Snow is already falling in Little Cottonwood Canyon, coating the slopes that serve Alta Ski Area and the surrounding winter‑sport community. Communications manager Lexi Dowdall says three storms are on the way, each capable of delivering up to a foot of fresh powder.
Storms set to deliver fresh powder
“Something’s going to roll in tonight, Friday, and run through Saturday, maybe Sunday early AM. We might see a foot out of that, and then we’ll see something roll in midweek. So, we got three storms on deck that might each deliver, we’re hoping, up to a foot of snow,” Dowdall explained.
She added that the storms are expected to be dry, with no rain, which is ideal for ski conditions. “We don’t anticipate any rain with these next three storms which are just going to be awesome in terms of crossing us over the finish line to opening day,” she said.
Local businesses feel the relief
Last winter proved challenging for the canyon’s economy. “Our typical annual snowfall is about 543 inches, we saw 321 last year,” Dowdall noted, underscoring how the upcoming snow will help the area return to its usual vigor.
Owners of local shops echo that optimism. Zac Larsen, owner of Lifthouse Ski Shop, said the increased snowfall is already boosting traffic. “Last year was really tough, traffic was down, tourism was down, it was a really tough winter,” he recalled. “Obviously we’re all very optimistic in hoping that this Super El Niño really comes through like they’re saying and we’re staying optimistic.”
He added that sales are already improving compared with the previous season. “It’s picking up, I mean definitely compared to last year sales are a lot better. We’re definitely seeing an increase in traffic coming through the door,” Larsen said.
Reece Titus, head boot fitter at Lone Pine Gear Exchange, felt the same excitement. “I think you can feel the stoke in the shop, I think people are getting really excited to come out. Definitely the past week or so we’ve seen an uptick in traffic, I think people are seeing these storms and are getting excited,” he said.
Alta plans to open soon
Alta Ski Area is slated to open its doors on November 20, a date that now looks more promising thanks to the incoming snow. The resort’s management believes the fresh powder will provide a strong start to the season, drawing families and ski enthusiasts back to the mountains.
For local families, the early opening means a chance to enjoy quality time together on the slopes, reinforcing the traditional family values that anchor the community. Parents can look forward to safe, snow‑filled days that support healthy recreation and strengthen neighborhood bonds.
Overall, the weather outlook signals a positive turn for the winter economy of Little Cottonwood Canyon. With three storms poised to deliver ample snowfall, ski resorts, gear shops, and the broader community are set to welcome a bustling season that benefits both businesses and families alike.
Original reporting: FOX 13 KSTU (Salt Lake County) — read the source article.
