After an agonizing delay due to warm weather, a cold front has finally settled in and Park City Mountain Resort is officially open for the season. Despite only a couple runs being open, excited skiers and snowboarders packed into the line at PayDay Lift for their chance to cruise down the slopes. One group of local teenagers even camped out for two nights at the base area earning bragging rights for the first chair of the season.  "We grew up in Park City," says Jaxon Gordon. "This is where we have been riding since we were little. It's just the place to be!" The lifts officially took off at 10 a.m. this morning and guests were treated to complimentary hot chocolate, donuts, music, and freshly groomed runs. With sunny, clear skies today and snow on the horizon this weekend, you could hardly ask for a better opening weekend. 

Park City Mountain Chief Operating Officer Bill Rock was on hand for the opening ceremony and, of course, to make a few turns. "We're looking forward to an amazing year," Rock says. "The team is really excited to showcase all the improvements that have been made to the resort." Although unpredictable and unusually warm weather can be worrisome for locals and snow sport enthusiasts, Rock was optimistic. "It's all part of the industry," he said. "In 2008 the resort delayed opening for a week and still ended up with 444 inches at the Jupiter snow stake."

The resort will resume regular opening hours at Park City Base Area tomorrow, with lifts spinning at 9 a.m., and Canyons Village will open in the morning as well. All the procrastinators out there still have one last week (until Dec. 4th) to purchase the Epic Pass for the 2016-17 season. If you're looking for a ski getaway, there's some amazing deals on lodging during the CyberMonday Sale at Snow.com until midnight on Tuesday, November 9th. Sounds like it's going to be a great season... but let's all pray for a big dump so we can grab a powder day sometime soon!