Snowmaking guns blaze as Park City ski resorts prepare for opening day

Photo: Park City Mountain // Jack Loosmann

PARK CITY, Utah — Snowmaking operations officially kicked off at Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort today, marking the beginning of preparations for the 2024/25 winter season.

At Park City Mountain, crews have begun making snow at both the Canyons Village and Mountain Village base areas, aiming for the resort’s planned opening day on Friday, Nov. 22.

The start of snowmaking is a key milestone each year. The process is heavily dependent on weather conditions, including low temperatures and humidity levels.

Deer Valley also kicked off snowmaking efforts today, joining the push to prepare for the upcoming winter.

Known for its meticulously groomed runs and exclusive skier-only terrain, Deer Valley relies on early snowmaking to maintain its reputation for top-tier conditions. With colder temperatures arriving, the resort’s snowmaking teams are working steadily to cover key areas and ensure smooth operations ahead of opening day, which is targeted for Dec. 7.

Utah Ski Resorts Projected opening day:

• Brian Head Resort: November 8, 2024*
• Park City: November 22, 2024*
• Alta Ski Area: November 22, 2024* (could be the 23rd)
• Snowbasin: November 26, 2024*
• Snowbird: November 26, 2024
• Brighton Resort: November 29, 2024
• Solitude: November 15, 2024
• Sundance: December 02, 2024*
• Deer Valley Resort: December 7, 2024*
• Powder Mountain: December 11, 2024
• Beaver Mountain: December 13, 2024
• Nordic Valley Resort: December 13, 2024
• Eagle Point: December 20, 2024

Important note: Not all dates listed here are official and final. Confirmed projected opening dates are marked with a star.