"When gas prices went so high, we felt the economy was going to be tight so we lowered our night passes to what they were back in 2002. So far we've had more than a 60 percent increase in skiers. We also extended hours. Night passes go on sale at 3 p.m. so people can get in three hours of daylight skiing before the lights go on, and that's gone over well.

"And, yes, our business is down from last year. But, we had records in (2006-07 and 2007-08) and this season is sandwiched between the two. Had the economy not gone into a slump, I'm sure we would have had another record year."

Fields said there has also been a lot of interest shown in the resort's "spring season special," which is another indication of price-conscious locals.

A pass from March 2 to the end of the season, which typically extends past Memorial Day, will go on sale soon for $499 and a pass from April 1 to the end of the season will go on sale for $279. On two occasions the resort has remained open on weekend through July 4.

He did point out that the overnight visitation has dropped off this season.

"But, people are still coming from our traditional areas, such as Southern California and the Northeast, but they are coming less often and for shorter stays, so it's nice that we're seeing locals take advantage of snow conditions."

Resorts are, however, feeling the economic crunch and are addressing it in different ways.

Reardon said, "We took an entirely different approach to this whole downturn. When we started hearing about companies laying off people and not contributing to 401Ks, our owners took the approach that Deer Valley offers service and that now was a great time to cement out brand and keep on investing in our staff. Service is what people expect when they come to Deer Valley. People come here and they are still getting the product they've come to expect. If we backed off it would hurt us in the long run. I think that's the message, that we're taking a long-term approach to the problem and not short-term."

The latest ski report shows Alta with a base of 104, Snowbird at 95, Brighton at 83, Deer Valley at 82 and Brian Head at 60 inches.

Other resorts around the country are also enjoying good snow conditions.

Back East, Whiteface Mountain in New York is reporting a base of 28 to 58 inches; Killington in Vermont is reporting a base of 48 to 56 inches; and Stowe in Vermont is reporting a base of 42 to 74 inches.

Next door, in Colorado, Aspen Mountain is reporting a 61- to 84-inch mid-mountain depth; Steamboat a 61- to 81-inch mid-mountain base; Copper Mountain a 57- to 74-inch mid-mountain base; and Vail is reporting a 56- to 61-inch base mid-mountain.

Elsewhere, Whistler Blackcomb in Canada, is reporting a 72-inch base; Alpine Meadows and Mammoth in California are reporting bases of 110 to 200 inches and 136 to 200 inches, respectively; Jackson Hole in Wyoming is reporting 70 to 88 inches; and Sun Valley in Idaho is reporting 34 to 58 inches.

Utah's snow totals went well over 600 inches last season, which is more than 100 inches above normal. Since March and April are traditionally two of the snowiest months, Utah could well be headed for another 600-plus snowfall this season and a respectable ski season.