FROM THE FIELD: Park City Mountain Ski Patrol Director talks impact of 50-inch storm

Andy VanHouten, Ski Patrol Director at Park City Mountain Photo: TownLift

I would ask that everybody just be a little patient. Take your time, respect our closures. That's the big thing.

PARK CITY, Utah — In the last 7 days 50″+ of snow has fallen at Park City Mountain (PCM). TownLift spoke with PCM Ski Patrol Director Andy VanHouten about the operational impacts of the storm and what skiers and riders can do to help patrol get the mountain open.

VanHouten said the ski patrol team is working diligently and safely to open the terrain as quickly as possible. VanHouten urges visitors to exercise patience and adhere to all closures and rope lines. He says the recent heavy snowfall has created an unstable upside down snowpack, making compliance with these safety measures critical.

Furthermore, the forecast predicts an additional 8 to 16 inches of snow in the next 12 to 24 hours, which may result in more delays tomorrow. The ski patrol team is committed to opening as much terrain as they can, as swiftly as safety allows.

VanHouten expresses gratitude for the public’s patience and understanding during this time and encourages everyone to stay safe and enjoy their day at the resort.

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As of 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 14 Park City Mountain is reporting 34 out of 41 lifts open and and 248 out of 346 runs as open. Powder Mountain, Snowbird and Alta ski resorts were unable to open today.

The Utah Avalanche Center (UAC) has issued an extreme avalanche danger warning today saying “DEADLY AND DANGEROUS AVALANCHE CONDITIONS EXIST ON ALL ASPECTS AND ELEVATIONS. NATURAL AND HUMAN-TRIGGERED AVALANCHES ARE CERTAIN. AVOID ALL AVALANCHE TERRAIN.”