Photo courtesy Ski Utah

I woke up to new snow Tuesday. The biggest dump so far in Utah. Ski Utah called it their signature “Monster Dump” in Little Cottonwood Canyon during their annual ski press conference. The irony is that in every single past year, I was skiing instead of attending the conference. This year no one’s open yet.

After last ski season’s lackluster year – 41 percent of average according to Ski Utah- the resorts aren’t in any hurry to open. Last season showed the second lowest snow totals in 24 years. Sigh. Poo poo global warming all you want but something’s going on. There were 324 inches of snow at Alta; a far cry from the average 551 inches. That said, Alta still had the most total snowfall of any other resort in North America. Neeners! Even when it’s not our best, it’s better than most.

The guests kept coming too. We had nearly four million visits- only down 5 percent from the year before. Also, take a moment to appreciate that figure. That’s a lot of tourism dollars showering this state. Skiing is still big business regardless of weather. Back in 1976/77, we had about the same snow totals but the skier visits were off 53 percent! You can thank snowmaking for saving the ski industry. Though bookings are seriously off at the moment, Ski Utah is remaining positive. “If you’re not an optimist in the ski industry,” said Ski Utah President Nathan Rafferty, “You’re not going to be in the industry very long.”

Most people who did come out last winter weren’t turned off by 45 degree weather and blue sky. They were in the mountains on vacation. They shopped, ate, ziplined, spa’d and had fun with their families. Ever since those snowmaking The resorts have accepted that winter isn’t always all about the snow. How can it be any worse? Just look at what happened in the Sierras with resorts super early or not opening at all.

The good news is that statistically speaking we are destined for a better season. Everyone’s going to want to experience North America’s largest ski area, right? Or pee in a luxurious bathroom on top of Hidden Peak (personally I’m hoping for a view but others might want more privacy); or ride a high-speed quad to Honeycomb Bowl at Solitude. And anyone with kids under 10 should flock to Brighton for their 80^th Anniversary. They ski free this season.

The countdown to opening is on. After a clear weekend, more snow is expected in the West next Monday and Tuesday with a stronger storm on its heels by late next week.

Northern Utah and other areas to the north are still below normal so careful out there is you choose to make backcountry turns. Remember- even skiing on resort slopes right now is considered backcountry. The extremely low snowpack may be just barely covering deadly rocks; use caution. No need to rip out your hamstring on a boulder before you ever get to use your pass. Once the resorts open, stick to the groomers until we’ve got a decent base. Tree stumps and logs are your worst nightmare.

Here are the (dare I say “tentative”?) opening dates for Utah’s 14 resorts:

Insert courtesy Ski Utah

Broadening its winter sport program offerings, Utah Olympic Park has created the Park City Ski Mountaineering Team. The inaugural Park City ski mountaineering program begins December 3 and registration is available online.

The Wasatch region hosted its first ski mountaineering races in 2003, and to date, is the only North American region that has hosted World Cup races sanctioned by the International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF). Utah currently hosts more than 20 ski mountaineering races including venues in Park City, Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Logan. Working closely with the IOC, leaders of the ISMF aim to have ski mountaineering included as an Olympic sport by 2022.

A timed racing event, ski mountaineering, or “SkiMo,” follows an established trail where the skier negotiates diverse alpine terrain while passing a series of check points. Ski mountaineering is a multi-sport discipline, combining the endurance of a Nordic skier, mountain biker or runner with the skill and strength of an alpine skier.

Founded by Nina Silitch, who has been competing at the World Cup level for more than eight years, the Park City Ski Mountaineering Team provides an opportunity for skiers to practice ski mountaineering skills and compete in the Wasatch region, while fostering a passion for the sport. The curriculum includes skill-specific development including uphill, downhill and technical travel on snow; sport-specific fitness development and sport education that focuses on nutrition, mental training for competition and year-long training plans. The team is open to participants ages 14 and up with an intermediate to advanced ski background. There will be a strong focus on the development and recruitment of junior athletes from ages 14 to 21.

Alta Lodge is celebrating 75 years as Utah’s first ski lodge. Use one of the killer adventure packages below to come see why skiing and staying in Alta rocks.  Whether you’re looking to improve your skiing or find friends for life you can’t go wrong.

These immersion programs are for skiers (not snowboarders, sorry) who want a multi-day ski experience. Instructors from Alta Ski School or guides from Utah Mountain Adventures spend the day with participants in the mountains and then join them for après ski and dinner. Lodging, breakfasts and full dinners are included in the ski adventure rates, all of which listed below are per person, and taxes and the Lodge service charge are also included in these rates.

• Alta Performance Ski Camp l December 6-10/February 21-25 /April 2-6

This ski camp is for advanced to expert skiers who want to take their skiing experience at Alta and Snowbird to a new level. The camp takes a progressive approach to coaching skiers off the hill as well as instructing them in dry land training for better skiing fitness. Rates include four nights lodging, full breakfast and dinner daily, three days ski coaching, dry land training sessions, three days of lift tickets, demo skis, and boots if desired. Rates: Dec.: $2,095 double, $2,405 single; Feb.:$2,379 double, $2,972 single; Apr.: $2,227 double, $2,669 single.

• Powder Tracks Ski Camp l January 9-14

This unique ski program makes it easier, faster and more fun to learn to ski Alta’s famous powder snow. Powder Tracks makes it possible for intermediate and advanced skiers to move to the next level of expertise in the shortest time possible. Includes five nights lodging, full breakfast and dinner daily, four days of instruction, four days of lift tickets, demo skis, and boots if desired. Rates: $3,162 double, $3,929 single.

• Women’s Ski Camps for Intermediate to Advanced Skiers l January 21-25/March 6-10

Just for women, these camps bring together the best of the Alf Engen Ski School’s instructors for three days of instruction in a fun environment where skiers can challenge themselves, improve their technique and meet some new ski buddies. Includes four nights lodging, full breakfast and dinner daily,three days of instruction, three days of lift tickets, demo skis, and boots if desired. Rates: Jan.: $2,541 double, $3,186 single; Mar.: $2,489 double, $3,082 single.

• Women’s Ski Camp for Advanced to Expert Skiers l February 7-11

Alta Lodge’s advanced to expert women’s ski camp is designed for the off-trail skier who is looking for a challenge. This program will teach the techniques to ski steeper lines confidently in all conditions. Includes four nights lodging, full breakfast and dinner daily, three days of instruction, three days of lift tickets, three days of demo skis, and boots if desired. Rate: $2,437 double, $3,030 single.

www.altalodge.com | (800) 707-2582.

There are only a handful of ‘givens’ when it comes to skiing in the Wasatch. It used to be the snow. Nope, not anymore. A lineup of traffic as far as the eye can see on powder days in Little Cottonwood Canyon? Yep. That’s one. A massive crowd at the top of Rustler on the ‘first’ closing weekend of Alta? Yep, that’s another. Epic food at Snowbasin. Check. But the absolute one thing guests and TV celebs can count on when they ski Park City is Deer Valley’s opening- the first weekend in December.

The 24th annual Deer Valley Celebrity Skifest launches the resort’s ski season Saturday, December 5, with the number of runs open subject to snowmaking. We’re in the middle of November so there’s not much natural snow to speak of. All of that can change in an instant, however, but traditionally DV has relied heavily on manmade to keep guests happy at that time.

Fortunately, there’s the perfectly planned Invitational hijinks when the skiing isn’t all that. The race on Saturday pairs former Olympic ski legends like Steve Mahre, Phil Mahre, and Tommy Moe with corporate sponsors and television personalities for a team challenge race. The Sunday SkiFest Celeb Race at noon is one not to be missed as actors like Cheryl Hines, Rachel Harris, Mark Feuerstein, Rob Morrow, Maria Bello and Alicia Silverstone go head-to-head on the Bird’s Eye run.

https://youtu.be/ht8DdS4IflE

“What better way to [welcome guests] than with an exciting, crowd-pleasing event?” said Bob Wheaton, Deer Valley Resort president and general manager. “This long-standing tradition also affords us the opportunity to rally behind a valuable global cause. We are proud of our connection with Waterkeeper Alliance and the changes they create.” Waterkeeper helps defend communities against anyone who threatens their right to clean water—from law-breaking polluters to unresponsive government agencies.

The races are free to the public and can be viewed from the Silver Lake area at mid-mountain. You don’t even need a lift ticket; just walk out to the snow from Silver Lake Lodge. Hang out near the entrance to the VIP tent for your best chance at selfies with the celebs. All proceeds from the evening events and the corporate race benefit the Waterkeeper Alliance. Skifest helped raise more than $5 million over the past 9 years. Watch the fun on TV if you can’t make it to Park City. The weekend’s races will be broadcast the following Sunday, December 13, 5 p.m. EST. But don’t expect to see ABC Blood and Oil’s Don Johnson or Chace Crawford competing. This is a CBS sponsored event.