More Utah Ski Resorts Set To Open This Week

Solitude and Brighton opened for skiing last week and more resorts are scheduled to open during the next few weeks. Here are the scheduled dates:

Nov 18 - Alta
Nov 19 - Park City, Snowbird, Brian Head
Nov 24 - Snow Basin, Powder Mountain
Nov 25 - Canyons
Dec 3 - Deer Valley
Dec 9 - Sundance

Other Utah resorts have not yet announced firm opening dates.

A big storm is expected this weekend and it should greatly improve ski conditions.

We've also had a deadly reminder that avalanche season is starting in our mountains. Yesterday a professional skier triggered an avalanche and was swept over a cliff. He died at the scene. USA Today has this report about the incident.

The accident occurred at Snowbird. That resort was not yet open for skiing and had not started avalanche control work. Officials warn outdoor enthusiasts to use extreme caution when skiing, snowmobiling and engaging in other sports in areas not subject to avalanche control.

During the ski season, the developed ski resorts do routine avalanche control and seldom have slides. Avalanche control work is also routine above highways and other areas people frequent.

People skiing "out of bounds" from the resorts, and those going into the backcountry need to understand avalanche safety and carry emergency equipment.

See the Utah Avalanche Center website for current information on danger levels, and also for safety tips.