Then & now: Utah resorts keep getting better every year

Skiers and snowboarders will be riding the new Frostwood gondola from the base area of the resort. A new fixed-grip quad chair was also built and will run from the Tombstone base to an area below the DreamCatcher lift. This is the first step in the resort's Iron Mountain expansion plans and is intended to offer access to the Tombstone lift at the end of the day. Answering the need for more tree skiing and riding, trees were gladed in areas such as Mystic Pines, off the Peak 5 lift. Snowmaking was also expanded and grooming equipment added to make it possible to better maintain slopes.

Deer Valley

More than $8 million was spent over the summer. Tops on the list was replacing the small Cushing's Cabin at the top of Flagstaff Mountain with a larger, more service oriented cabin that can seat 40 to 45 people, has restrooms and will house the Flagstaff ski patrol.

Another highpoint will be the remodeled Empire Canyon Lodge that will, among other things, make available more seating in the food/beverage area. It also improved its snowmaking equipment.

Park City Mountain Resort

Skiers and snowboarders may not see all that's been done, but the resort has spent more than $10.5 million on improvements, which included a new high-speed lift, terrain changes and lodge renovations.

The new lift, Crescent, will replace the Ski Team lift at the base. The route of the new lift was also realigned. The new lift will significantly increase movement of skiers and snowboarders onto the mountain from the base area and offer access to some of the resort's more advanced terrain.

To complement the lift, resort officials said, terrain in the area was improved, to include a new run and additional snowmaking.

The resort also took over and renovated the Mid-Mountain Lodge to bring it in line with recognized food services offered at the resort.

And, as part of its environmental commitment, the resort has begun to offset 100 percent of its power consumption with renewable energy sources. This move will avoid nearly 19 million pounds of CO2 emissions annually, which is equal to removing 1,853 passenger vehicles from the road or powering 1,100 average American homes for a year.

Powder Mountain

The resort has added a "center" near its main lodge. The new center will be responsible for its adventure programs, which include snowcat powder safaris, adventure tours and sports school.

The resort started snowcat tours last year and, because of their popularity, it will increase available terrain to more than 2,000 acres.

The resort has also renovated restaurants in its three lodges.

Snowbasin

The resort replaced its Little Cat lift, which services beginner ski terrain, with a new detachable quad that starts at Earl's Lodge and ends up near the upper parking area. It will greatly increase uphill capacity.

And, because it's a detachable lift, it will make it much easier for new skiers to load.

Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort