Photos from The Least-snowiest season on record.
We thought our 88th season would bring lots of snow and powder 8s. Mother Nature had other plans.
Alta Ski Area recorded 321 inches of snow.
Despite a season filled with far more bluebird days than powder days, it was a reminder to us all that the thrill of sliding on snow can still be found even during Alta's least-snowiest season on record. While the mild weather delivered plenty of opportunities for families and first-timers to grow into the sport, this is still Alta, and we enjoyed a few powder cycles. Throw on your favorite rose-colored lenses and rewind through our deepest moments from Alta's Best Worst Season. This collection of images was captured by our talented team of photographers who continue to tell Alta's story through the deepest of winters and leanest of winters. Thanks for always showing up, Lee Cohen, Rocko Menzyk, Photo-John, and Tyler Struss.
January 9th: Sammo Cohen finds fresh pow | Photo: Lee Cohen
January 9th: Buried cars in the Wildcat parking lot | Photo: Rocko Menzyk
January 9th: Michael Cherchio forgot his goggles on a deep day | Photo: Rocko Menzyk
It was the least-snowiest season in the 46-year history of the Collins Study Plot.
The warmer storms, high snow levels and prolonged dry stretches were unusual. But the warmer storms provided additional density to our snowpack and allowed our crews to open plenty of terrain.
January 25th: Kristin Beard weathers the dense snow | Photo: Photo-John
A few well-timed storms allowed us to open plenty of terrain early.
January 9th: Nicole Cordingley dives into the New Year | Photo: Lee Cohen
March 6th: Tristen Lilly storm skiing | Photo: Rocko Menzyk
Skiers earned their turns on Alta's sidesteps and bootpacks.
March 8th: Skiers hike the Devil's Castle apron bootpack | Photo: Photo-John
April 18th: An Alta skier bootpacks for fresh turns | Photo: Photo-John
When the snow did fall, the powder skiing was great.
March 5th: Tommy Flitton storm skiing | Photo: Rocko Menzyk
February 18th: Blake Wilson storm skiing | Photo: Rocko Menzyk
Alta's high-elevation north-facing terrain kept the snow cold under the winter sun.
January 12th: Ella Dingman finds some cold snow | Photo: Tyler Struss
February 4th: Jenna Henry makes chalk art on Alf's High Rustler | Photo: Tyler Struss
March 4th: Wind buff laps with friends | Photo: Tyler Struss
It was a great season for fairweather skiers and families.
January 26th: Ella and Juni skip school to ski | Photo: Tyler Struss
March 15th: Ian Jones teaches his son to ski on Sunnyside | Photo: Photo-John
Spring skiing season was awesome.
April 8th: Aaron Rae hot dogging on High Boy | Photo: Tyler Struss
321 inches of snow is still a lot of snow and we got to ski a few powder 8s.
