When Do Utah Ski Resorts Open for the Season?

Planning your first ski trip of the season requires knowing exactly when the lifts start spinning. Utah ski resorts typically begin opening in mid-to-late November, but official dates depend entirely on early-season snowfall and snowmaking conditions. This guide provides the most reliable sources to track confirmed and projected opening dates for resorts across Utah, including those in Little Cottonwood Canyon and Big Cottonwood Canyon.

We'll show you exactly where to find live data from resort-owned webcams, official announcements from pass providers like Ikon and Epic, and expert weather forecasts. Use these actionable, local tips to stay ahead of the curve and be ready for the first chair.

How to Find Utah Ski Resort Opening Dates

1. Wasatch Roads — Live Canyon Cameras (Alta & Snowbird)

For real-time visual confirmation of conditions at Alta and Snowbird, the live camera feeds on Wasatch Roads are essential. While it doesn't list official dates, this tool shows you the actual snow depth on the ground, snowmaking progress, and road conditions in Little Cottonwood Canyon. It’s the best way to verify if the mountain looks ready to open.

This platform pulls live data from UDOT, the Utah Avalanche Center, and the resorts themselves into one dashboard. Use the snow stake cams to see current base depth and the road cams to check traffic on SR-210 before you go. The unique weather patterns at Snowbird make these live visuals invaluable for planning.

Local Tip: Before heading up on a powder day, check the SR-210 road cameras around 7 AM. If traffic is already backing up, you can make an informed decision to wait or try another time.

Website: [https://wasatchroads.com/little-cottonwood-canyon/cameras](https://wasatchroads.com/little-cottonwood-canyon/cameras

2. Ski Utah (Official Statewide Source)

Ski Utah is the official marketing association for the state's ski industry and serves as the most authoritative central hub for resort information. Their "Utah Ski Resort Opening & Closing Dates" page is the first place to look for a comprehensive list of announced dates from all 15 Utah resorts.

Because Ski Utah gets its information directly from the resorts, it's the most reliable one-stop-shop for comparing opening schedules across the state. Use their master list to track which mountains are opening first and then click through to the individual resort pages for more details on what to expect.

Website: https://www.skiutah.com

3. OnTheSnow (Projected Dates)

OnTheSnow provides a constantly updated list of projected and confirmed opening dates for Utah ski resorts. It’s particularly useful in the early season when resorts have target dates that may shift based on weather. The platform combines these projections with snow reports and user reviews, making it a great tool for preliminary trip planning.

Use this site to get an early idea of when resorts are aiming to open. As the date gets closer, always cross-reference with the official resort website for final confirmation. You can also supplement its snow reports with a more detailed Wasatch Snow Forecast for a deeper analysis.

Website: https://www.onthesnow.com/utah/projected-openings

4. Ikon Pass Website (Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude, Deer Valley, Snowbasin)

For Ikon Pass holders, the official website is the definitive source for opening dates at its six Utah partner resorts. The "Opening & Closing Dates" hub centralizes official announcements from Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude, Deer Valley, and Snowbasin. It’s the most reliable place to find this information if you have an Ikon Pass.

Local Tip: Check the individual resort pages on the Ikon site for any early-season reservation requirements or pass-specific restrictions that might be in place for opening day.

Website: https://www.ikonpass.com/opening-closing-dates

5. Park City Mountain Website (Epic Pass)

As Utah's only Epic Pass resort, Park City Mountain's official website is the direct source for its opening date. All announcements, lift ticket sales, and Epic Pass details originate here. For anyone planning to ski at Park City, this is the most reliable place to confirm the start of the season.

The site prominently displays the confirmed opening day as soon as it's announced. It’s also where you can find the most accurate information on lift ticket pricing and any blackout dates that apply to Epic Pass products.

Website: https://www.parkcitymountain.com

6. Alta Ski Area Website (Official)

For those heading to the legendary slopes of Alta, the official resort website provides the most specific details for opening day. Beyond just the date, Alta.com announces which lifts will be running, what terrain will be open, and crucial information about parking reservations and canyon road requirements.

Look for a dedicated "Opening Day" blog post or announcement as the season approaches. This will be your guide to navigating the logistics of skiing Alta on the first day. For a deeper look at snow conditions, you can also check out this detailed Alta snow report.

Website: https://www.alta.com

7. OpenSnow (Weather Forecasts)

OpenSnow provides expert weather context that helps you understand why resorts are opening on certain dates. While it doesn't list official dates, its detailed snow forecasts by local meteorologists predict major storms that allow resorts to build a base and open. It’s the best tool for anticipating whether a resort will meet its projected opening date.

Local Tip: Use OpenSnow's 10-day forecast (paid subscription required) to see if a storm cycle lines up with a resort's target opening. This can give you confidence that the date will stick or even be moved up.

Website: https://opensnow.com

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which Utah ski resort opens first? Historically, Brighton and Solitude in Big Cottonwood Canyon often compete to be the first to open, typically in mid-November. However, this can change each year depending on which resort receives the best early-season snow and has the most effective snowmaking system.

2. When can you typically start skiing in Utah? You can typically start skiing in Utah around the third week of November. Most major resorts, including Park City, Snowbird, and Alta, target the Thanksgiving holiday weekend for their opening, weather permitting.

3. How can I track snow conditions before opening day? The best way to track live snow conditions is by using resort webcams. The Little Cottonwood Canyon cameras page on Wasatch Roads is an excellent resource that aggregates feeds from Alta and Snowbird, showing real-time snow depth and coverage. You can also use forecasting sites like OpenSnow for storm predictions.