The 2,500-acre Snowbird ski resort opened Nov. 7, marking the second earliest opening in the 38-year history of the popular Utah resort.

"This storm and the subsequent lake effect have provided a timely blanket of snow in Little Cottonwood Canyon," Snowbird president Bob Bonar said in a news release. "Skiing early season powder is a great way to kick off the season."

The resort originally planned to open at the end of November for the 2008-09 season, but because of early winter storms, the resort received more than three feet to open at 9 a.m. last Friday.

Two lifts, Gadzoom and Mid-Gad, are operating for skiers and riders. The terrain available includes Regulator Johnson from the top of "Hidden Peak," "Big Emma" and "Bassackwards." Once more storms hit the resort, more terrain will be opened.

"We were pretty stoked," public relations director Jared Ishkanian said. "We had pretty strong numbers and people seemed very happy with the conditions."

The earliest time Snowbird has opened in its history was Nov. 5, 2004, two days earlier than this year, while last year the resort didn't open until Nov. 30. Snowbird is offering an early-season price of $62 for lift tickets and the chair passes will be honored to access the Tram until more runs are open.

"It is indeterminable how long the early season price will last, [but] probably through this weekend," Ishkanian said. "It is really dependant on the amount of terrain we can open."

The regular-season lift ticket is $72.

When Utah's "best snow on earth" covers the resort, allowing access to all 85 runs, the Ariel Tram and 10 chair lifts to be opened, the uphill capacity will be 17,400 skiers and snowboarders per hour.

Snowbird and neighbor Alta, specifically for skiers, recently were named the No. 1 ski destination in North America by Outside Magazine.

If the winter provides powerful winter storms with a lot of snowfall, Snowbird should average about 500 inches of "dry" Utah powder this season.

"The key for us it that the temperatures stay cold so we can blow snow at night," Ishkanian said.

Copyright Brigham Young University 14 Nov 2008