Skiers and snowboarders in the American West are facing a test of patience this month. Park City Mountain, a cornerstone of Utah’s winter sports scene, has officially postponed its Opening Day following a stretch of unseasonably warm weather and a lack of early-season accumulation. Originally slated to begin turning lifts on November 21, the resort has yet to confirm a new target date, leaving the start of the season in limbo as operations teams wait for Mother Nature to cooperate.
Delays in the Beehive State
Park City Mountain is not alone in this holding pattern. Other major Utah destinations, including Deer Valley and Solitude, have also been forced to scrub their scheduled openings. In a statement released on social media, resort officials acknowledged the frustration felt by the local community. While the team is eager to get back on the mountain, they have “hit the pause button” to ensure adequate coverage. Snowmaking crews remain on standby, ready to deploy the moment temperatures drop enough to sustain a solid base.
Unfortunately, November has seen high temperatures persist across the region, making snowmaking sporadic at best. Ideally, wet-bulb temperatures need to dip below 28ºF for efficient snow gun operation. While overnight lows have occasionally touched the low-20s, the windows of opportunity have been too brief to build the necessary base layer. Forecasts suggest that the wait will continue, with incoming storm systems expected to bring rain rather than snow to lower elevations in the coming days.
A Stark Contrast in Europe and the East
While Utah waits for winter to arrive, other regions are already deep in powder. In a reversal of typical weather patterns, the US East Coast is seeing substantial early snowfall. Resorts like Killington in Vermont and Sunday River in Maine successfully opened on schedule, capitalizing on a cold snap that has eluded the Rockies.
Across the Atlantic, the situation is even more promising. In the French Alps, specifically within the Savoie and Haute-Savoie regions, snow conditions are becoming optimal for the 2025-2026 season. High-altitude domains such as Val Thorens and Tignes in Savoie officially opened their slopes on November 22. The momentum is set to continue this weekend, with Avoriaz and the Balme massif in La Clusaz scheduling pre-openings for November 29 and 30. Provided snow levels remain sufficient, a cascade of resort openings is expected throughout December across the French Alps.
Planning Ahead: The Backcountry Alternative
With lift-served skiing currently hit-or-miss depending on your geography, many winter enthusiasts are turning their attention to the backcountry. Venturing outside resort boundaries offers a unique way to explore new terrain, but it adds significant layers of logistics and risk management. Whether you are eyeing a local day trip or an international expedition to a cat-skiing lodge, proper planning is non-negotiable.
Do Your Homework
The foundation of any successful backcountry trip is thorough research. Before packing the car, you need to assess the available information for your intended destination. Are there trip reports from other skiers? Can you locate GPX files for your desired routes? Crucially, does the area have a local avalanche center? Relying on external beta is helpful, but you must also honestly assess whether your personal skills can fill in any knowledge gaps if information is scarce. Furthermore, determine if your objective involves day tours from a town or a more immersive experience like winter camping or staying in a remote yurt.
Logistics and Travel
Booking travel involves more than just securing a flight. If your itinerary involves a backcountry hut or yurt, be aware that reservations are often snapped up months in advance. For those driving to a trailhead, verify parking regulations—specifically, whether overnight parking is permitted for multi-day excursions. If you plan to hire a guide, vet them carefully. Read reviews and ensure the outfitters possess the necessary certifications and local experience.
Monitoring Conditions
As your departure date approaches, shift your focus to the snowpack. You should be checking local weather forecasts and avalanche reports with increasing frequency in the weeks leading up to the trip. Even if you are familiar with the snowpack in your home range, moving just one forecast zone away can present entirely different stability issues. Upon arrival, digging snow pits to analyze the layers is a critical step before committing to avalanche terrain.
Gear and Mapping
Standard backcountry gear—beacon, shovel, probe, and touring setup—is mandatory, but specific trips may require specialized equipment. Consider whether you will need a satellite communication device if you are heading out of cell service range, or if ski crampons are necessary for icy ascents. Simultaneously, familiarize yourself with the terrain using 3D mapping tools like OnX Backcountry or Gaia GPS. conducting “recon tours” on digital maps can help you identify potential lines and hazards before you ever step foot on the snow.
Physical Preparation
Backcountry touring is physically demanding, and a big trip might require fitness levels beyond your baseline. If your itinerary involves hauling gear into a hut or tackling more vertical feet than usual, adjust your workout routine now. Arriving at the summit completely exhausted is not only a recipe for a bad ski down but also increases the risk of injury. A little extra time in the gym can make the difference between a grueling slog and an enjoyable adventure.
Safety and Education
Finally, use this pre-season time to refresh your safety knowledge. If you hold a Level 1 avalanche certification, consider advancing to an AIARE 2 or a rescue course. At a minimum, practice beacon drills to ensure your reaction times are sharp. Additionally, a Wilderness First Aid certification is an invaluable asset. Carrying the tools and knowledge to handle medical emergencies is a responsibility every backcountry traveler owes to their partners.