Utah's ski lifts awaken for the holiday

A few scattered snowstorms, cold temperatures and a little creative ingenuity has made it possible for some of Utah's 13 ski areas to turn on lifts and open ski runs.

Brighton was the first resort to open. Solitude and The Canyons turned on lifts Monday.

Park City Mountain Resort opened on Wednesday. Snowbird and Snowbasin will open today. Alta will officially open on Friday.

The latest weather report shows the best chance for new snow falling on Utah will be Friday night and into Saturday.

"There is a chance it could split, so it's hard to tell where the snow will fall — in the northern or southern part of the state. But it looks like we will get something out of this storm," said Linda Cheng, a National Weather Service meteorologist.

A second storm front is holding off the coast and is expect to hit Utah sometime Tuesday.

"The fact that it has remained cold at night has allowed the resorts to supplement what natural snow they have with man-made snow, which has made it possible to produce a pretty good base. Skiing is actually pretty good," said Nathan Rafferty, president of Ski Utah.

"Also, at this time of year the sun stays low, which has made it possible for resorts to keep what natural snow has fallen."

Alta will open Friday with four lifts — Wildcat, Sunnyside, Albion and Sugarloaf.

Snowbasin opened with its Needles Express Gondola and Middle-Bowl Triple Chair.

Rates opening day will be $35 for an all-day adult ticket and $19 for a child's ticket. Prices will change as more terrain opens.

Park City opened Payday Lift, which allows for skiing and riding on nearly two miles of terrain. First Time Lift will also be open to service beginner teaching terrain on Turtle Trail. The resort will be able to accommodate all levels of skiers or snowboarders from a green level ability on up.

Full-day lift tickets for adults will be $45, seniors (65 and up) $32 and youths (ages 7-12) $28. Children 6 and under ski free with a paying adult. The lifts will open at 9 a.m. and close at 4 p.m.

The resort's Benefit Day has been rescheduled for Dec. 2. All proceeds from lift-ticket sales on that day will be donated to the Park City Education Foundation. Tickets will be $20 and must be purchased before Dec. 1.