Snowbird Ski Resort has enjoyed another banner year
for snowfall. Photo: Eric Wagnon
Following a 15-inch storm over the weekend, Utah's Snowbird Ski Resort surpassed the season-to-date snowfall total of 600 inches for the second straight year. Crossing the mark on Saturday, April 25, 2009, puts this season a full month ahead of last year's pace when the 600-inch total was passed on May 26, 2008.
The Little Cottonwood Canyon resort averages 500 inches a season. Dating back to 1980, the biggest season on record was 1983-84 with a total of 688 inches, according to Jared Ishkanian, Snowbird public relations director.
Snowbird is the only resort in Utah still open for spring skiing and snowboarding. With a total snowfall of 612 inches and a mid-mountain base of 137 inches, there should be ample snow to ride on through Memorial Day. Snowbird generally stays open much later than other Utah resorts thanks to its primarily north-facing exposure and high altitude. Snowbird's lift-served terrain tops out at 11,000 feet.
“The mountain is remarkably still in mid-winter form,” said Snowbird President Bob Bonar. “This season we experienced the resort’s second-earliest opening ever, and we are excited to push the season through May and possibly beyond thanks to all this March and April snowfall.”
April snowfall already totals more than double the average
Snowbird has received more than 100 inches in five out of the last sixth months, a feat that has only occurred four times in the last 60 years. April alone has deposited 132 inches, more than double the monthly average of 65 inches. The National Weather Service forecast predicts highs in the 40s and several chances for more snow during the coming week.
Powder day at Snowbird from earlier this season
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