Park City ski resorts face limited terrain and below-normal snowpack before Christmas, with improvements expected on Christmas Day.
PARK CITY, Utah — As Christmas week approaches, Park City's ski resorts are facing limited terrain and below-normal snowpack conditions. According to the National Weather Service and meteorologist Chris Tomer, significant snowfall is not anticipated until around Christmas Day.
As of December 21, Park City Mountain has only 14 of its 348 runs open, which is approximately 4% of its total terrain, with a base depth of 23 inches. In comparison, Deer Valley Resort reports 23 of 202 runs open, roughly 11%, with an 18-inch base. These limited openings highlight a warm and dry early winter pattern that has impacted snow conditions across Utah.
The early week forecast indicates that any precipitation may fall as rain or be too warm to contribute significantly to snow accumulation. Daytime temperatures are expected to hover near or above freezing, which poses challenges for snowmaking efforts at the resorts.
Meteorologist Chris Tomer noted that both Utah and Colorado are currently experiencing warmer and drier than normal conditions, with rain-snow lines positioned between 8,000 and 10,000 feet during early storms. This situation complicates natural snow accumulation, especially at resorts that depend on colder systems.
A potential shift in weather may occur around Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with colder air bringing the possibility of accumulating snow. The National Weather Service forecasts that snow is likely on Christmas Day, with conditions improving through Friday and Saturday, benefiting both grooming and snowmaking activities.
Estimates suggest that Park City could receive about 7 inches of snow, while nearby resorts may see between 10 to 20 inches over the holiday period. For visitors arriving early in the week, conditions are likely to be firm or slushy, depending on the time of day and elevation, with limited terrain expected until after Christmas.
Although the forecast hints at improved conditions post-Christmas, forecasters caution that Park City will still be below normal for late December, even if significant snowfall occurs. Visitors should prepare for limited terrain and marginal snow conditions before Christmas, with gradual improvement anticipated starting on Christmas Day.