Wasatch Back ski resorts are preparing to welcome a new winter season, with several Utah areas scheduled to open in late November or early December. Following a 2025-2026 season marked by historically low snowpack and warm temperatures, officials are anticipating a different outlook for the upcoming winter.
Optimism for Snowfall
Ski Utah CEO Nathan Rafferty said at an annual pre-season news conference in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, that there is a 98.6% chance snowfall will be higher this season. Rafferty cited calculations from Open Snow forecaster Evan Thayer to support the prediction and noted a significant sense of pent-up demand from Utahns ready to return to the slopes.
"I don't know that I've felt as much pent-up demand for skiing as we have this season," Rafferty said, adding that the previous year did not meet the expectations of Utah residents.
Opening Dates and Snowmaking
Park City Mountain is scheduled to open on Nov. 20, while Deer Valley Resort's opening is set for Dec. 5, conditions permitting. Both resorts began using snow guns for the first time on Nov. 2.
Park City Mountain senior communications manager John Kanaly said the resort's state-of-the-art snowmaking system allows the team to open significant terrain even without natural snowfall, provided temperatures remain low enough.
Resort Expansions
Deer Valley Resort is introducing several expansions this season, including the Hail Peak Express, which will provide access to seven new runs. The expansion increases the resort's coverage to 32 lifts and 4,500 skiable acres.
Deer Valley Senior Tour and Travel Manager Marilyn Stinson said the resort is looking forward to showcasing the Deer Valley East Village following the addition of 200 new acres this year.
Infrastructure and Events
Park City Mountain is also introducing the new Canyons Village Skyway Gondola and a new Canyons Village parking garage. Additionally, High Valley Transit's Bobsled Express is expected to begin initial phases of operation this winter, with full completion projected for 2028.
In January, the region will host major international sporting events. Deer Valley is scheduled to host the return of the Freestyle World Cup, which moved to New York and New Hampshire last year due to lack of snow. Park City Mountain will host Olympic snowboarder Shaun White’s Snow League competition for the first time.
Community Resilience
The upcoming season follows a challenging period for the Park City area, which faced record-low snowfall, labor strikes, and the loss of the Sundance Film Festival. Jennifer Wesselhoff, president and CEO of the Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, said the community is focusing on resilience by investing in the future and diversifying experiences beyond the slopes.
Recent local developments include Michelin recognition for three local restaurants and the inaugural Park City Film Festival held in October. The Chamber is also working with Wheel the World to help travelers with disabilities plan visits to the area.
Winter Marketing Efforts
Marketing efforts for the winter season are currently active in key national markets through March. Local tourism officials continue to promote a variety of mountain and off-mountain experiences to maintain visitor interest regardless of weather conditions.
