SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH (June 1, 2023) – With most ski resorts now closed for winter operations after an exceptionally snowy season, Utah ski areas are thrilled to announce a record-breaking 2022-2023 winter season in snowfall and visitation. At least 12 out of 15 Utah resorts broke all-time snowfall records, and the remaining three resorts experienced their snowiest seasons since at least the 2014-2015 season. Alta Ski Area finished the season with an astounding and record-breaking 903” of snowfall. Snowbird will reopen for Father’s Day Weekend on June 17-18. While the official number of statewide skier visits* is unable to be released until the resort’s official closure, Ski Utah expects to announce a record-breaking 7.1 million skier visits for the 2022-2023 season.

“The 2022-2023 season had a fantastic start, with resorts opening earlier than originally anticipated due to an abundance of early snowfall. The snow just didn’t stop falling until May,” said Nathan Rafferty, President of Ski Utah. “We are thrilled to have been a part of this historic season of endless powder days, record-breaking snowfall and boundless fun. There is still some skiing to be had in Utah as we head into summer, and we are looking forward to enjoying warm weather activities as resorts start to open for summer operations soon.”

Utah’s skier visits for 2022-2023 will likely be up 22% over the previous record-breaking season of 5.8 million skier visits in the 2021-2022 season. This is likely due to increased operating days after an early start and late end to the season. Plus, “the skiing was just that good,” said Rafferty.

According to the National Ski Areas Association, the ski industry is a major contributor to the United States economy with over $55 billion in retail spend and over 533,000 jobs across all 50 states. In Utah, ski and snowboard visitors spent $2.54 billion throughout the 2022-2023 season, up 8% from last season’s $2.35 billion spend. The Utah ski industry contributed $256.8 million in state and local tax revenue in 2021-2022.

Additional individual records broken throughout the 2022-2023 season include:

• Utah had 44 Utah Powder Days (over 12” of snow in a 24 hour period). The yearly average is 19.
• Eagle Point had nine Powder Fridays (over 12” of snowfall from prior week’s closing).
• Alta Ski Area had 903” of snowfall, the most snowfall ever at a resort in Utah. The previous record was 748” in the 1981-1982 season. Alta saw an average of 5.1” per day throughout the season, and in March the resort saw 229” of snowfall.
• Solitude had its longest season ever at 192 days and its snowiest season ever at 816”.
• Snowbird broke its previous snowfall record of 783” (set in 2010-2011) and is currently sitting at 838”. The resort also has had 47 days with 6” of new snow or more.
• Powder Mountain recorded its highest snowpack since 1977 at 156”. The longest stretch of time without snow was a scant five days.
• Brian Head Resort was the earliest to open for the 2022-2023 season in Utah on November 4, 2022. Brian Head Resort celebrated its longest season ever and extended its season all the way to May 7th, 2023. The resort also experienced the most snow it has had in over 10 years at 448".
• Cherry Peak experienced 466” of snowfall, a 60.4% increase over its previous record of 287”.
• Deer Valley Resort experienced its longest and snowiest season on record, as well as its snowiest month on record in March with an unbelievable 160” of snow.
• Nordic Valley experienced its longest and snowiest season on record.
• Sundance Resort announced its highest base on record: 177” in April. The prior record was 129”. Sundance’s ground team shoveled an astounding 45 tons of snow from pathways and decks. This does not include parking lots.
• Park City Mountain celebrated its longest season in 30 years and extended its season all the way to May 1, 2023. The resort also experienced its snowiest season on record at 636”.
• Snowbasin had its longest season on record with an astounding 157 days of skiing. Snowbasin blew past its previous snowfall record of 475” in the 1981-82 season and ended the season with 613”. The resort received more snow this season than the previous two seasons combined.
• Brighton had its longest season ever with 196 days open to the public and an additional two employee-only ski days for a total 198 days of skiing and riding.
• Woodward Park City enjoyed its earliest opening on record, as well as its snowiest and longest season to date.

*The National Ski Areas Association defines ‘skier days’ as one person visiting a ski area for all or any part of a day or night for the purpose of skiing/snowboarding.  

A selection of photos from the 2022-2023 season can be found here. More information about the 2022-2023 season can be found here. For media information, contact Ski Utah Director of Communications Alison Palmintere at 408.406.0190 or by email at [email protected]. 

###

Ski Utah is the marketing firm owned and operated by the 15 statewide ski resorts that make up the Utah Ski and Snowboard Association. The organization has been creating brand awareness of and demand for the Utah winter sports product since its inception in 1978. Ski Utah’s primary functions are concentrated in marketing, public policy and public relations. Information about Ski Utah and its members can be found at skiutah.com. Ski Utah is committed to maintaining its Climate Neutral Certification.