Snowbird benefits from storms

The spring snowstorms might be bad weather for commuters or softball teams, but local ski resorts hope more of the white stuff will help them bring in the green.

"Generally this is around the time resorts close," said Laura Barnes. "Snowbird's closing is always more fluid. They aim for Memorial Day ... And May is looking very, very promising."

The additional snow fall is only making spring skiing more enticing to both locals and visitors. In an effort to lure even more skiers to the mountains, Snowbird is offering several special offers. The resort is introducing two unlimited spring-season-pass options beginning in March and continuing through the end of the season (traditionally Memorial Day Weekend, conditions permitting). The pass available as of March 30 costs just $279. Spring passes can be purchased at the Snowbird ticket office or by calling 801-933-2215 between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. daily. Tram passes are also being offered for $62.

Last season, Snowbird offered skiing and riding until June 22. The Utah resort has received 355 inches of snowfall for 2008-09 with a mid-mountain snow depth of 108 inches.

Some other notable spring events at Snowbird are:

Spring music on the plaza deck, March-May — Free live music provided by local and national bands on the Snowbird Center Plaza Deck each weekend, starting at the end of March from 2:00-5:00 p.m. and running through Sunday, May 10, weather permitting. The Plaza Deck was recently ranked as one of the top outdoor patios by Skiing Magazine.

The Sixth Annual North American Gelande Championships presented by Dynastar and The North Face features professional and amateur ski jumpers soaring hundreds of feet using alpine and telemark ski equipment. The competition gets underway Saturday, April 18 with two rounds of amateur and telemark jumping immediately followed by the pro-seeding round before concluding on Sunday, April 19. Gelande is held on the Lower Willows run in Peruvian Gulch, which is visible from the Cliff Lodge, the Alta Bypass Road and trails within Snowbird. Admission is free.

— Amy Donaldson