Park City, Utah – As the new year unfolds, Park City Mountain has officially opened its slopes to uphill travelers starting Thursday at 6 p.m. This development comes as a much-anticipated return for many local enthusiasts who enjoy the unique challenge of uphill skiing. Communications Manager Bailey Quinn expressed excitement about the season's commencement, emphasizing the eagerness of the community for this opportunity. However, this season's uphill opening is notable for arriving later than in previous years, primarily due to a stretch of unusually warm weather that affected early season conditions. Coordinating the safety and availability of the mountain’s infrastructure has been a critical factor in this decision, according to Quinn. "Until recently, mountain operations equipment was utilizing parts of the designated uphill route, which would not have ensured safe travel for uphill skiers," Quinn explained. This precaution underscores the resort's commitment to maintaining safety while allowing enthusiasts to traverse the mountain. The designated uphill route remains unchanged from previous seasons, although improvements have been made to ensure visibility and safety. Enhanced reflective signage has been installed this year to assist travelers during low-light conditions, which can be common during early morning or late evening excursions. The approved routes for uphill travel include Homerun and Lower Silver Skis, marking a familiar path for returning visitors. However, Quinn cautioned that no uphill travel is allowed beyond the Angle Station, which is located at the summit of the Town Lift. In addition to these specific runs, the resort has implemented strict closures for other areas of the mountain. Notable runs such as Treasure Hollow, Crescent, and Silver Skis will remain closed to both uphill and downhill traffic during designated uphill access hours. These closures are designed to protect the safety of uphill users and the mountain operations teams working in that vicinity. Uphill travel is permitted daily from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m., and all participants must ensure they are skiing downhill by 8 a.m. to comply with the resort's regulations. To facilitate communication regarding uphill access, Park City Mountain has introduced a traffic light system at the operation shack of the magic carpet near the First Time lot. The light system will signal the status of uphill travel, displaying green when access is permitted and red when it is closed. This initiative aims to provide clear guidance for uphill travelers, ensuring they can make informed decisions about their skiing plans. For those who wish to stay updated on any changes to uphill access, the resort has also set up a text service. Users can text “uphill” to 435-244-1769 to receive immediate notifications regarding closures, community events, and reminders about policies. This service reflects the resort's dedication to fostering a safe and enjoyable environment for all mountain users. Safety remains a top priority for the resort, and participants are required to adhere to specific guidelines while enjoying their uphill adventures. Uphillers must stay to the climber's left while ascending and maintain a central position on the trail while descending. Wearing a headlamp and bright or reflective clothing is strongly advised, particularly during low-light conditions. Additionally, the resort prohibits animals on the mountain except for certified service dogs. Compliance with these guidelines is essential, as violations can lead to enforcement actions from resort staff. Quinn stated that the most common infractions relate to straying outside the designated route and the presence of non-service dogs on the mountain. These actions pose significant safety risks for both uphill users and mountain operations teams, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to the established rules. As Park City Mountain opens its gates to uphill travelers, it reflects a commitment not only to recreation but also to safety and community engagement. Enthusiasts are encouraged to embrace the beauty of the mountain while respecting the regulations in place, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the slopes safely. The return of uphill access symbolizes a renewed season of winter sports activity for locals and visitors alike, fostering a vibrant community atmosphere that thrives on outdoor adventure. For further information on uphill access policies, the full list can be found on the Park City Mountain website. As the season progresses, the resort looks forward to welcoming back both seasoned uphill travelers and newcomers eager to explore the slopes in this unique winter experience.