After nearly two weeks of delays, Park City Mountain has finally announced its official opening date for the 2025–26 skiing and snowboarding season. The resort revealed Monday that it will begin operations from both of its base areas this Friday, following a fresh 4-inch snowfall on the mountain.
This marks a major step forward for a Utah ski season that has been unusually slow to launch due to minimal natural snowfall and temperatures too warm for snowmaking.
More Utah Ski Resorts Expected to Open After Incoming Storm
With another round of snow in the forecast — including what could be the first true powder day of the season — additional resorts are preparing to start spinning their lifts.
Resorts Preparing to Launch Operations
- Brighton Resort will open its Explorer and Majestic lifts on Tuesday.
- Snowbasin Resort stated on social media that it plans to open this weekend, with a formal announcement expected Wednesday.
- Alta Ski Area, mirroring Park City Mountain, is also targeting Friday as its probable opening day.
The recent storm cycle may finally push several Utah resorts into action after weeks of stalled operations.
A Delayed Start to Utah’s 2025–26 Ski and Snowboard Season
This year’s ski season has lagged behind schedule. While Colorado’s first resorts opened nearly a month earlier, Utah struggled with insufficient snow cover and persistent warm spells, leaving most ski areas unable to operate.
Thanksgiving Weekend: Only Two Utah Resorts Were Open
- Brian Head Resort, near Cedar City, opened on Nov. 21.
- Solitude Mountain Resort welcomed skiers and riders on Thanksgiving Day.
Snowbird, originally scheduled for a Thanksgiving opening, postponed its launch until “the first week of December, conditions permitting.” Meanwhile, skiers at Deer Valley Resort continue waiting to explore the resort’s massive 2,300-acre expansion, which saw its debut pushed back indefinitely.
Forecast Calls for Significant Snowfall — But With a Caveat
Weather models from OpenSnow.com show promising accumulation totals for several Utah resorts. Both Snowbird and Snowbasin could see up to 10 inches of snow by Friday, with additional snowfall possible Saturday. Resorts including Alta, Brighton, and Solitude may experience double-digit totals as well.
However, Utah OpenSnow forecaster Evan Thayer cautions that the incoming storm could shift. A ridge of high pressure may redirect the heaviest snowfall north of the Wasatch Mountains, potentially limiting totals. Still, if the storm stays on track, it could “go a long way to getting more terrain open,” Thayer noted.
Park City Mountain to Debut Utah’s Only 10-Person Gondola
Alongside its season opening, Park City Mountain will unveil the highly anticipated Sunrise Gondola, the only 10-passenger gondola in Utah. This new lift will transport guests from Canyons Village to the upper mountain, connecting directly to the lifts and the redesigned beginner terrain near Red Pine Lodge.
Grand Opening Celebration
- Time: 8:30 a.m. Friday
- Location: Bottom terminal near Pendry Park City
- Special Giveaway: The first 250 guests in line will receive a commemorative opening-day pin.
This addition is expected to significantly improve access and enhance the early-season experience.
Utah’s ski season is finally moving forward after a slow and warm start. With Park City Mountain, Brighton, Alta, and Snowbasin gearing up for openings — and a major storm system bringing hope for widespread terrain expansion — winter sports enthusiasts may soon enjoy the conditions they’ve been waiting for. The introduction of Park City’s Sunrise Gondola further elevates the excitement, marking a major upgrade just as the season begins to take shape.
