Opening day at Brighton Resort in Big Cottonwood Canyon November 15, 2018
BRIGHTON — Two Utah resorts opened for the first day of the 2018/2019 ski season Thursday.
Wesley describes how anxious skiers and boarders feel about opening day at Brighton.
“Stoke level is through the roof.”
He typically rides Brighton each year, and always makes a point to hit opening day. He doesn’t care that only two lifts are open and the bulk of the snow is man-made.
“Any day on the snow is a good day,” Wesley says.
Debra was in line at 8:45 a.m. to be among the first group heading up the Majestic lift at Brighton. She says day one has been perfect.
“Not very crowded, sunny, warm, beautiful snow. Everybody’s happy, getting along, eating donuts at the bottom of the lift,” she explains.
There were a few complaints of long lines at the Sports Desk to pick up season passes, but most people say they expected it on opening day.
Everyone is also trying to put the bummer that was last winter behind them, and are staying optimistic about this season’s snowfall.
Precipitation ranks from the NOAA show most of the western United States is experiencing below average rainfall and snowfall.
While other Utah resorts expect to open soon, there is a cause for concern based on the drought levels and lower-than-expected snowpack levels across the country. Earlier this year, Governor Gary Herbert issued a state of emergency due to the depleted water levels and below average precipitation levels.
