Utah skiers are officially losing it, and who can blame them? The Wasatch Range just got its first snow of the season, and more is on the horizon.

Winter teased Utah a little early this year when Snowbird posted a video on September 30 showing the season’s first flakes swirling down over the mountains. Within minutes, the comments section turned into a frenzy of stoke and disbelief, because there’s nothing quite like seeing those first hints of winter on the Wasatch peaks.

The early storm rolled in from the Pacific Northwest and delivered a chilly wake-up call.

Image: National Geographic

High elevations across northern Utah picked up between half an inch and an inch of precipitation, just enough to turn the peaks white and spark some serious excitement. Sure, it’s not exactly a powder day yet, but it’s a clear sign that the cold snap that hit the PNW has finally reached Utah’s high country, and it’s just getting started.

Forecasts are calling for another storm this weekend, and this one could pack a little more punch.

Image: The Salt Lake Tribune

Between Friday night and Saturday (October 3–4), the Wasatch Range saw one of its earliest heavy snow events of the season. Some locations reported up to 8 inches of fresh snow, the Cottonwoods, which include Snowbird and Alta, were especially impacted. Brighton and nearby resorts also received measurable snow, though amounts were more modest. Meanwhile, Deer Valley saw lesser accumulation, consistent with its lower elevation and distance from the core snow band.

As the system moved in, snow levels dropped from around 12,000 feet down to near 8,000 feet, causing early rainfall and mixed precipitation in lower zones to transition first into wet snow, then colder, more skiable snow at higher elevations.

The Cottonwood Canyons are already putting on a fall color show, and now it’s getting a winter twist.

Image: VTI SKI + RIDE

This time of year, it’s all about “snowliage”, that sweet spot where fiery fall leaves meet a layer of fresh snow. Brighton was glowing yesterday under a mix of reds, oranges, and whites, and the contrast made it clear that the seasons are changing fast in the Wasatch.

Ski season countdowns are officially on.

Image: Solitude Mountain Resort

Brian Head Resort in southern Utah plans to open on November 7, followed closely by Solitude who plans to kick things off first with a projected opening date of November 14. Park City and Alta are aiming for November 21, giving locals plenty to look forward to as the mountains shift into winter mode.

It’s only the beginning, but this first dusting hit all the right notes.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

That first snow has a way of flipping a switch. The chill in the air feels sharper, the gear closets get opened, and the countdown to ski season suddenly feels real. If this weekend’s storm delivers, Utah’s skiers might just be waxing their boards sooner than they thought.