OUTDOORS + RECREATION

Before recreating consider snow totals, sold-out tickets and slippery roads

Dec 29, 2022, 11:00 AM | Updated: Dec 30, 2022, 10:11 am

Changing conditions mean that anyone wanting to hit the slopes should have a plan first. (Powder Mountain)

(Powder Mountain)

Digital Content Producer

SALT LAKE CITY — Between traction laws, sold-out lift tickets and high snow totals, avoid heading to the slopes without a plan.

Deer Valley Ski Resort is sold out of lift tickets from now until New Year’s Eve. And other ski resorts like Powder Mountain are warning skiers of sell-outs.

But before choosing a different mountain to ski, evaluate your vehicle in reference to traction laws.

Traction law restrictions

As snow totals accumulate, the Utah Department of Transportation applies traction laws banning certain vehicles from making their way through the Cottonwoods.

Two-wheel drive vehicles must have 3PMSF on all wheels or chains on all drive wheels.

Four-wheel drive vehicles must have M+S, 3PMSF-rated tires or chains on all wheels.

Even though the most recent implementation that spanned most of Thursday morning has been lifted, UDOT said restrictions can change.

🚨#RoadWeatherUpdate🚨
The #TractionLaw has been lifted in Big & Little Cottonwood Canyons. #SR190 #SR210

Watch for remaining areas of patchy slush/ice.

REMINDER: This is based on current road conditions, is subject to change at any time & applies to both travel directions. pic.twitter.com/sZmmF5RGug

— UDOT Cottonwood Canyons (@UDOTcottonwoods) December 29, 2022

Although Big and Little Cottonwood Canyon are good paths to get to the best snow and skiing in the world, they can become very dangerous with patchy ice and slush.

Snow totals

After securing your traction-safe vehicle, fresh powder awaits. Ski Utah said most resorts have received over 10 inches of snow in the last 48 hours.

Brighton has the most at 37 inches.

Meanwhile, other Utah ski resorts also have some good snow totals for recreators.

Alta: 25 inches, Beaver Mountain: 15 inches, Brian Head 12 inches, Cherry Peak: 9 inches, Deer Valley: 20 inches, Deer Valley: 21 inches, Eagle point: 16, Park City: 25 inches, Snow Basin: 14 inches, Snowbird: 35 inches, Solitude Mountain Resort: 33 inches, Sundance Mountain resort: 16 inches, Woodward Park City: 7 inches.

And, much more snow is to come throughout the holiday weekend as some resorts expect up to 40 more inches, according to Ski Utah‘s snow report.

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