Alta and Snowbird Closed Due To Interlodge & 30 Inch Blizzard
Due to severe avalanche hazards in Little Cottonwood Canyon, both Alta and Snowbird ski areas have announced their closure for the day. As a result, skiers will have to wait for at least another day to celebrate reaching the 800-inch milestone achieved earlier this morning. The closure has also led to the implementation of Interlodge restrictions, which require guests to remain indoors to avoid putting themselves and others in extreme danger.
As of 3:45PM ET, Alta and Snowbird have reported 30 and 29 inches of new snow in the last 24 hours, respectively. However, there is no expected time for the Interlodge restrictions to be lifted. Crews are actively conducting mitigation efforts, and violating the Interlodge ordinance could result in a Class B Misdemeanor with a fine of up to $1,000 and 6 months in jail.
Alta and Snowbird are continuously updating their guests on the situation through their Twitter feeds. Those currently in Little Cottonwood Canyon are advised to stay safe and avoid going outside until the restrictions are lifted. OpenSnow is forecasting an additional 40 inches of snow to hit Alta by the end of Tuesday, which will surely reward those who ride out the storm with deep powder.
Interlodge signs across the doorways to let residents and visitors know they cannot go outside at Alta. Credit: Alta Ski Area Instagram
What is an Interlodge Event?
An Interlodge event is when snow levels are so great and avalanche danger is so extreme that patrons and employees of Snowbird and Alta are confined to resort buildings while avalanche work is being done. During Interlodge, road access to Snowbird and Alta is shut down as well while UDOT performs avalanche work on it. An Interlodge situation, while a rare occurrence, is performed in the interest of everyone's safety. During an Interlodge event, travel outside of the buildings at Snowbird is illegal. This includes being in your vehicle.
Depending on snow conditions, an Interlodge event can last anywhere from an hour to an overnight stay. Most Interlodge events last only a few hours and are pre-planned, controlled situations between Snowbird, Alta and UDOT. Much of the pre-planning for Snowbird & Alta involves notifying guests so that those who need to leave the canyon have time to do so. Snowbird & Alta have multiple systems in place to notify guests of an upcoming Interlodge.
About Snowbird Resort
Snowbird is a ski and summer resort located in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, USA, just a few miles away from Alta Ski Area. The resort covers over 2,500 acres and offers a wide range of terrain for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities. Snowbird is known for its challenging terrain and deep powder snow, with an average of over 500 inches of snowfall each year. The resort has over 169 runs and 11 lifts, providing access to a vertical drop of 3,240 feet. Snowbird's terrain is suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, from beginner runs to expert chutes and bowls. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Snowbird offers a variety of winter activities, including snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and backcountry skiing. The resort also has several dining options, ranging from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. During the summer months, Snowbird transforms into a summer resort, offering activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and scenic tram rides. The resort is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Wasatch Mountains and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
About Alta Ski Area
Alta Ski Area is a ski resort located in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, USA. It is known for its challenging terrain, deep powder snow, and its traditional ski culture that dates back to 1938 when the resort opened. Alta is a skier-only resort, meaning snowboarding is not allowed, which has helped to preserve its ski culture and unique atmosphere. The resort offers over 2,200 acres of skiable terrain, with over 100 runs and a vertical drop of 2,020 feet. Alta receives an average of 550 inches of snowfall each year, making it one of the snowiest ski resorts in North America. The resort has a variety of terrain, from beginner runs to expert-only chutes and bowls, providing something for skiers of all levels. In addition to skiing, Alta Ski Area offers other winter activities, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and heli-skiing. The resort also has a variety of dining options, including several restaurants and cafes.
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