The snow never melts from spots near the top of Utah's highest mountain peaks. I've enjoyed playing in that snow on many a summer backpacking trip. This summer in particular there were huge snowfields in the tops of the Uinta Mountains, left over from the record snowfall we received last winter.
Backpacking in the Uintas, a dozen or more miles from the trailhead, approaching Utah's highest peaks, we will stumble onto a snowfield. We drop our packs and race to the top. Run and jump and slide, hiking boots serving as skis, arms flailing as we struggle to stay upright. Often tumbling head over heals into the course, icy snow.
The snow is a bonus. We come to enjoy the mountains, the forest, the fish and wildlife. Backpacking conditions have been great this year. Plenty of water. Excellent fishing. The scenery, as always, has been spectacular.
The summer snow is fun but not like the white stuff that has made Utah's ski resorts world-famous. During winter our ski resorts pick up tremendous amounts of fine, dry powder - it's known as "The Greatest Snow on Earth." It's a primary reason Deer Valley Ski Resort has been ranked #1 in North America by Ski Magazine, again, and that other Utah resorts also rank near the top of the annual list.
Summer is over now. Change is blowing in with the cooler night air. Foliage is being painted with vivid hues of scarlet and gold. This is the time to drive Utah's byways and enjoy the extravaganza of fall colors.
But there is still time to enjoy outings in the sun. The water is warm and fishing is excellent at Lake Powell. Fall sunshine drenches our red rock canyons. This is the best time of year to hike many of these canyons, when temperatures are pleasant and the golden-leaved cottonwood trees stand imposing against the sheer canyon walls. There's even time for a final backpacking trip into the High Uintas and other mountain areas.
Just remember, the snow is coming. It comes to the high country first. Snowstorms are common in the Uintas during September. In October snow will start to accumulate at our ski resorts. Last year most resorts were open by mid November - some saw their earliest openings ever.
The seasons are changing. I can feel it. But the most obvious sign is the sound of telephones ringing with people booking ski trips. Resorts report very strong early bookings. Holiday periods will be totally booked out within the next couple weeks. If you want lodging close to the resorts during the Christmas/New Years or Presidents' Day holidays, you'd better book immediately.
The snow is coming. Last year was Utah's best ski season ever. This year is expected to be just as good or even better.
-- Dave Web
Reprinted with permission from The Utah Office of Tourism
www.travel.utah.gov
Activities to Enjoy: |
| Hiking |
Golf |
ATVs |
Boating |
| Camping |
Ice Skating |
Biking |
Rafting |
| Hunting |
Wildlife |
Fall Colors |
Scenic Drives |
| Museums |
Lakes/Rivers |
Snowmobiling |
Dog Sledding |
| Horseback Riding |
Fresh Water Fishing |
| Climbing/Canyoneering |
Festivals/State Fairs |
| Alpine & Nordic Skiing/Snowboarding |
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