The Utah Office of Tourism is celebrating the Greatest Snow on Earth® with officials calling the 2022-23 season snowfall thus far the best in decades. According to OpenSnow, three of Utah’s premier ski destinations: Alta, Brighton, and Snowbird hold the top three spots for snowiest ski areas in North America this year, with Solitude spending most of the season in fourth place. As of Jan. 18, Alta is just 13 inches off the mark of its all-time Oct-Jan record of 442 inches, which was set in the 1981-82 season.
“We’re so excited that the snow continues to fall, and we’re enjoying every moment of this season,” said Ski Utah President and CEO Nathan Rafferty. “We can’t predict the weather, but every year in Utah is better than most everywhere else snow-wise, and this year is no exception. Every resort in the state is offering a world-class experience.”
From a great mountain experience to increased snowpack, the snowfall has positively impacted the entire state. OpenSnow reports that every major basin currently has a snowpack exceeding 150% of the seasonal median peak, with most basins at over 200%.
“It’s safe to say it’s the best first half of a season we’ve had in 40 years,” says OpenSnow Forecaster and winter weather expert Evan Thayer. “This year our statewide mean snowpack is at 92% of the seasonal median peak, meaning we’ve already nearly seen an entire season’s worth of snow in the first half.”
Winter is a beloved time of the year for Utah residents and visitors. When the snow falls, Utah comes to life offering world-class terrain, unparalleled accessibility, and vibrant cultural experiences. All 15 of Utah’s premier ski resorts are open for the 2022-23 ski season.
