY3HJXDW33GVXGEU","content":"Cherry Peak Resort was scheduled to be closed Monday through Wednesday this week due to a staffing shortage.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VL75RYIXYBAZHBBTKQGQYBDGUY","content":"Then Mother Nature did her thing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A2REKT236NDPPFTQSOUO4XPR4I","content":"The ski hill near Richmond, one of the smallest in the state, saw 10 inches of snow fall between Sunday night and Monday and just as much between Monday and Tuesday. With that much “white cold smoke powder” on the ground, owner Dustin Hansen decided it would be unfair to deny his customers a chance to play in it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KY4OJ4OF4FFXBHWYEGY76BDD6E","content":"“The Pow Has Spoken ...” was the headline of an email sent Monday afternoon announcing that <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.skicpr.com//" target=\"_blank\">Cherry Peak</a> would be open for skiing that night. It followed that up with the boast that the ski area had received 91 inches so far this winter. But the snow kept coming, and by Tuesday afternoon, Hansen decided to keep Cherry Peak open every day this week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5AOB6NL7ZNFQZGPVN75JYYTI3A","content":"So if it seems like the Salt Lake Valley and the Wasatch Mountains have gotten a lot of snow recently, they have.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KIFHY37X3JEHJK65FMELRSP5MA","content":"After this week’s storms, which brought more than 2 feet to the Cottonwood Canyons, most every resort in the state has <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/wcc/home/quicklinks/imap#version=167&elements=&networks=!&states=UT&basins=!&hucs=&minElevation=&maxElevation=&elementSelectType=any&activeOnly=true&activeForecastPointsOnly=false&hucLabels=true&hucIdLabels=false&hucParameterLabels=true&stationLabels=&overlays=&hucOverlays=state&basinOpacity=65&basinNoDataOpacity=40&basemapOpacity=100&maskOpacity=45&mode=data&openSections=dataElement,parameter,date,basin,options,elements,location,networks,baseMaps,overlays,labels&controlsOpen=true&popup=&popupMulti=&popupBasin=&base=esriNgwm&displayType=basin&basinType=ut_8&dataElement=WTEQ&depth=-8&parameter=PCTMED&frequency=DAILY&duration=I&customDuration=4&dayPart=E&monthPart=E&forecastPubDay=1&forecastExceedance=50&useMixedPast=true&seqColor=1&divColor=7&scaleType=D&scaleMin=&scaleMax=&referencePeriodType=POR&referenceBegin=1981&referenceEnd=2010&minimumYears=20&hucAssociations=true&relativeDate=-1&lat=39.748&lon=-111.921&zoom=7.3\" target=\"_blank\">a base layer that is at least 150% of average</a>. Brian Head now has a base of 48 inches, which is 193% of average, according to <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"http://opensnow.com//" target=\"_blank\">OpenSnow.com</a>, while the base at <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://opensnow.com/user/favorites/locations/snow-report/" target=\"_blank\">Snowbird (78 inches) registered at 191% </a>of average.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JAOIGP2ECJF6JPW4AROTDBQ3G4","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"S2T5CFGX45BABLVMXPYXL3KX5Q","content":"And it just keeps coming. Evan Thayer, the Utah forecaster for OpenSnow.com, predicts a few more inches in the coming days.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WWIYKAG34ZDO7KKVIQD243PVEQ","content":"“While we aren’t going to see any big totals, snowflakes are likely to be in the air from time to time over the next 2-3 days,” he wrote in his blog. “We should finally clear out for good on Friday and stay dry and cool through the weekend.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"JTSVWLQCTRAY3JROKNUKY5ZVQY","content":"More than 2 feet of snow fell in Little Cottonwood Canyon between Sunday night and Tuesday morning, adding 29 and 28 inches, respectively, to already fat bases at Alta and Snowbird. In Big Cottonwood Canyon, OpenSnow.com reported Solitude has a new 25-inch layer and Brighton has 2 fresh feet.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XXV2MU7ELNGZDBL3CKY4IVKNWE","content":"The Ogden resorts didn’t get left out, either. Nordic Valley (24 inches), Snowbasin (25) and Powder Mountain (22) all plastered their social media feeds Tuesday with pictures and videos of skiers and snowboarders coated in powder.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7QS66RMV4JH6ND4AVJ757QJH6A","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"FQQLE4QOOZGYDFH2P5662UQULA","content":"In Park City, Deer Valley Resort reported getting 18 inches in 48 hours and Park City Mountain saw 15 inches.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PUAHDBHPVNDZLOONKPQW4ZG6Q4","content":"Hansen has seen how fleeting conditions this good can be. In fact, Thayer wrote that other than a potential small storm next week, no other snowfall is expected until after Christmas. So even though he “still needs staff very badly,” Hansen said he couldn’t in good conscience keep Cherry Peak closed this week. It will be open evenings through Wednesday before switching to its holiday schedule, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., from Dec. 21 to Jan. 2.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DV4DDJWCNNFLHHYGMSM23OXSB4","content":"“We can’t let any clients or anybody not experience the white cold smoke powder,” Hansen said. “We’re pulling some strings and going to make things work [to have] smiles on everybody’s face across this mountain.”","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2022-12-13T22:07:08.580Z","headlines":{"basic":"Utah ski area makes unplanned opening after big storm. Here’s how much snow resorts have seen so far"},"last_updated_date":"2022-12-14T18:56:39.839Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Cherry Peak) A skier enjoys a coating of powder while skiing at Cherry Peak Resort near Richmond on Feb. 24, 2022.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/3DQTNBYUFRGUNMVUJMR4NQQEXA.jpg"}},"publish_date":"2022-12-14T18:56:39.163Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Resorts across the state receive roughly 2 feet of “white cold smoke powder.” "},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"Skiing","slug":"skiing","text":"Skiing"},{"description":"Logan","slug":"logan","text":"Logan"},{"description":"Weather","slug":"weather","text":"Weather"}]},"website_url":"/sports/ski-n-board/2022/12/13/utah-ski-area-makes-unplanned"},{"_id":"VPECYGKCNFAUTDMXTJHDAXFRLI","canonical_url":"/sports/2022/12/02/utah-skiers-snowboarders-taking","content_elements":[{"_id":"KEAOD7OJNBEMVAC2ZEJVHBRXRQ","content":"<b>Park City • </b>Inside the Deer Valley Resort eatery where Kim and Mark Abbett were warming up with a bowl of chili Tuesday, it felt like early season. Crowds were sparse, more like pockets of people, scattered throughout the vast Snow Park Lodge. Downstairs, prospective employees were waiting to speak to someone in human resources. And those already working were navigating the nuances of computer systems and the customer service standards that are the hallmark of the ski-only resort that attracts guests from around the world.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AMOL35HDJ5HTLHAX4PIPSLK4SQ","content":"Outside, though? Outside it felt like midseason. Only it was better. Way better.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DBC4M5QBKNHWVLZ63C7BT2POFM","content":"Utah is having one of its best starts to the season in nearly 30 years with early resort openings and powder hits galore. But because the snow came long before the tourists usually do, the Abbetts — and everyone else in the state — are reveling in having the spoils mostly to themselves.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3TRYKRINDNFXVCWU7BWJQ3NMCM","content":"“This is a bonus. This is a huge bonus,” said Mark Abbett, 49, who moved to Park City with Kim and their kids in 2016. “Usually it feels like we go right into busy season. And this feels different. It still feels like it’s our town.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"SUG34TXUEBAXNJFL4XRHQMXNMU","content":"Imagine no conga line of traffic leading to or from a resort. No jammed parking lots. No circling like a shark for an empty table at lunchtime. No lift lines. Just miles and miles of open terrain with few other skiers and boarders in sight.","type":"text"},{"_id":"27NQUPR345BDHA5WOV6CYBQB2E","content":"“It’s a dream right now,” said Jim Steenburgh, a University of Utah professor of atmospheric sciences and an avid skier, “for everybody in the ski industry.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"LBYLJOCJKNAQLDPCYADJ2DUXZI","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"FAQK7TZWKJBRFLKMPMS2OSZCQQ","content":"Yes, overcrowding was an issue during the season’s earliest days. A combination of months of pent-up desire to ski, accelerated by an abundance of fresh snow, collided with a lack of open resorts and led to <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/11/15/will-you-be-stuck-long-lift//">viral images of long lift lines and parking woes at Solitude and Brighton</a>. As more resorts have opened, and as they have opened more terrain, however, those issues have all but evaporated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S5JKQJX24BF6JI5LWD5HX56AIM","content":"The scarcity of crowds, which is not entirely uncommon this time of year, isn’t enough to have locals loving life, though. It’s that combined with the quality and quantity of snow.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RYGE7T3DTNEFLIDYLOJBVU3GOI","content":"The <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/10/25/utah-skiers-revel-october-storm//">storms started arriving in late October</a>, just as they did last year. That season, though, most resorts had to delay their openings because that early snow was followed by a warm, dry stretch. This year, the snow has just kept coming. Even when it didn’t, temperatures have been cold enough to keep it from melting and to allow resorts to make some snow of their own.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T62R7SBLMNGSPLHKQJSQJNFS3U","content":"Steenburgh said this November, or the first 28 days of it at least, was the state’s coldest since 2003. By mid-November, the state’s <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.skiutah.com/blog/authors/yeti/utah-snowpack-off-to-best-start-in/">snowpack was 433% of normal</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6QJTRZSQOJBCTIQE3QYLVAB47Q","caption":"(Julie Jag | The Salt Lake Tribune) Jesse Mullen, 10, of Heber couldn't wait to get his skis on the snow for his first runs of the 2022-23 season at Deer Valley Resort's opening day Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022. The resort moved up its opener for just the second time in its 40-year history.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/6QJTRZSQOJBCTIQE3QYLVAB47Q.jpg"},{"_id":"3V2DQV3VKFGKRODQMRZUXVACKU","content":"But the snow just keeps coming. Resorts across the Wasatch Range received between 6 and 19 inches of snow earlier this week, according to <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"http://opensnow.com//" target=\"_blank\">OpenSnow.com</a>, giving most of them nearly 200% of their average base depth for this time of year. Another storm is expected to drop another foot or more at most resorts Friday with even <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/11/29/utahs-ski-resorts-loading-up//">more snow in the forecast for Sunday and Monday</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"44CEOXW6AVAAZNMQNFE5EGZSAI","content":"It’s been so good that at least half of <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/10/31/brian-head-resort-readies-one//">Utah’s resorts actually opened earlier than expected</a>. That included <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/11/18/deer-valley-resort-moves-up//">Deer Valley, which moved up its start date</a> for just the second time in its 40-year history. It had nine lifts, 35 runs and one bowl open Tuesday. On last year’s opening day, on Dec. 4, it had seven lifts and nine runs available.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4LJI2VY35BHXNCVAAVPIMPZKQU","content":"“This is ... I’ve never seen anything like it,” said Kim Abbett, who has both Ikon and Epic season passes. “And there’s more lifts, more terrain open. It’s crazy.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"T6UJHB5I5BF77OBLO2ADCCJKJA","content":"Mark Abbett nodded enthusiastically.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J7TORZM3XJFJRCZ6LAKFFSYQPA","content":"“I think today I got better powder,” at a resort, he said, “than I did any time last year.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"HKL7GGHC75CHVN2IBLID4IM744","content":"For some perspective, it’s more similar to mid-December conditions than midseason, Steenburgh said, and it’s not a record snowpack. He noted that Alta, which averages the most snowfall in the state, has received 123 inches so far this year. In comparison, in 1994 the <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://utahavalanchecenter.org/alta-monthly-snowfall/">Alta Guard station</a> recorded 205.9 inches in November alone. Steenburgh said that’s the benchmark, but that high snow totals were commonplace in the 1980s and ‘90s.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NWCRZ33QR5FFBGQBZKYBWBESI4","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"YK2CQ5UCK5CYLA27J2NPWL4P3Q","content":"“My joke usually is that your parents or your grandparents had better skiing than you do,” he said. “This is a great year [though]. I mean, certainly we’re off to a really good start.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VJKC6SSO7RHJHMCCZZI37YUSEQ","content":"And most of the people who have gotten to enjoy it live in Utah. Deer Valley estimated that 80% of its guests during its passholder opener Monday and its official opening Tuesday were locals.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FFTQB7ISS5HPDLHM5MWDJNJXLQ","content":"One was fifth-grader Jesse Mullen of Heber. He didn’t have any problem missing school Tuesday so he could finally get on the slopes — and probably get some fresh powder, too.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DTRBFH7I6BDHBEVD35ZK34QZOQ","content":"“Yesterday it snowed a lot,” he said, “so I wanted all that snow.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"QYL6QLS6SBF2DAZ6BYC2VGVTVM","content":"The snow is expected to keep coming. Soon, too, will the tourists.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K4VOVNS6YFATBIIEH454UV2Y5M","content":"Out-of-town skiers tend to start arriving in mid-December, according to Dan Howard of Visit Park City, and they’re traditionally most plentiful around Presidents Day weekend in February. A Visit Utah poll, meanwhile, indicated that people interested in taking an overnight ski or snowboard trip in Utah would be most likely to come in January (43.4%), December (37.5%) and February (29.9%), respectively, with a considerable dropoff in the shoulder months of November and March and beyond.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U5UGXTAMZJHPPMAE5KVDDVOKPU","caption":"(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Skiers brave the high winds at Deer Valley, on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022.\r","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/U5UGXTAMZJHPPMAE5KVDDVOKPU.JPG"},{"_id":"Z2ONJRTIU5CFZFVWFYKPVMCDOY","content":"Some of them are already here. Analytics from Visit Salt Lake shows the four Cottonwood Canyon resorts — Alta, Brighton, Snowbird and Solitude — saw just as many out-of-state visitors as locals in November. That reflects a massive jump over last year, when most resorts were struggling to open. That November — and more surprisingly in December and January as well — fewer than one in five skiers traveled in from out of state.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FSAKIR2BAJGP5LT2PG5FHX4W4Q","content":"Most Utahns’ first reaction regarding the impending crush of out-of-towners might be to cringe. There goes the easy commute, the front-row parking, the reservation-less restaurant visits. But Visit Park City’s Howard pointed out that without those visitors, and the money they spend, and the jobs that creates, the resorts and their communities might have fewer amenities for everyone to enjoy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SAOEE6JOKNCI7AHHXREIEM74R4","content":"“We are grateful for the visitation through this season, both because visitors add to the vibrancy of our culture and so many of our restaurants and shops are here because of the support that visitors give us in Park City,” he wrote in an email. “And of course we have two ski resorts in our town that we can ride and ski daily because of the visitation that we receive throughout the season from all corners of the country and from around the world.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4HZKJHK2QNBKPDW3DX2JDB7JEY","content":"Ski Utah reported that out-of-state skiers account for 82% of all money spent on skiing and snowboarding. To that end, Howard said 66% of Park City’s annual income is generated during the roughly 16 weeks of the ski season. As that money trickles out to neighboring communities, it can even lead to a reduction in taxes and an increase in services.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W4XHGITTRZDLTI3KCZV6HPB724","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"RHZ2GCTSQBFB7DPFFRH5WHPVGE","content":"Is that enough to sway Utah skiers and riders into believing they shouldn’t mind sharing the slopes with tourists? It might not be, but they’re coming anyway. So the best approach is probably to soak in these bonus weeks while they’ve got them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NU43TBJK5JAOJIZEHCA5XYB5ZE","content":"That’s Kim Abbett’s strategy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GXKNEBO7AZALNKIBWRKQLWK2H4","content":"“I’m super excited because we can ski right now when it’s not crowded,” she said. “If we don’t ski on the holidays, oh well. It’s not that big of a deal.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UPU7OESC2ZGMBOT5J2PKCYAAIU","content":"“But to be able to get out right now with the conditions like this? I want to get out as much as possible.”","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2022-12-02T13:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Utah skiers, snowboarders taking advantage of ‘bonus’ season, anticipating arrival of tourists"},"last_updated_date":"2022-12-09T20:05:30.512Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Skiers brave the high winds at Deer Valley, on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022.\r","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/ZXZ4AK3DRVDV3HN3T66TG2TA7U.JPG"}},"publish_date":"2022-12-02T13:22:25.425Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Midseason snow with early season turnout gives locals experiences of a lifetime."},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"Skiing","slug":"skiing","text":"Skiing"},{"description":"Tag for other recreation & outdoors stories","slug":"recreation","text":"Recreation"},{"description":"Deer Valley Resort","slug":"deer-valley-resort","text":"Deer Valley Resort"},{"description":"Tourism","slug":"tourism","text":"Tourism"},{"description":"Park City","slug":"park-city","text":"Park City"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2022/12/02/utah-skiers-snowboarders-taking"},{"_id":"TDLO3GFO2JBI5I6INKKC2KNMKI","canonical_url":"/sports/2022/11/29/utahs-ski-resorts-loading-up","content_elements":[{"_id":"O25KPA7XO5BTDNWUHN55SRC23Y","content":"The weather outside is more fantastic than frightful for Utah skiers and snowboarders. And yes, on the slopes it should be perfectly delightful.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VUXJTSMXX5CFBCE6N2XQBGMVBQ","content":"Too early for holiday song puns? Nah. Especially not when Mother Nature is in a giving mood, and it seems that she is.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TGYZQ72OSRDVBJ5U3XSHF5UFMA","content":"Resorts in the Cottonwood Canyons reported receiving up to 17 inches of snow between Monday and Tuesday morning, including some <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2021/08/04/will-utahs-snow-shrink//">lake effect enhancement</a>. Plus, according to the snow forecasting site <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"http://opensnow.com//" target=\"_blank\">OpenSnow.com</a>, there will be more where that came from.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HNH7QE2YDRBU7OHBFCU25XDZWQ","content":"Within the next five days, Alta, Snowbird, Solitude and Powder Mountain are all forecast to have 2 feet of fresh powder. Brighton could see as much as 22 fresh inches during that time, while Deer Valley, Park City Mountain, Beaver Mountain and Snowbasin will be closer to a foot and a half.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XJII2IAA2FHTVDJ6ERAJ63ZCYU","content":"“I don’t want to jinx it and I’m keeping my expectations in check,” Evan Thayer, the OpenSnow forecaster for Utah wrote in his daily blog, “but this does have the characteristics of one of those storms where it seems like it just keeps snowing in [Lower Cottonwood Canyon].”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2RWX4GNA65B5ZKTVIHGOTHOO3E","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"4YRLVKCLIBFN3AWJQ2URSAWP2U","content":"In Little Cottonwood Canyon, Alta reported receiving 16 fresh inches between Monday and 7 a.m. Tuesday and Snowbird reported 15 inches with snow still falling. The Utah Department of Transportation noted on its Twitter account that state route 210 is slippery and that traction laws are in effect.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YUUJLVQVLREU3LXPWRSWZQRYZI","content":"In Big Cottonwood Canyon, Brighton boasted 17 inches of new snow and Solitude said it had 15 inches at mid-mountain as of 7 a.m. Tuesday. In Park City, Deer Valley reported 10 inches overnight and Park City Mountain Resort said it had 15 in the past 24 hours.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6YBF2R3L35DVNDXW33HH6CEY5A","content":"Another storm is expected to hit Sunday and next Monday. This one will be bringing what Thayer called “sloppy seconds” after it hits the Sierra Nevada range in California. Still, it could pile anywhere from 8 to 24 inches atop base depths that are already close to 200% of average for this time of year at most Utah ski areas.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LRA42Y6ONRDBDBYZSGVSOYS5E4","content":"Not all presents will be distributed equally.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4Z3NNEQQEBCU5IQ5FEZWVHD6XU","content":"<a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/11/18/deer-valley-resort-moves-up//" target=\"_blank\">Beaver Mountain and Cherry Peak</a>, two of the state’s smallest resorts, have taken a wait-and-see approach to setting an opening date. Next week’s storm might push Beaver, which could get 16 inches, closer to opening. Cherry Peak won’t benefit as much from the coming storms, but the Logan-area ski hill hinted in a recent email that it planned to open soon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OJTB6SDMSNFAJEXG4ZXBOVBCIY","content":"Eagle Point could get about nine inches on Dec. 5, but it is not expected to waver from its announced Dec. 16 opening date. Nordic Valley, which opened Nov. 23, should get about 14 inches from that storm. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"7NSC4WYZ2RCT5CWRGHF52SUYG4","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"XXALFQJ2URAQVJ3P76I73HI62Q","content":"For Deer Valley and Sundance, though, the timing couldn’t be better. Earlier this month, <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/11/18/deer-valley-resort-moves-up//" target=\"_blank\">Deer Valley said it would open ahead of schedule</a> for just the second time in the resort’s 40-year history thanks to the bounty of early season storms. Yet those waiting in line for first chair Tuesday will also be waiting to be the first to dive into a thick, natural blanket of fresh powder. Then, after a small midweek break in the weather, a storm should settle in Friday, one day before Provo’s <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/news/2021/03/11/sundance-resorts-new//" target=\"_blank\">Sundance resort</a> starts its lifts spinning — also nearly a week earlier than expected.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XUNBYXYTXBGBBGCQMRS5D7VWTA","content":"Mother Nature may have goodies for those anxious to get out at Powder Mountain, too. The resort, which does not use any snowmaking, is scheduled to open Dec. 8. However, general manager Kevin Mitchell said that’s negotiable.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZCNCGXMZTBB2FDHOY45RTEYRPM","content":"“If some of the snow that’s peeking out around the corner shows up a little early,” he said, “then stay tuned for an earlier date.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"O3IZDLLSBZGXDGDN5OQSIP3AHQ","content":"So go ahead and break out the carols along with that board or skis, because it looks like Christmas might actually be coming early in Utah.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WWMOIBZEM5HEHNY3PONJ7JTAMA","content":"<b>Correction:</b> Dec. 1, 2022, 2:25 p.m. &gt;&gt; <i>Nordic Valley opened on Nov. 23. The original version of this article had an incorrect opening date.</i>","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2022-11-29T13:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Utah’s ski resorts loading up on snow in the coming week"},"last_updated_date":"2022-12-09T20:06:56.921Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) People hit the slopes at Deer Valley on Friday, Dec. 12, 2019. On Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022, the Park City-area resort will open ahead of schedule for just the second time in its 40-year history, and it will do so with a blanket of fresh powder.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/7HJ7Q6BXKFBQLHTGGTPGQKDYSA.jpg"}},"publish_date":"2022-12-01T21:26:31.948Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Deer Valley, Sundance, Powder Mountain all should have fresh powder to open their seasons."},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"Skiing","slug":"skiing","text":"Skiing"},{"description":"Sundance Mountain Resort","slug":"sundance-mountain-resort","text":"Sundance Mountain Resort"},{"description":"Tag for other recreation & outdoors stories","slug":"recreation","text":"Recreation"},{"description":"Alta Ski Area","slug":"alta-ski-area","text":"Alta Ski Area"},{"description":"Snowbird","slug":"snowbird","text":"Snowbird"},{"description":"Brighton Resort","slug":"brighton-resort","text":"Brighton Resort"},{"description":"Solitude Mountain Resort","slug":"solitude-mountain-resort","text":"Solitude Mountain Resort"},{"description":"Park City Mountain Resort","slug":"park-city-mountain-resort","text":"Park City Mountain Resort"},{"description":"Deer Valley Resort","slug":"deer-valley-resort","text":"Deer Valley Resort"},{"description":"Brian Head Resort","slug":"brian-head-resort","text":"Brian Head Resort"},{"description":"Weather","slug":"weather","text":"Weather"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2022/11/29/utahs-ski-resorts-loading-up"},{"_id":"W6YBWPH7C5F2VEMUART7ILY6J4","canonical_url":"/sports/2022/11/18/deer-valley-resort-moves-up","content_elements":[{"_id":"2LR5N7OH2JCK5K67G4WHISHIZE","content":"The snow in Utah is so good right now, even Deer Valley Resort had to get in on the action.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CRXGTW4EKNFNRBVJRC4VQ3C7HI","content":"Only once in its 41-year history has the posh Park City ski area opened early. Typically, it stays on schedule, preferring to give its customers a highly trained staff and meticulously groomed runs rather than risk those to enter the race to be the first Utah resort to open.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3ZNBFAV4P5GXTEWG5G2R7K4LFU","content":"This year, though, Deer Valley is breaking with tradition. After <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/10/25/utah-skiers-revel-october-storm//" target=\"_blank\">receiving nearly 60 inches of snow</a> in the last three weeks, it announced Wednesday that it plans to open Nov. 29 — almost a week ahead of its projected opening date of Dec. 3.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HWALMJ5G2NFFLG6BMSH3NVEUPQ","content":"“VERY rare,” was how resort spokesperson Emily Summers referred to the opening in an email to the Tribune.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UF4XNOWNWJF25HDH4IOMCCWUHA","content":"“We’ve never been the resort to enter the ‘race’ to be the first to open,” she said. “We always base our opening on being able to provide a quality on-mountain experience that lives up to our reputation for great snow conditions due to our grooming and snowmaking capabilities.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"LQSW7RJPWRDKPBXTVIPTBOJIUE","content":"But if all those things are in place, why not throw open the gates?","type":"text"},{"_id":"5P6FNRMXORBXTBUE3Q5LVYRXHE","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) The afternoon sun backlights the snow and ice as skiers and snowboarders enjoy opening day at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/5P6FNRMXORBXTBUE3Q5LVYRXHE.jpg"},{"_id":"G433CV4UANGYDCXRI43LUGSUY4","content":"While Deer Valley has been working with its staff for a couple of weeks now, it’s Mother Nature that has done most of the heavy lifting. As of last week, Utah is at 433% of its snowpack for this time of year, according to Ski Utah President and CEO Nathan Rafferty. Plus, temperatures have been low enough and winds calm enough to allow for snowmaking.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LSRKYYWYPFCLXBW6CNGGZRJ6TE","content":"“We are off to a fantastic start to the ski season,” Rafferty said. “We couldn’t have scripted it any better.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ISJ44HKTDVECPG5OLUSKDSBYQ4","content":"Deer Valley still won’t win the race to open first. That honor went to Utah’s southernmost resort, <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/10/31/brian-head-resort-readies-one/" target=\"_blank\">Brian Head Resort</a>, which began its operations Nov. 4. That ranks among the top five earliest ski season openers in state history.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6GNSI46NEZBKROK6MFIIQFF3TA","content":"<a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/11/15/will-you-be-stuck-long-lift//" target=\"_blank\">Brighton and Solitude</a> followed suit last week, with <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/11/11/brighton-beats-solitude-ski//" target=\"_blank\">Solitude opening a week ahead of schedule</a>. And <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/10/03/park-city-mountain-resorts-new//" target=\"_blank\">Park City Mountain</a> joined in the mix Wednesday, two days before the date it pegged to begin the 2022-23 season.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C6R5JWJPSVG6NEJHFUIQFRSMZA","content":"This will be an exciting weekend for skiers and snowboarders across the state with four resorts opening Friday: Alta, Snowbasin, Snowbird and Woodward Park City.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6BVZXTNGURDDLNUCXKCOUGA4LU","content":"Woodward made its announcement Tuesday, noting it would have seven tubing lanes and a surface-lift-serviced jib park available. Night skiing will begin Saturday at the Parleys Summit snow park.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RG7Z3VKQTNHUHHJL4DUNH6KQNM","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Skiers revel in a little bit of Alta history as they ride the Albion two-person ski lift on its final day of operation on Tuesday, April 12, 2022. Installed in 1962, the lift will be torn down in addition to the Sunnyside lift that services the same area to make room for a new six-person high-speed lift next season.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/RG7Z3VKQTNHUHHJL4DUNH6KQNM.jpg"},{"_id":"D76CVCTSDBEE3P7OQABH5K6GGU","content":"Snowbasin will be celebrating the earliest start to the season in its 80-year-plus history. It will have Needles Gondola, Middle Bowl Express, Littlecat Express and its Wildcat tow lift running.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B7EL5PYVWBCGDMYYLI35QI4L3Y","content":"Snowbird, which boasts a 67-inch base, will allow skiing and riding in Gad Valley and Peruvian Gulch.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6FYOJHCDJ5AXBOCXQABP2M6DHA","content":"Almost all the offerings at Alta will be in intermediate and advanced terrain since installation of the new Sunnyside lift has been delayed by supply chain issues. It will have its Collins, Wildcat and Sugarloaf lifts turning Friday and expects to add Supreme to the mix Saturday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XC57P27IEVEKREDAGLIIWOM4AU","content":"Powder Mountain recently announced Dec. 8 as its opening date and nearby Nordic Valley is set for Dec. 9. Sundance is also slated to begin operations Dec. 9, though a spokesperson said that date might get moved forward. Eagle Mountain is eyeing Dec. 16. Meanwhile, two of the state’s smallest ski and snowboard mountains — Beaver Mountain and Cherry Peak — are all taking a wait-and-see approach. Both, however, anticipate being open by mid-December.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GPRFD6XMPRDTBP4VPFCWOINIMQ","content":"Summers said Deer Valley hadn’t opened in November in more than three decades. The only other time it opened early was within a few years of its 1981 construction.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K6KXQA42YRE2HATBJBQOVU2YRA","content":"“The start of ski season always brings a lot of energy and anticipation and it’s even better when Mother Nature delivers ideal conditions right away,” Deer Valley President and COO Todd Bennett said in a press release. “We are thrilled to have the snow for one of our earliest openings ever while still providing the exceptional on-mountain experience Deer Valley is known for.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"E5A2MEAA7JB5NETWNOLLLYQ5UY","content":"Deer Valley will only be open to resort season passholders on its first day of operation. Snowbasin also will only be open to passholders on Day 1, though that includes those with the Ikon Pass and <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.ikonpass.com/en/shop-passes/ikon-base-pass/" target=\"_blank\">Ikon Base Plus Pass</a>. Every day after that, they will be open to the general public.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VFPMJXFMBVGVDJRRLRMVLWI5PU","content":"<b>Correction</b>: Nov. 22, 1:15 p.m. &gt;&gt; <i>This article has been changed to reflect that the name of the Deer Valley spokesperson is Emily Summers.</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"WQ7JX4TAXFHANICN4XKNO7OULY","citation":{},"content_elements":[{"_id":"Y4H4GKNQPRC7NP7OS7OTVT5WNA","type":"header"},{"_id":"A5OLRZLX4BEFJJQ56C332EJ2T4","type":"text"},{"_id":"B2PBW2KVYJAZVA4LLA3EGTEIUI","type":"text"},{"_id":"T7X573A4AJAH5JGTUOFDNMVGDM","type":"text"},{"_id":"GHUNCUPXDRBWRLSO7EYRFMRVLQ","type":"text"},{"_id":"5V5IMCUBTZB7XJCKFOXIHQ67OY","type":"text"},{"_id":"KSUTUE5AKRCWBKQESS5ACEO3IY","type":"text"},{"_id":"WK46U44VTVFRLNOGBSIIIBDQKA","type":"text"},{"_id":"RULJLJW5AFHZREFKB2P54KOX5Q","type":"text"},{"_id":"KCXFYF63FBB6BNTVMHMRTI6DIE","type":"text"},{"_id":"TKZJ24WDMNBWNIOEBYDOHCDTAI","type":"text"},{"_id":"XUQTQJSQKVCJLCYM2D5HPVWH24","type":"text"},{"_id":"KOZTPMXU25HVLLF24XOFIMM254","type":"text"},{"_id":"QOCJ5JZJG5GIHFNANIHRYOKNFM","type":"text"},{"_id":"R4JANHYKPJHPRLC6JPL2XAEACE","type":"text"},{"_id":"2KFY4OU62ZENZMWAFA25R6BNWM","type":"text"},{"_id":"5FUY2Y2FN5AVNFK7EY5OMHSKWA","type":"text"}],"type":"quote"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2022-11-18T13:00:53Z","headlines":{"basic":"Deer Valley Resort moves up opening day of ski season for first time in decades"},"last_updated_date":"2022-12-09T20:08:56.456Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) People hit the slopes at Deer Valley on Friday, Dec. 12, 2019. Deer Valley plans to open earlier than scheduled this season, just the second time in the resort's 41-year history that it has moved its opening date and started the ski season in November. It was set to open Dec. 4 but will now start lifts turning Nov. 29 for passholders and Nov. 30 for the general public.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/5HG5ZJQ6TFATDKDZY53Q2HH6HE.jpg"}},"publish_date":"2022-12-09T20:08:56.068Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Alta, Snowbasin, Snowbird and Woodward Park City firing up lifts Friday; Powder Mountain announces opening date"},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"Tag for other recreation & outdoors stories","slug":"recreation","text":"Recreation"},{"description":"Skiing","slug":"skiing","text":"Skiing"},{"description":"Deer Valley Resort","slug":"deer-valley-resort","text":"Deer Valley Resort"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2022/11/18/deer-valley-resort-moves-up"},{"_id":"457JT7FZJVFX7DM26PICGFWPTI","canonical_url":"/sports/2022/11/11/brighton-beats-solitude-ski","content_elements":[{"_id":"KKMVKVTXFZEM3D2FN3FFZ5KQHI","content":"Rainier Dean embodied the stoke of the opening day of ski season — all 3 ½ feet of him.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AEC25LA4VJG7DMPJBLMG25Q3LE","content":"The 7-year-old stood in line for first chair at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday alongside his mom, Liz, and his 5-year-old brother. As the minutes ticked down to official start, and as hundreds of skiers and snowboarders filed in behind them, the Butler Elementary student became increasingly animated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P6VYYYX3UVBM5L2YMQMBFNKGIM","content":"His family had gotten in line at 8:30 a.m., and even a five-plus hour wait in ski boots hadn’t dampened Rainier’s excitement.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KJIEZJG6SJCNHCPV65PHW7X7V4","content":"He said he couldn’t wait to “Just to get some snow and some powder and just to hit it — because we’ve been waiting like a year now.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"5G5ZL7UQZBC6DC2MCZ5IGKMNGM","content":"In second-grader years, that’s practically a lifetime.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B75ZB3EG3VDPTM72FHYYVX3CGQ","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"RFXGSWGQ6FD3VGF7NQSYTZGUWY","content":"Don’t tell Rainier, but Solitude’s ski opener wasn’t the first this season, or even that day, in Utah. The state’s southernmost resort, Brian Head, surprised most of the state when it opened Nov. 4. And in a bit of gamesmanship Thursday, <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://brightonresort.com//" target=\"_blank\">Brighton Resort</a> one-upped its Big Cottonwood Canyon neighbor by opening its season at 11 a.m.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NW7R56GLP5FKBE7N76OG4SC4HM","content":"“We knew we were going to open today at some point,” Brighton spokesperson Jared Winkler said, noting it was just waiting on the go-ahead from ski patrol. “It happened a little earlier than expected. And it was just sort of nice to get the jump on Solitude.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"24NU6DY7LBGLLLGPVUPZVD6NTM","content":"For years, Brighton and Solitude have engaged in a friendly tit-for-tat over which will open first. The winner typically also opens the ski season in Utah. And it’s usually Brighton.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZRRRKXI3A5EGFIROEPNYVHA5LI","content":"This year looked to be Solitude’s season, however. The resort initially was among <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/10/05/alta-brian-head-park-city//">four Utah resorts that pegged Nov. 18 as their opening day</a>. After the ski areas received manna from heaven in the form of moisture-heavy snow and temperatures cold enough for making snow, however, Solitude reset its opening day to Friday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y62GZA5UWZDUNCPMYKVHMV5VLU","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) The stoke is high for opening day at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/Y62GZA5UWZDUNCPMYKVHMV5VLU.jpg"},{"_id":"HTTNZAOUIFGB7B47CXGQJXIGUY","content":"All eyes were on Brighton after that, with the expectation it would open early this week. This year, though, Brighton had taken on some large projects, such as adding lights for expanded night skiing, and Winkler said it was still trying to wrap those up when the snow started flying. On Wednesday morning, though, the announcement finally came: Brighton, with a 51-inch base, planned to open at 9 a.m. Friday. Three hours later, Solitude, with a 59-inch base, said it would actually open Thursday afternoon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IS55ZZG6XVAQXICGHXRF2OACUI","content":"But, as Winkler said, “It’s like poker. They played their cards too soon and we jumped on it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2YEIPFN4GZBRXIDUUDOTRGFIKY","content":"At 10:50 a.m. Thursday, Brighton announced it would open to passholders at 11 — three hours before Solitude.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R37PQKUBTNG3HMWS2KODEIAK7U","content":"<a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2021/10/30/shes-charge-solitude-ski//" target=\"_blank\">Amber Broadaway</a>, Solitude’s president and COO, said she expected as much.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T6ZL7PQYB5G75JUQYYMHW4H7XE","content":"“The rivalry, the pressure, really it’s very fun with Brighton,” she said. “So, you know, we make our plans and we always kind of know they’re going to figure it out.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"XCBDPTBJ5FEIZG2TFXKD2H5E6A","content":"Anyway, Solitude has moved onto the next fight. Last week, it quietly began a competition with another neighboring resort, Snowbird, over bragging rights for having the longest season of the state’s 15 ski areas. A Nov. 4 Twitter post, in which Solitude first announced it would be opening earlier than expected, was tagged with #longestseasoninUtah, which has traditionally been Snowbird’s slogan.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TVE4L4URAJDPPE7GKQZKKZYQ74","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"CJNA3TOZMBABRLRBUYUGGIKDWU","content":"When asked about it in the comments, a reply from the official Solitude account said, “We had the longest season in Utah last winter and are opening 12 days earlier this season and plan to stay open later than last year if conditions allow.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"F4Q35V3YMRCJJC36RY4NRMOSH4","content":"On Thursday, Snowbird cut into Solitude’s lead when it <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.snowbird.com//" target=\"_blank\">announced it would also be opening early</a>, on Nov. 18 rather than Nov. 30. But Snowbird spokesperson Kelsey Johnson said the resort’s earliest opener since 2012 is a result of its 67-inch base, not because Solitude threw down the gauntlet.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HO52ZW3JLVCGRPGJ6XFKVOH4Z4","content_elements":[{"_id":"EMOOJBQFKREW5OX45JB5D3YFR4","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Scott Svatos is all smiles as he joins other Solitude Mountain Resort staff for opening day on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","copyright":"© Francisco Kjolseth 2022","credits":{},"height":1759,"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/EMOOJBQFKREW5OX45JB5D3YFR4.jpg","width":2800},{"_id":"GZRAWJHHM5DK7HS2S4AS3TT2TU","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Some fresh powder is to be had as a skier takes a run for opening day at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","copyright":"© Francisco Kjolseth 2022","credits":{},"height":1768,"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/GZRAWJHHM5DK7HS2S4AS3TT2TU.jpg","width":2800},{"_id":"LU4RKLT3RFDGNKFBZPWXR3MAUM","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Loren Cox joins the crowd as he waits to put in his first turns of the season for opening day at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","copyright":"© Francisco Kjolseth 2022","credits":{},"height":1867,"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/LU4RKLT3RFDGNKFBZPWXR3MAUM.jpg","width":2800},{"_id":"WKSRL5KT2RCBXNGASJFGVOZJAA","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Snowboarders glide over the powder as they enjoy opening day at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","copyright":"© Francisco Kjolseth 2022","credits":{},"height":2800,"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/WKSRL5KT2RCBXNGASJFGVOZJAA.jpg","width":2217},{"_id":"5P6FNRMXORBXTBUE3Q5LVYRXHE","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) The afternoon sun backlights the snow and ice as skiers and snowboarders enjoy opening day at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","copyright":"© Francisco Kjolseth 2022","credits":{},"height":1852,"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/5P6FNRMXORBXTBUE3Q5LVYRXHE.jpg","width":2800},{"_id":"KQA2KFCSFNDPFGHHLELFSHWNVU","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) A snowboarder glides through the fresh powder during opening day at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","copyright":"© Francisco Kjolseth 2022","credits":{},"height":1710,"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/KQA2KFCSFNDPFGHHLELFSHWNVU.jpg","width":2800},{"_id":"HJ7K3A6JQZG47KVZRSK7NVJDPA","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) The short ski day quickly fills the parking lot as skiers and snowboarders arrive for opening day at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","copyright":"© Francisco Kjolseth 2022","credits":{},"height":1946,"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/HJ7K3A6JQZG47KVZRSK7NVJDPA.jpg","width":2800},{"_id":"2AYQWZP2WRGBBPTZ4K6OWQPVOI","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Skiers trek up to the Moonbeam Express for opening day at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","copyright":"© Francisco Kjolseth 2022","credits":{},"height":1917,"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/2AYQWZP2WRGBBPTZ4K6OWQPVOI.jpg","width":2800}],"type":"gallery"},{"_id":"PMSAYRBYLRBAZMW63T5DP7BG6A","content":"Shawn McPherron of Draper can respect the hunt for bragging rights. After all, that’s why he showed up at Solitude at 9 a.m. Thursday, when the Dean family offered him a spot on first chair with them. Maybe that’s why, after 56 years of skiing in Utah, he still likes to see the state’s resorts egg each other on.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RBMKPVYZEZBATHQOXOQKR246EU","content":"“I think it’s fun that they try to compete with each other,” he said. “I think that’s what skiing is all about, a little friendly rivalry.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TTUBES7JYRG5RH3OPFQIUUSH4A","content":"Broadaway agreed that the showdowns between ski areas are all in good fun.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DQZXVIMJTJGZHFIIWFRRPBMVCQ","content":"“My feeling is that when resorts get open and stay open late, the guests win,” she said. “So whether I beat Brighton or I beat Snowbird, it’s just super fun to, you know, jab about it during the season. But ultimately, the skiers and mountain enthusiasts win.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"64S4H62NONFSRL2P7VAGDQHUAU","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Shawn McPherron, left, joins Liz Dean and her two boys Rainier, 7, and Theodore, 5, for first chair as skiers and snowboarders enjoy opening day at Solitude Mountain Resort Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/64S4H62NONFSRL2P7VAGDQHUAU.jpg"},{"_id":"TCTHCU6GAVHCJL7L5YLQMER4OE","content":"She’ll get no argument from young Rainier, who had a Snowbird sticker plastered across his red helmet. He has big plans for this season, including skiing down a triple black diamond run and jumping off cliffs. And he has been ready to get going on them ever since the snow started falling. So if it’s competition that gets the lifts turning sooner, he’ll take it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KC477UY4IJB2HDNERY24OTTWBY","content":"“I was like, ‘Oh, come on, I really wish we could be skiing right now,” he said of seeing the snow piling up near his Cottonwood Heights home. “I was like, just, ‘I need to ski!’”","type":"text"},{"_id":"5WKL7XWA3NBG7DKW5ECLBLQTQA","content":"Now, he and everyone else on the Wasatch front finally can.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CORC2T7E5BEQFAUKZR5NVIREWM","citation":{},"content_elements":[{"_id":"HJH4LVM3K5FXBAOF65NAQERHGA","type":"header"},{"_id":"UCZOUKBXSND4TB4TBZZOVMRTLM","type":"text"},{"_id":"5242SL4WXVDVBGEGHSOSBDUNI4","type":"text"},{"_id":"55Q6QJA42RFOHC6IB3UM5SIRMU","type":"text"},{"_id":"SNYW2INH4RGI3N3SAWFEAJ2NHI","type":"text"},{"_id":"6SW5YLLKCFH4FP2LMIRRGNLZFQ","type":"text"},{"_id":"HCJVQHAUXVAI5J3B4ZQFAT55LY","type":"text"},{"_id":"MYEAMKG5BFHB3DAOIEZE2FZ34A","type":"text"},{"_id":"LLZNMWHJTZGSXJNQS6SY6DCERQ","type":"text"},{"_id":"C2WHDZ7H4JG2XPVPNOCJVADJOE","type":"text"},{"_id":"LNHXV7VA3BB55LZMMW5CTJG4F4","type":"text"},{"_id":"BLLV4D2KHRALLKSF7D5NT2EEKA","type":"text"},{"_id":"QIPMFOVHIBHRJOKDAZPXFRKJ4A","type":"text"},{"_id":"RUEYUMB6WRDMDOYZQEO4HLHACQ","type":"text"},{"_id":"4BHZDMFSEZFSNPDHOKAHH6CP3A","type":"text"},{"_id":"HZKI3GZIABE6FDIELNR3KXEOW4","type":"text"},{"_id":"NUF2LMQMS5C2XPHXFHF5BTQ6BY","type":"text"}],"type":"quote"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2022-11-11T13:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Brighton beats Solitude for ski opener bragging rights but competition among resorts is heating up"},"last_updated_date":"2022-12-09T20:32:38.556Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Theodore Dean, 5, adjust his gear as he gets ready to ride first chair with his family after arriving more than five hours ahead of the afternoon opening at Solitude Mountain Resort on Thursday Nov. 10, 2022.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/T3F72GKSJRFLLNKHI27J3MRCFE.jpg"}},"publish_date":"2022-12-09T20:32:38.192Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Solitude picks new, friendly fight with Snowbird for #LongestSeasoninUtah"},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"Tag for other recreation & outdoors stories","slug":"recreation","text":"Recreation"},{"description":"Skiing","slug":"skiing","text":"Skiing"},{"description":"Solitude Mountain Resort","slug":"solitude-mountain-resort","text":"Solitude Mountain Resort"},{"description":"Brighton Resort","slug":"brighton-resort","text":"Brighton Resort"},{"description":"Snowbird","slug":"snowbird","text":"Snowbird"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2022/11/11/brighton-beats-solitude-ski"},{"_id":"7BBXT2C7FBEVFMKPI6B26IPRI4","canonical_url":"/sports/2022/10/31/brian-head-resort-readies-one","content_elements":[{"_id":"YE6NZAS7HBCBVJK6LS533W3DN4","content":"For Skiers and snowboarders in the Wasatch Mountains, the snow brought by <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/10/25/utah-skiers-revel-october-storm//" target=\"_blank\">last week’s storms</a> was but an amuse bouche. Though many got in a few backcountry runs, it was just enough to whet their appetites.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DTOPORU4DJCCFNLF27CU5HLXMA","content":"Their central Utah brethren, meanwhile, are about to be delivered the main course.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AUWVY2JWXFDRTDLT2GVZ6GR3LA","content":"On Monday, <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.brianhead.com//" target=\"_blank\">Brian Head Resort</a>, located near Cedar City announced it would be opening for the season this Friday. The Nov. 4 date is believed to be the earliest opener in Brian Head history and the among the top five earliest ever for the state.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RQKATDSUTRFKNJNVOC5CSSBTEY","content":"Park City Resort opened on Oct. 26 for the 1996-97 season, long before its 2015 merged with The Canyons to become Park City Mountain Resort. According to a <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.deseret.com/1996/10/25/19273702/no-go-at-times-as-snow-shellacks-n-utah?_amp=true\%22 target=\"_blank\">Deseret News article</a>, that was the second-earliest opener in the ski area’s history. Meanwhile, Brighton Resort, which usually claims the state’s bragging rights as the first to open, opened the 2004-05 season on Oct. 29. It opened Nov. 4 for the 2009 season.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MN7LWOZPQJCGLCOT3BBPS2OKWE","content":"Brian Head’s previous earliest opener, according to general manager Marilyn Butler, who said she looked back through 22 years of data, was Nov. 10. That was during the 2000-01 season.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OKM7HIHVIBE3DHQQWVI2WSZRL4","content":"“We usually pride ourselves on getting open by Thanksgiving,” Butler said, “and this year we were fortunate to open Nov. 4.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7TOQ74L7TBHH3D4HI73FL46H3Y","content":"Only three North American <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.skicentral.com/openareas-skireport.html/" target=\"_blank\">ski areas are currently open</a>, all of them in Colorado: Arapahoe Basin, Winter Park and Keystone.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CP3HCVUWUJBTBBC35P4PQ2ZHWU","content":"The early opening stands in stark contrast to last season, when most Utah resorts had to <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2021/11/16/this-is-when-utahs-ski//" target=\"_blank\">push back their openers </a>at least a week because of warm temperatures and lack of natural snow","type":"text"},{"_id":"K3HOFKMW35A4TKCZLQCYBF6MI4","content":"Butler said the resort received 17 inches of snow from last week’s storm, which also blanketed the Wasatch Mountains. Another 23 inches is expected to fall at the resort — which has the state’s highest base elevation at 9,600 feet — between Wednesday and Friday, Butler said. That combined with snowmaking efforts have resort operators confident there will be enough coverage to allow at least one lift to get up and running.","type":"text"},{"_id":"26ASMTDAGBFTZGRLGCBF3GY73Q","content":"Brian Head will run its Navajo Express, a high-speed detachable quad, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday both this weekend and next. More lift carriers have been added to that lift this season, Butler said, noting it should get people to the top of the mountain faster.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DDTNT4L2P5DLREZJRH5IYV5CSE","content":"Daily operations will begin Nov. 18, Butler said. That’s the day Brian Head originally pegged as its opening date. <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/10/05/alta-brian-head-park-city//" target=\"_blank\">Park City Mountain Resort, Solitude and Alta</a> also have announced plans to open that day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PYHPOANJ5BFF5KSUUNBKBL44CA","content":"Or at least that’s when lifts are scheduled to start turning. The last two weekends, backcountry skiers and splitboarders eager for winter to get underway have formed a conga line skinning up to the top of Alta, which received 25 inches in the latest storm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"56YRYOYZZFHGXL57TMUVAOTPJA","content":"<b>Update:</b> Nov. 1, 11:50 a.m. &gt;&gt; <i>This article has been updated to note that Park City Resort opened its ski season in October at least twice, including on Oct. 26, 1996.</i>","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2022-10-31T22:42:04.859Z","headlines":{"basic":"A Utah ski resort will open Friday, one of the earliest openings in recent history"},"last_updated_date":"2022-12-09T20:33:25.300Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"Brian Head Resort\n\nBrian Head Resort, the southernmost ski area in Utah, announced it will open Friday. If it can pull it off, it will be the earliest opener in the resort's history and one of the earliest ever for the state.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/IRFVJ3JNLBA7BLF35OUP6AMM4U.jpg"}},"publish_date":"2022-12-09T20:33:24.860Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Brian Head’s newly announced opening is believed to be the fourth earliest in state history."},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"Tag for other recreation & outdoors stories","slug":"recreation","text":"Recreation"},{"description":"Skiing","slug":"skiing","text":"Skiing"},{"description":"sports features","slug":"sports-featured","text":"Sports Featured"},{"description":"Brian Head Resort","slug":"brian-head-resort","text":"Brian Head Resort"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2022/10/31/brian-head-resort-readies-one"},{"_id":"U2IBDARQ6FHCFIPTMSYB5EQATA","canonical_url":"/sports/2022/10/26/how-snowbasin-teen-died-came","content_elements":[{"_id":"G633VKL76JGGPLRRKO4TSC7EFI","content":"It would not be inaccurate to call Tyler Blocker an overachiever. He’s the kind of kid who sees the prize and creates a route to it — often in record time and occasionally against expert advice.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OD57ENTTMBFWDGIVTY5ZEJUB3A","content":"Take his life goal for example. He’s just 17, and he’s already searching for a new one after being selected to appear in the latest Warren Miller ski film: “Daymaker.” The film was making its Utah swing this week, starting in Orem on Wednesday before hitting Ogden, Salt Lake City and Park City.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7QH7SO7EHBH5XAFRJ5DTPEIFQU","content":"“My list of goals growing up was like, No. 1 was to be in a ski movie,” said Blocker, a Mountain Green resident who began skiing at nearby Snowbasin Resort at age 2. “That was No. 1. Not to win competitions or any of that. I’ve always wanted to be in a ski movie. So [I] knocked that off. So that was kind of nice.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YJG2TJDI6NCJVLCDW3KHJVZQSU","content":"Still, the Morgan High senior’s selection to appear alongside Olympian Jonny Moseley and pro freeskier Marcus Caston of Salt Lake City in a film produced by the granddaddy of ski flick makers came as a shock. Prior to the film, Blocker hadn’t won any major freeskiing contests, caught the eye of any big sponsors or generated much publicity. He didn’t even have a real coach. His dad technically held that title, but Blocker taught himself by studying films of other skiers. Yet Blocker has one thing: a knack for making things happen on his own, warp-speed timeline, especially when skiing is involved.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6AOUOA67VVHWFKP3NOLUWJGFRY","content":"Just ask his dad — or his doctors.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YWETW3JISZHRDGQGZKCPZ44UPI","caption":"(Warren Miller Films) Tyler Blocker,16, of Mountain Green drops in at Snowbasin Resort in March 2022. Professional skiers Marcus Caston of Salt Lake City and Jonny Moseley surprised Blocker at the resort and informed him he was selected to appear in the 2022 Warren Miller film \"Daymaker.\"","subtitle":"","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/YWETW3JISZHRDGQGZKCPZ44UPI.jpg"},{"_id":"KX33ZS4W2NBPREUJELDYGUKLBU","content":"Blocker’s shockingly quick recovery from a potentially fatal ruptured spleen a year earlier and his unwavering devotion to skiing were the points Rob Blocker emphasized when he nominated his son to appear in “Daymaker.” This year was the first time in the nearly 70-year history of Warren Miller films that the company had asked fans to suggest local riders for an appearance.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F67LROXKKJEDDIAPY4HFYEGBKM","content":"“Really where he got his training from was from films like Warren Miller,” said Rob Blocker, who has made a tradition of attending the annual film with his family. “I expressed that pretty strongly and then, you know, this whole drama about his accident the year before. I think that made for a good story.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"YDF37GXE3BBUDCJPUEYCIXKB2I","content":"Yeah, briefly dying and then coming back to life can be pretty compelling.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TFALIOH74FGN7FEJPVTDWJSOQI","content":"That’s how Blocker and his anesthesiologist father view what happened to him in February 2021. He had been hustling down a groomed run at Snowbasin to catch the bus home when his skis caught an edge and he crashed. He hit his head and blacked out for a moment. When he came to, he couldn’t move his legs. He could, however, wiggle his toes. The resort personnel who attended to him told him he wasn’t paralyzed, but that he could be bleeding internally.","type":"text"},{"_id":"34CEPJ4QBRFTHCEQTX6H6SLVYI","caption":"(Warren Miller Films) Tyler Blocker, left, 16, of Mountain Green gets ready for a ski session at Snowbasin Resort with professional skier Marcus Caston, center, of Salt Lake City in March 2022. The session was filmed and will appear in the 2022 Warren Miller film \"Daymaker.\"","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/34CEPJ4QBRFTHCEQTX6H6SLVYI.jpg"},{"_id":"NDMN5J2DHVCMZCE3J4BJ45TPOA","content":"Blocker’s first call was to his father, an anesthesiologist who left work early to pick him up. When Rob arrived, Blocker seemed just a little beaten up. Still, Rob thought it would be worth taking his son to the hospital to make sure he was OK. As he helped his son stand up to walk to the car, Blocker went limp.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5T2TSAXXJNHX3L4QFWMA77AALY","content":"“My eyes literally just rolled back into my head, and I literally just coded right there,” Blocker said. “Lost pulse. Heart nothing. Just lifeless.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"RSUE3WHZFZABFJNHJM6PJRG7ZE","content":"The episode only lasted a moment. Doctors would later pinpoint two major issues that caused Blocker’s collapse. One was a pinched artery to his kidney, which he eventually lost. The other was the explosion of his spleen, which required an emergency splenectomy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3XAYYCBNTNDFFFG3V2CUA5ZOFQ","content":"Tyler barely ate or drank while he was in the hospital. In fact, to be released, he said, all doctors required was that he drink one cup of water. It took him 30 pounds and 10 days.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LVXNHLEUVREJRK7LPQJTCTPZVM","content":"Less than a week later, though, he asked his dad if he could ski.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y4DZESOWFNFCDB3R5WYQS7WSTM","content":"Blocker’s doctors had told him it would take six weeks of mostly bedrest to recover.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UPXE4AAJ5JCATB2T25SLRFUZUY","content":"“And that’s just that’s just not who I am,” Blocker said. “I can’t stay still for that long.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"SSPY2G52JFHMVD24S5G4YARV6E","content":"So he did some research and found a study that advised light exercise as a way to speed recovery from a splenectomy. Other studies his father found backed the research up. So, against Blocker’s mother’s wishes, Rob gave his son the green light — with one condition: Tyler had to stay on the bunny hill.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U243NJSGNJFPDFFAF67B65F5VE","content":"Well, that didn’t last long, either.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GP6BIT4EZJGWBHZXDSXKZHVTSI","content":"“I went skiing [up] Little Cat and I felt fine,” Blocker said. “And so I decided to go up the bigger lift, John Paul. And I remember, I didn’t even do a groomer lap. I just went straight underneath the lift, [where there’s] just, like, moguls.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NXSJJRRR7RFKZJ7G6VQCG5X5W4","content":"When Blocker went in for a checkup a couple of weeks later, his doctors were both furious and fascinated. By then, Blocker estimates, he was 95% recovered.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UWZC2LCJTVBYZHDKIKT6HPCARQ","content":"“The doctors were like, ‘We’ve never seen a recovery that fast, ever,’” Blocker said. “And the doctors were also really, really mad that I went skiing.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"IT2YSHQSZNCLDEOOSGMQBA424I","content":"Fast-forward a full year, and it was Blocker who was surprised as he exited the locker room at Snowbasin only to catch sight of a camera crew and, moments later, Moseley and Caston. When they asked if he was Tyler, Blocker went tongue-tied, completely fumbling his on-camera debut.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SHGNR5JJ2BF7TJYYERMOCUHRLE","caption":"(Warren Miller Films) Tyler Blocker,16, of Mountain Green waits to drop in at Snowbasin Resort in March 2022. Professional skiers Marcus Caston of Salt Lake City and Jonny Moseley surprised Blocker at the resort and informed him he was selected to appear in the 2022 Warren Miller film \"Daymaker.\"","subtitle":"","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/SHGNR5JJ2BF7TJYYERMOCUHRLE.jpg"},{"_id":"URFXS5IMKZEHBD2YFXT5OM6EME","content":"He made a much better impression on the mountain. On the first day, he dropped into a rarely skied line called First Finger. His father had warned him that with the spring conditions, there wasn’t a way out of it. He called it “a cliff to nowhere.” Yet, somehow, Blocker found a line, launching himself off the cliff and landing in a two-foot-wide gap before gliding out of it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"POG6GGXMDRCXFNHH6YJ2FRED3U","content":"“The first couple of days, couple of runs especially, it’s a little like feeling it out. You know, [seeing] what he can do,” said Caston, who added he had no idea what to expect from Blocker. “But then we pretty much got after it right away. And he killed it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"EH3CURIVKJC6VF6KTMOJRI6ZRA","content":"Caston, 34, also made his film debut in a Warren Miller production in his early 20s. He said it changed the course of his life.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4PFQMZFDDVFMTNKJ3LME2LQ5C4","content":"“Ten years later, it still maybe hasn’t settled in,” he said. “But it’s really cool. It’s been about a decade now that I’ve been able to travel around the world and see new places and meet new people through the opportunities that I’ve had through Warren Miller. It’s been huge in shaping who I am.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"OLTXXBD4SRAEHGC36D4EH5P5LU","content":"Blocker would like his appearance in “Daymaker” to bear similar fruit. It’s already elevated him onto Snowbasin’s roster of sponsored pro athletes, a distinction typically reserved for athletes 18 and older, and brought him a gear sponsorship with K2.","type":"text"},{"_id":"COFCSRN2IJFTTDLQ26UWT6AIII","content":"He’s aiming for something bigger, though. Call it life goal No. 1.2.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IT7FR3IIXBCXLMMWZRFK7ZEDAY","content":"“Honestly, [it’s] being in a second Warren Miller movie,” he said. “Cause I guess I just went with the plot in the first one. But if they actually chose me to be in the second one? That would be really cool.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"J7F6XZZ2RFBQPKTAOUIQFKCGGU","content":"He may just need a little time to make it happen.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FLJVWLHBFNFANH7YSPKDGE5NVM","citation":{},"content_elements":[{"_id":"MDZ7W5HQTBFT5GAX6V2ELNPRGE","type":"header"},{"_id":"Q2LCX5W6WREUPELUACKUM2NLNQ","type":"text"},{"_id":"X3SZJXRVMBAP5DIMDZ6MQARTY4","type":"text"},{"_id":"V7LPMPSPCBEFXPA3KRHGYXUSLQ","type":"text"},{"_id":"2AOYCU6CSRDDTK642JM64WA3EE","type":"text"},{"_id":"GZC4PQY3QJA6FLNYHK5NUHDPA4","type":"text"},{"_id":"RSJ74PFZAFGBHMZVJNOHJYK4AY","type":"text"}],"type":"quote"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2022-10-26T12:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"A Snowbasin teen ruptured his spleen, lost a kidney and briefly died. A year later, he was starring in a Warren Miller ski film."},"last_updated_date":"2022-12-09T20:34:05.451Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Warren Miller Films) Tyler Blocker, 16, of Mountain Green gets some air off a cliff at Snowbasin Resort. Blocker was surprised by professional skiers Johnny Moseley and Marcus Caston, of Salt Lake City, who informed Blocker he as selected to appear in the 2022 Warren Miller film \"Daymaker.\"","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/AO5PLE7YE5B2VFT5RYASKDKHWA.jpg"}},"publish_date":"2022-12-09T20:34:04.843Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Morgan High senior Tyler Blocker ruptured his spleen and lost his kidney a year before his selection for “Daymaker.” "},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"sports features","slug":"sports-featured","text":"Sports Featured"},{"description":"Tag for other recreation & outdoors stories","slug":"recreation","text":"Recreation"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2022/10/26/how-snowbasin-teen-died-came"},{"_id":"HOXGGYB5L5BRBHXBVFVTIW2V4U","canonical_url":"/sports/2022/10/03/park-city-mountain-resorts-new","content_elements":[{"_id":"CGH5HCWZJ5CVJA2VTJBYW3RLFA","content":"Dressed in a chambray button-up shirt and blue jeans and wearing a faint smile, Deirdra Walsh looks relaxed as she sits in a no-frills conference room on the second floor of a brick building in the Mountain Village of the Park City Mountain Resort. After the late-August sun finishes climbing over the ski area’s hills, it peeks through the windows, casting the resort’s new vice president and chief operating officer in a warm glow.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OE7D7JHHCFG3RCZDNN7TXYMTNI","content":"It’s the calm before the winter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QLNY4WTIJBAODJ4HQMVAOLE4WY","content":"This ski and snowboarding season, PCMR plans to put into place some of its most contentious changes since 2015 when it took over operation of The Canyons and became the largest ski area in North America. While Walsh did not initiate many of the resort’s new policies for the 2022-23 season — like charging for daily parking in the Mountain Village lots and capping the sale of walk-up lift tickets — it will be her job to usher them in.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K22E2RC77FG5RGJHHTBLHAFABE","content":"Armed with roots in the community and a history of creating consonance, Walsh believes she’s up for the challenge.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XRKCWUGWKZCW5DEYZMNW5F5TTE","content":"“I didn’t come in, certainly, to the resort unprepared for the challenges. And there have been some things that have been more surprising than others,” she said. “But certainly that doesn’t deter me.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LQPDGY3JTNC7ZOI52VQHGY3UPE","content":"“Right now, the only way is forward.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MPULBBKQRBFSPPKR5KKK6O7GNY","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) People take to the slopes of Park City Mountain Resort as clear skies and some recent fresh snow draws the crowds on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/MPULBBKQRBFSPPKR5KKK6O7GNY.jpg"},{"_id":"CWCMNUB34NFGNBPRXKVEULG3M4","content":"When she officially stepped into her new role in May after holding the same position at Northstar Ski Resort in Lake Tahoe, Calif., since 2019, Walsh waded right into the muck. Just two weeks after the 44-year-old<a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/05/10/park-city-mountain-resort//"> took the resort’s reins from Mike Goar</a>, the Park City Planning Commission voted to block PCMR from upgrading two lifts — one of which was planned to be Vail Resorts’ first eight-pack — after four Parkites raised concerns about overcrowding and the <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/news/environment/2022/07/11/secret-formula-that-ski-resorts//">equation the resort uses to determine comfortable carrying capacity</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W66EK7IRNFA5VK64S2KIYDZR7Q","content":"Walsh’s first official statements as the head of PCMR came in the form of a rebuke.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XDHCNBFB25BZDMVCJJ2323AZ6E","content":"“We are fundamentally concerned with, and confused by, the City blocking this significant investment in the guest experience at Park City Mountain,” she said in a prepared statement in June.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7JKT6IOIQREDRHT2RD32YP4QFY","content":"Vail Resorts, which counts PCMR among its 41 ski areas, has since <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.parkrecord.com/news/park-city/vail-resorts-appeals-decision-on-pcmr-lift-upgrade//">filed an appeal</a> with a Summit County district court. Meanwhile, it announced Wednesday that the <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/09/29/park-city-mountain-will-send-ski//" target=\"_blank\">lifts would be shipped to Canada</a> for installation at Whistler Blackcomb, another Vail Resorts property, next year. If Park City is granted permission to install lifts in 2023, it will have to order new ones.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LGVZ6U2F7BCAPKNOJXMFJJDYRQ","content":"The hubub over the lifts exposed a long festering rift in trust between community members and the resort.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5XPAO2ZOMJDDLBSLJ2WNGVE4NE","content":"That rift can be mended, Walsh said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RC7BCY37NZH33H6R6LN7R3WEYI","content":"“I think,” she said, “there’s an opportunity to reset right now.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NXDD6QSTB5EK7JSANS5SZ6RTEA","caption":"(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Parts for building a new Eagle lift at Park City Mountain Resort lie scattered around the resorts parking lot, Thursday, July 7, 2022. Residents last month blocked the resort from being able to install the lift because of discrepancies in resort capacities by two firms. ","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/NXDD6QSTB5EK7JSANS5SZ6RTEA.jpg"},{"_id":"JHEF42A7NRFQBJWYV2NWB6X2TM","content":"Walsh said she has received “a really warm welcome” from the Park City community. Part of that she credits to her history in the area. Originally from Missouri, she moved with her then-boyfriend, now husband, Rob, to Park City in 2004. She learned to snowboard at Park City Mountain and got her first job in the ski industry there in 2007, when she was hired in conference sales.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UPQKW2OIEVELHMIKUOU5255BUI","content":"Nudged by the support of her female superiors throughout her career — she’s one of three women currently at the helm of a Utah resort — the mother of two young children worked her way up to director and then senior director of the mountain dining division. So when Park City Mountain was combined with The Canyons in 2015, it was up to her to merge their dining operations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3QCSQFSTLFDWLJEHKFYTB7F43A","content":"“I think the actual integration of resorts was probably one of the most challenging and exciting things that I was a part of,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5RNOAHOH2VFF3LIWOSUACNWD6Q","content":"She started the conversation between the two groups by asking one question:","type":"text"},{"_id":"M43FNDPP25BJRMIAPCHQ5342XE","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Deirdra Walsh, new Vice President and COO of Park City Mountain Resort, is pictured on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022, as she takes over for Mike Goar at a pivotal time for the ski area. ","subtitle":"","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/M43FNDPP25BJRMIAPCHQ5342XE.jpg"},{"_id":"DWQFLRGCBBCGZJDTFIYQBDFHDA","content":"“What do we have in common?” she said. “And if we can start there, then I know that we can create something that feels true to us being one team.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZHGBT5PKJJDY5DGTDXIAIJZSOM","content":"Her approach to leading PCMR is similar. She said she spent most of her first months at the helm having coffee or lunch or the occasional glass of wine with elected officials and community members and other stakeholders. She used those conversations in part, she said, to find common ground.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UJYZ664XEVD6LGS7QHWDWJAH7M","content":"Hopefully it’s also solid ground, because those relationships are likely to be tested by the ticket and parking policies PCMR intends to institute this winter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GVJ4DFMJFRCTZOLKXVGMFMMK5E","content":"As part of a Vail Resorts-wide initiative, PCMR will cap online and walk-up lift ticket sales every day of the season, expanding on a pilot program last year that limited ticket sales during holidays. The hope is the cap will keep the slopes and restaurants from becoming overcrowded — which was one of the main criticisms levied against PCMR last year. Vail Resorts’ effort to bolster the workforce, and therefore the amount of terrain and services it can offer, by adding employee housing and raising the minimum wage to $20/hour should also give guests more space.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PVL3J4HEZNDJ3I2XRMHQBYX4UE","content":"However, capping daily tickets has been criticized as a tactic employed by resorts to cajole people into buying passes and committing early to visiting a specific ski area. In addition, it can be a point of frustration for locals as they look for last-minute tickets to take advantage of powder days that might otherwise be blacked out on their passes or to entertain out-of-town visitors. (PCMR has said it will allow Epic Pass holders to purchase buddy tickets even on capped days.)","type":"text"},{"_id":"6GZB4CDO3NCBPCCJISDNXKDYPE","content":"“So you can never just decide to go on a trip…,” <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://twitter.com/liftblog/status/1561743369121972224/">wrote one Twitter user</a>, responding to a post about the caps, “you have to be a super planner.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3YFSZD5EENCUBEJN4HZUCTW53A","content":"A metrics team will determine when the cap should be employed, Walsh said, using “a lot of inputs.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2ELZUMKSIFALJNQWZQPX53YDQI","content":"The ticket cap has garnered little attention, however, compared to the angst generated by the <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.parkcitymountain.com/explore-the-resort/about-the-resort/getting-here.aspx/">resort’s new parking plan</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SFPRZHBGEBENVH4MYAUTHVAPUQ","content":"From Dec. 12 to April 2, PCMR will require reservations and a $25 fee to park in its Mountain Village lots — Main, First Time and Silver King — every day between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Carpoolers with four or more people in a vehicle can park for free but still must have a reservation. Parking outside of those hours does not require a reservation and is free regardless of vehicle occupancy. Visitors can also park for free daily at The Canyons in the Cabriolet lot and on weekends and holidays at Park City High.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KNBOR7YEHBDOVA5YKIMEV7KIHE","content":"Its intent, in part, is to reduce the traffic congestion around the main village and deter people from visiting the area if they don’t have reservations, which is expected to cut down on vehicles parking in neighborhoods. It’s also a way of coaxing people to carpool or take the bus.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YZPPEBVOZBBNLNJTFSK4Q6NXXU","content":"PCMR will be the first of the three Park City resorts to charge for parking, but it’s a tool used by most of the Cottonwood Canyons resorts as well as Sundance Resort.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S6GKKTZ3GJHILDZNKG5IR23AQY","caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) People navigate a full parking lot at Park City Mountain Resort as clear skies and some recent fresh snow draws the crowds on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/S6GKKTZ3GJHILDZNKG5IR23AQY.jpg"},{"_id":"RZWTLBTBZ5GEVLMSD3RDELNNQY","content":"Some <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.parkrecord.com/news/park-city/parkites-torn-on-park-city-mountain-resorts-new-paid-parking-system//">locals have applauded the program</a> and PCMR for making an effort to curb traffic issues. To many Utah skiers and snowboarders, however, parking policy comes off as a money grab. And it hits especially hard in the wake of <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/news/2022/09/28/major-move-uta-sharply-cut-back//">Utah Transit Authority’s announcement</a> Wednesday that it will be cutting back bus service between Salt Lake City and Park City this winter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BGKKJNXRVVAWLCH7FCPIA3X4NY","content":"(Once skiers and riders get to Kimball Junction, however, they can jump on one of High Valley Transit’s buses, which will run no-fare routes to The Canyons and PCMR’s Mountain Village daily on 15-minute intervals, according to Summit County Planning Director Caroline Rodriguez.)","type":"text"},{"_id":"FADTLI35BNAVXNJ6CWFZPHA3VA","content":"“Well, since greed runs this resort, they had to make up for limiting skiiers (sic),” wrote a commenter on a Tribune story announcing the paid parking. “At 25$ (sic) a car, they will make a hefty profit they could have gotten for the skiiers they turn away. Skiing is too expensive for most locals anyway. This resort is for out of towners willing to pay.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"UV7LLEX3WVHCHFT6WER72P6PAI","content":"Walsh wants to change that perception.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q4WM4Z2UUZCN5CY4RXQ4QOMHAM","content":"Her big-picture goal is to make a resort that encompasses 7,300 acres, 43 lifts and 330 trails more intimate. Doing that will take more capital investment, though she didn’t elaborate on where that investment is most needed, and attention to detail. The end result, she said, should be a memorable, enjoyable experience for visitors, regardless of where they hail from or how much they paid for a ticket.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XKNTZYENGNF4XKTXSR6HBGJTSI","content":"“I try to think about the guest experience, and every single person that steps on a lift is a guest,” she said. “And I think all tides rise together, so a better guest experience is a better guest experience, whoever it is.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VVCOKRVVU5BOFPSGDY4HIKKN4I","content":"It’s setting up to be a harsh winter for Walsh, but she’s confident she can weather it with some good conversation … and some good wine. And maybe as soon as next summer she’ll be sitting back and basking in a warm glow — one created by a closer connection between her resort and its community.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PANEGN64KBAZXCJXVYOXGHHLQY","content":"<b>Editor’s note •</b> <i>This story is available to Salt Lake Tribune subscribers only. Thank you for supporting local journalism.</i>","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2022-10-03T12:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Park City Mountain Resort’s new COO ushers in ticket caps, paid parking in a moment of community unrest"},"last_updated_date":"2022-12-09T20:36:48.641Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Deirdra Walsh, new Vice President and COO of Park City Mountain Resort, is pictured on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022, as she takes over for Mike Goar at a pivotal time for the ski area.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/Z5QXOYXIUFGW5CKYRYKZ3L4BHE.jpg"}},"publish_date":"2022-10-03T12:00:04.544Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Deirdra Walsh believes her roots in Park City, and plenty of conversations, can lead to a “reset”."},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"sports features","slug":"sports-featured","text":"Sports Featured"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2022/10/03/park-city-mountain-resorts-new"},{"_id":"B5MNH3DL6VGZPF6OODFICV7QGI","canonical_url":"/sports/2022/09/29/park-city-mountain-will-send-ski","content_elements":[{"_id":"USTU5WILSJDKHJ4B36ZJVTMU64","content":"Park City Mountain Resort had a chance this season to become just the third resort in North America — and the first owned by Vail Resorts — to run an eight-person lift. Now that notoriety, and the lift, will go to Whistler Blackcomb.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JKMAXQSFLZB2VOK7WFSDB3AQWM","content":"PCMR expected to replace its Silverlode lift with the high-speed eight-pack and to reconfigure its Eagle and Eaglet lifts and replace them with a single high-speed six-pack this summer. That plan stalled in June, however, when the <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.parkrecord.com/news/park-city/park-city-planning-commission-rules-against-pcmr-lift-upgrades//" target=\"_blank\">Park City Planning Commission effectively voted to block </a>their installation after four Parkites raised concern about overcrowding and<a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/news/environment/2022/07/11/secret-formula-that-ski-resorts//" target=\"_blank\"> questioned the equation the resort uses to determine comfortable carrying capacity</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7EFHHAQS6JEIPAYUCN6XFFFEPM","content":"Vail Resorts <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.parkrecord.com/news/park-city/vail-resorts-appeals-decision-on-pcmr-lift-upgrade//">filed an appeal</a> in July with a Summit County district court. However, PCMR officials said it would not be possible to install the lifts before summer 2023.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6MED23OVMJE63HYEOVDYCOWBWM","content":"Rather than wait to see if PCMR would win its appeal, its parent company decided to ship the lifts to Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Canada. Vail Resorts CEO Kiersten Lynch announced the relocation of the lifts Wednesday when the company released its <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://investors.vailresorts.com/news-releases/news-release-details/vail-resorts-reports-fiscal-2022-fourth-quarter-and-full-year/" target=\"_blank\">fourth-quarter fiscal report and 2023 capital plan</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2Y66A4POBNDDRNC5BBSQXRTMT4","content":"She said the six-pack will replace the four-person high-speed Jersey Cream lift and eight-pack will replace the four-person high-speed Fitzsimmons lift. That would make it the first high-speed eight-pack lift in Canada. The lifts are expected to be installed next year, pending approvals.","type":"text"},{"_id":"73SLAMWFQZCUBN4EMNXVF73CRQ","caption":"(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Park City Mountain Resort employees move parts designated for the resort's new Eagle lift, Thursday, July 7, 2022. Residents last month blocked the resort from being able to install the lift because of discrepancies in resort capacities by two firms. ","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/73SLAMWFQZCUBN4EMNXVF73CRQ.jpg"},{"_id":"JKGM3SURWZB23HAS6P7O4RVTBA","content":"The lifts had already been delivered to PCMR and unpacked in its First Timer parking lot when the planning commission made its decision. They remained there for most of the summer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EGJEMVB3YJAEZOWGBFC76C7AKQ","content":"Deirdra Walsh, the COO and vice president of PCMR, said the resort has not abandoned its plans for the Silverlode and Eagle lifts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SSSYUUBJRJA3XOOAXYSUYMGDV4","content":"“We will continue to pursue our permit to upgrade the Silverlode and Eagle chairlifts because we are committed to investing in the guest experience at the resort,” Walsh said in a press statement. “Once we have resolved our permit with the city, we plan to procure the lifts and equipment necessary for the installation.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"UKMNSFEELFGBFLVFBT7SRYMQMA","content":"In the meantime, Walsh added, by moving the lifts to Whistler Blackcomb “they can have a positive impact on the guest experience in time for the 2023/24 season.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ULBTI7FAMVH6BJ3EBHZ7FDPYS4","content":"The Park City lifts and a lift at Keystone in Colorado that also was not installed are expected to cost $10 million, according to the report. It said Vail Resorts expects to incur an additional $20 million in expenses related to those lifts in 2023.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U3EAH4VANZEKFIKNMLVPOZYKTM","content":"Vail Resorts reported a net income of $347.9 million for fiscal year 2022, more than twice the $127.9 million it made the year prior. It attributes the difference to the impact of COVID-19 in 2021.","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2022-09-29T12:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Park City Mountain will send ski lifts caught in red tape to another resort"},"last_updated_date":"2022-12-09T20:34:46.192Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Park City Mountain Resort employees move parts designated for the resort's new Eagle lift, Thursday, July 7, 2022. Residents last month blocked the resort from being able to install the lift because of discrepancies in resort capacities by two firms. ","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/7E5A6YTZ6BGPLFGY62XIILFOT4.jpg"}},"publish_date":"2022-09-29T12:00:03.433Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"Lift intended as an upgrade to Silverlode will instead become the first eight-pack in Canada."},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"sports features","slug":"sports-featured","text":"Sports Featured"},{"description":"Tag for other recreation & outdoors stories","slug":"recreation","text":"Recreation"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2022/09/29/park-city-mountain-will-send-ski"},{"_id":"VE5XM5HPQRFSTOXHQFGLYDAUKE","canonical_url":"/sports/2022/09/18/olympic-skier-mcrae-williams","content_elements":[{"_id":"F4724VLWJRDOHDWMHRR5RGRPGM","content":"It only seems fitting that McRae Williams’ first flick with Teton Gravity Research, a titan of powder porn, is called “Magic Hour.” It will be <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://tour.tetongravity.com/event/magic-hour-slc//" target=\"_blank\">showing Monday at the Red Butte Garden Amphitheater</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CFDLHMBV7NCHXMWHI2IPPTPJ54","content":"The magic hour, sometimes known as the golden hour, is a term photographers use to describe the brief period shortly after sunrise or shortly before sunset when the world is cast in a rosy glow. It also aptly describes the aura around the <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2018/02/04/the-zen-of-mcrae-williams-park-citys-freeskiing-first-time-olympian-does-things-his-way//" target=\"_blank\">2018 Olympian from Park City</a> these days as he enters a new stage of his ski career.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BJFKAK4T5BAB3IU6ZYRKGBINII","content":"The question is, is the sun just rising or is it about to set on McRae Williams?","type":"text"},{"_id":"ON2RUAF6KBFQNAEXQZ3Z2ZYDWY","content":"Even he doesn’t know the answer, but he’s applying suntan lotion, just in case.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XFLV5EA5AVFDXDFYEJEG2RVJXM","caption":"(Tyler Ravelle | TGR) McRae Williams of Park City is making the transition from 2018 Olympian to a skier in Teton Gravity Research's latest film, \"Magic Hour,\" which will be shown at Red Butte Garden on Monday, Sept. 19, 2022. Williams is in the magic hour of his pro career, but is unsure if the sun is rising or setting on him.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/XFLV5EA5AVFDXDFYEJEG2RVJXM.jpg"},{"_id":"P2DZCIHMNJGLTFKTNQWNAH7FFE","content":"“It would be an honor to be a full-time member of the TGR fam,” he said, “but whether it be TGR or some other production company or even perhaps my own YouTube channel, there’s no doubt I’m going to continue grinding and doing what I love to do. There’s plenty of opportunity out there, and if you’re doing what you love and working hard for it everything just seems to fall into place.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"K6JZG4YUDRGQ7AZBAIQ62L5AEA","content":"At 27, Williams was already an old man in his sport when he <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=56199300&itype=CMSID\%22 target=\"_blank\">qualified to compete in slopestyle</a> at the Pyeongchang Games in 2018 — just the second time the event based on park skiing was included in the Olympics. He had no intentions, then, of trying to make the team for this year’s Winter Games in Beijing, where fellow <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2022/02/14/how-park-city-became//" target=\"_blank\">Parkites Alex Hall, Nick Goepper and Colby Stevenson all brought home medals</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3V2XIKNCOJEYJMP2NTIN2UOOUA","content":"Instead, his transition plan included fulfilling his obligations for his main sponsor, Rockstar, and continuing to film with the grassroots production company Level 1. Both options fell through.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AAUQIYFBGZC7VCDL7OBTGM62FI","content":"“That was a hard hit to take,” Williams, 31, said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZOVP6PGJFJBQTNP5YMHAJBXTYY","content":"To his credit, Williams had seen that day coming — though he didn’t think it would happen so soon — and had saved for it. For the past couple years, he’s been living on that savings while keeping his eyes open for opportunities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J6SNAPE5SZA6JIHGDE6G3SQLDQ","caption":"(Tyler Ravelle | TGR) McRae Williams of Park City is making the transition from 2018 Olympian to a skier in Teton Gravity Research's latest film, \"Magic Hour,\" which will be shown at Red Butte Garden on Monday, Sept. 19, 2022. Williams is in the magic hour of his pro career, but is unsure if the sun is rising or setting on him.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/J6SNAPE5SZA6JIHGDE6G3SQLDQ.jpg"},{"_id":"LO2LCY6OQJECPBYIPPAKWLO5GI","content":"One came in the form of an early investment in an energy drink, though a completely different kind from Rockstar. It’s a yerba mate company called Yerba Cha that, the part-owner said, “has absolutely taken off.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CAEF44OFWBAVVJEO4ARWWPD5AE","content":"He also kept skiing and filming, even if it was just for small projects. And, as it so happened, one of those projects — <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://youtu.be/QxDnyu0Ak-w/" target=\"_blank\">“Must Be Nice” with John Spriggs</a> — which had been more of a labor of love than a film intended for a general audience, got picked up by TGR.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L4RNLFDM2VAL7OAXMK7JUJTLCE","content":"“It was huge for us and resulted in an insane amount of views,” Williams said. “I think over 100,000 views on the movie, which our plan was to maybe get a couple thousand on some random YouTube channel.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GDA4DYEXZJDSFNFXPRTJECCBWM","content":"That also cracked open the door for Williams to appear in “Magic Hour.” For his segment, he was paired with two Canadian skiers — Simon Hillis, 18, and Nick McNutt, 33 — for a heliskiing expedition in British Columbia’s Valhalla Range.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YSOVFUZZQBHCJL7EZFUMRA5VRQ","content":"Just as with his Olympic career, Williams is on the older side of athletes active in the backcountry film scene — especially with young rippers like Hillis and 15-year-old Kai Owens laying down fresh tracks and tricks. But for inspiration he can turn to some of TGR’s older guard, such as <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2021/09/20/skier-kai-jones-blood-is//" target=\"_blank\">Utah’s Tim Durtschi</a>, who is 36.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2RHNWUR5KZFJFE3IXHLVTPF3SY","content":"It also helps that his current employers look at him worldly rather than geriatric, and they seem keen on putting him in future TGR films.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TN7SSFZ7HJE27C6Q6EEETVZJY4","caption":"(Tyler Ravelle | TGR) McRae Williams of Park City is making the transition from 2018 Olympian to a skier in Teton Gravity Research's latest film, \"Magic Hour,\" which will be shown at Red Butte Garden on Monday, Sept. 19, 2022. Williams is in the magic hour of his pro career, but is unsure if the sun is rising or setting on him.","type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/TN7SSFZ7HJE27C6Q6EEETVZJY4.jpg"},{"_id":"4RNHHTIKWJD5NHARAIID2MI5C4","content":"“As an Olympian and X Games gold medalist, McRae has clearly been a powerhouse in slopestyle, but as his desire and experience in backcountry skiing has grown he has been a great addition to the TGR family,” <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://www.tetongravity.com/story/ski/Jon-J-K-Klaczkiewicznamed-T-G-R-2540031/" target=\"_blank\">Jon “J.K.” Klaczkiewicz</a>, TGR’s longtime head of production, said in an email. “... I think he just scratched the surface, and we are excited to get more days in the backcountry with McRae in the future.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"XAJGXNR3I5GN7NUDF2LSOZ5YUA","content":"Does that mean the sun is actually rising on the 31-year-old former Olympian? It’s certainly looking that way. And even if this stage of his skiing career only has as much sunlight as a day in late December, he’s going to revel in every last shimmer of it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X7ZLDCXVBVH6PDXB7SBUWQGG2I","content":"“I don’t think any parent would ever tell their kid to do it my way,” he admitted. “But it’s worked out along the way, just staying driven and believing and stuff.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PANEGN64KBAZXCJXVYOXGHHLQY","content":"<b>Editor’s note •</b> <i>This story is available to Salt Lake Tribune subscribers only. Thank you for supporting local journalism.</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"B5Y4POK4BJERDEZUCNXHKVVIFI","raw_oembed":{},"type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"TYBW5VO3FBB2NAINSAUWKHLQNQ","content":"IF YOU GO","type":"header"},{"_id":"NZX4A63UHZBLJIPC2OH3L7ZQP4","content":"“Magic Hour”","type":"header"},{"_id":"XDGVKMHANJBFFHULTGUYR6WHFM","content":"<b>What:</b> Annual TGR ski film and festival","type":"text"},{"_id":"XCSH7XTZUVE3DHP666QEW7MFMU","content":"<b>When:</b> Monday, 6 p.m. (film at dusk, ~8:30 p.m.)","type":"text"},{"_id":"H7FDEBP6P5E77GEDEQNJVTTI5U","content":"<b>Where:</b> Red Butte Garden Amphitheater, 2188 Red Butte Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84108","type":"text"},{"_id":"RKAHSSDMXVFUPNLCEJ4C3P64DA","content":"<b>Tickets:</b> $25/adults, $10 children 16-under","type":"text"},{"_id":"R5FTBYBAHZBHNN255CB76RTAMM","content":"<b>Details:</b> <a href=https://www.sltrib.com/"https://tour.tetongravity.com/event/magic-hour-slc//" target=\"_blank\">https://tour.tetongravity.com/event/magic-hour-slc/</a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"VHZBFI2A3NG4JM6FJESYG55NNU","content":"<br/>","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"jjag","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/bc674ce3-2d61-4899-8d38-81e1a1f71dc1.png"},"name":"Julie Jag"}]},"display_date":"2022-09-18T12:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Olympic skier McRae Williams’ career is in its ‘Magic Hour,’ but is it the end or just the beginning?"},"last_updated_date":"2022-12-09T20:36:13.637Z","promo_items":{"basic":{"caption":"(Tyler Ravelle | TGR) McRae Williams of Park City is making the transition from 2018 Olympian to a skier in Teton Gravity Research's latest film, \"Magic Hour,\" which will be shown at Red Butte Garden on Monday, Sept. 19, 2022. Williams is in the magic hour of his pro career, but is unsure if the sun is rising or setting on him.","url":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/sltrib/JOLJG2OTS5C4FLZKWJWQOMOIW4.jpg"}},"publish_date":"2022-09-18T12:00:00.503Z","subheadlines":{"basic":"At 31, Park City slopestyle athlete is making his debut with Teton Gravity Research in a film that is showing Monday at Red Butte Garden."},"taxonomy":{"primary_section":{"_id":"/sports/ski-n-board","name":"Ski and Snowboard","parent_id":"/sports","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},"sites":[{"name":"Ski and Snowboard","path":"/sports/ski-n-board"},{"name":"Sports","path":"/sports"}],"tags":[{"description":"sports features","slug":"sports-featured","text":"Sports Featured"},{"description":"Tag for other recreation & outdoors stories","slug":"recreation","text":"Recreation"}]},"website_url":"/sports/2022/09/18/olympic-skier-mcrae-williams"}],"_id":"999c48b0e15ccedeac745f4941c293c8acc5a0ae8b040a4811439b1b67fe46e5"}" cloudflare="https://id.sltrib.com/">