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Park City Businesses Struggle as Late Winter Delays Ski Season

Warm temperatures delay the winter season in Park City, impacting ski resorts and local businesses.

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Warm temperatures and minimal snowfall have delayed the winter season in Park City, impacting both ski resorts and local businesses. As of Friday, major resorts are operating with limited terrain. Park City Mountain has only 12 trails open and a mid-mountain snow depth of 19 inches, compared to 64 trails and 45 inches last year at the same time. The slow start has led to reduced employee hours in local businesses, as fewer visitors are arriving. White Pine Touring Nordic Center opened briefly on December 5, but warm conditions forced it to close by December 9, halting all snow-related operations. The center remains open for retail but is operating with minimal staff. Jackson’s Base Camp has seen reduced foot traffic but maintains customer reservations for later in the winter. Although holiday bookings are lower than last year, guests are postponing rather than canceling trips. The Pendry Park City hotel is seeing fewer short-term bookings but remains prepared for an influx of guests later. Local restaurants like Loma and Twisted Fern are beginning to see an uptick in reservations as the holiday approaches, offering opportunities for residents to dine out. The National Weather Service forecasts continued mild conditions with little chance of significant snowfall before Christmas. Without a substantial storm, uncertainties remain for holiday operations at local businesses, including White Pine, which typically sees high traffic on Christmas Day. The absence of snow during this crucial period raises concerns for the local economy, which heavily relies on winter tourism.