Friday Powder Window: Early Laps in Little Cottonwood, Then Improving Access This Afternoon
Friday is shaping up as a legit storm-riding day, especially in Little Cottonwood. Fresh totals are strongest at Snowbird and Alta, with Solitude also skiing soft and cold. Expect winter driving and slower canyon travel early, then better access as crews and traffic settle out.
Overall Day Quality
8/10 — ████████░░
Quick Take
- Best timing: First chair through late morning for soft snow and lower temps.
- Storm impact: Snow continues through today with colder air in place, then clears out for Saturday.
- Access call: SR-210 traction restrictions are active; 4×4/chains required in the canyon.
Resort Conditions Snapshot (Friday, March 6)
Alta
- New snow: 12″ in 12 hours, 16″ in 24 hours, 20″ storm total
- Base depth: 106″
- Season total: 251″
- Temp/Wind: ~22°F at base, ~13°F up high, light NW wind
- Road/Parking: 4×4 or chains required; parking reservations required Friday–Sunday, 8 AM–1 PM
Snowbird
- New snow: 9″ overnight, 17″ in 24 hours, 21″ in 48 hours
- Base depth: 99″
- Season total: 234″
- Terrain/Lifts: 115/149 runs, 14/14 lifts
- Travel: SR-210 traction law in effect (4×4 or traction devices required)
Solitude
- New snow: 10″ in 24 hours, 13″ in 48 hours (5″ since lifts closed)
- Base depth: 84″
- Season total: 217″
- Conditions: Powder
- Terrain/Lifts: 43/82 trails, 7/9 lifts
- Wind/Temp: Mid-mountain around 14°F with east wind near 10 mph
Brighton
- New snow: 5″ overnight, 7″ in 24 hours, 10″ in 48 hours
- Base depth: 83″
- Season total: 230″
- Terrain/Lifts: 73/77 runs, 9/9 lifts, 5/5 parks
- Weather: High near 17°F, NNW wind around 15 mph with gusts to 31 mph, snow likely
Deer Valley
- New snow: 1″ overnight, 2″ in 24 hours, 3″ in 48 hours
- Base depth: 50″
- Season total: 135″
- Terrain/Lifts: 150/202 runs, 25/31 lifts
- Weather: High near 21°F, north-to-northwest wind around 10–14 mph, snow likely
Park City Mountain
- New snow: 0″ overnight, 8″ in 24 hours, 11″ in 48 hours
- Base depth: 71″
- Season total: 154″
- Terrain/Lifts: 232/350 runs, 40/41 lifts
- Weather: High near 19°F, north-to-northwest wind around 14–16 mph, snow likely
NOAA/NWS Signal for Today
Alta-area forecast guidance calls for a cold, snowy, and windy Friday, with around 4″ additional snowfall expected today, highs in the mid-teens near upper elevations, and better clearing into Saturday. That supports an early powder window today, then a cleaner groomer/cruiser setup tomorrow morning.
How to Ski It Today
What to Wear
- Base layer: Midweight merino or synthetic.
- Midlayer: Insulated or thicker fleece for morning chair rides.
- Shell: Fully waterproof shell jacket/pants (storm snow + wind).
- Gloves: Warm insulated gloves for first laps; stash a backup pair if you run cold.
- Face/neck: Neck gaiter + helmet-compatible hood for wind-exposed lifts.
Ski Choice
- Best call this morning: Powder/all-mountain-fat setup for soft, storm snow in the Cottonwoods.
- If you’re at Deer Valley or Park City: All-mountain skis are a strong default, with firm-snow confidence still useful on wind-affected sections.
- Late day: If snow tapers and traffic packs things down, a versatile all-mountain ski remains the safest one-ski move.
Goggle Lens
- Morning storm light: Low-light/rose/yellow lens (or clear if visibility gets flat).
- If skies break later: Swap to a medium VLT lens for mixed sun/cloud.
Parking and Canyon Timing
- Build in extra time for Little Cottonwood this morning due to traction restrictions and storm traffic.
- If flexibility matters, aim for either very early arrival or a later start after the initial canyon push.
What Locals Are Talking About
- Backcountry and dawn patrol timing chatter is active this morning (see Hellgate parking discussion).
- Conditions stoke is up after this cycle (example: “faith restored” thread).
- Alta access/parking logistics are top of mind (see Alta parking thread).
Bottom line: This is a real powder morning in the Cottonwoods, with enough wind and travel friction to reward smart timing. Go early, bring the right layers, and plan canyon access before you roll.