Skiers can expect improved lifts, trails

Skiers may or may not notice changes at their favorite ski resort this winter.

Additions over the summer ranged from the obvious, such as a new lift, to something more subtle, such as a smoother track, thanks to a new groomer, or a little deeper base, thanks to a new snowmaking gun or two.

As always, Utah's 13 resorts kept busy over the summer preparing for winter 2004-2005.

More than 100 inches of early-season snow helped.

Currently, one resort, Brighton, is open. Snowbird will open Friday, then close Monday and reopen for the season on Nov. 12. Powder Mountain is open for night skiing.

And just what will skiers find new and different when they arrive for the first runs?

Alta — Top to bottom lift service will soon be available here. No longer will it be necessary to take multiple lifts to reach the peaks. Very soon, a nine-minute ride will take skiers from the lower staging area to the top, roughly 6,300 feet with a vertical rise of 1,800 feet.

A new high-speed, detachable quad is near completion. It replaces the old Collins and Germania lifts.

In addition, the resort has added to its terrain park. The 2,200-acre park offers small and medium jumps, a luge, a box and four rails for interested skiers.

Beaver Mountain — The one thing skiers will notice is that as they leave their seats off the triple chair, they'll have more room to negotiate turns. The upper landing zone was widened and improved.

Brian Head — Well known for its terrain parks, this year it expanded its offering. There are now three large parks, designated beginner, intermediate and advanced, that will features more than 25 jumps, rails and fun boxes, as well as a 364-foot-long halfpipe with 12-foot walls.

Brighton — The old 1955-model Majestic double chair is history. It was replaced this year with a fixed-grip quad, which will give skiers a quicker, more comfortable ride to the summit. The old lift was, in fact, the first double-chairlift in the Intermountain area. The lift was relocated this past summer to Big Sky in Montana.