A Banner Winter Through The Camera Of An Average Skier
Harriet’s Album Of Deep, Deep Snow Pics At Brighton.
Beware of the buried street signs at the corner of Mary Lake Lane and Old Majestic Lane. The summer road became a deep snow ski trail. Credit: Harriet Wallis
At my home resort Brighton, the snowfall has topped 500 inches—about 41 feet—and the snow keeps coming. Brighton is a down home, low key resort near Salt Lake City that’s favored by families and snowboarders.
This two-story trailside cabin has an access problem. Must dig down deep to find the door. Credit: Harriet Wallis
One more snowstorm and this cabin will disappear. Bamboo poles and a rope line keep skiers off the roof. Credit: Harriet Wallis
Plentiful snow is crucial because It’s our drinking water supply, and there have been several years of low snowfall. When Spring runoff starts, every drop of melting mountain snow is captured. It takes just 24 hours from stream to faucet. Dogs are banned from the canyon watersheds to help keep the pure water free from transmittable diseases.
Just before one of those plentiful snowstorms, my friend and I booked a room at the slope-side Brighton Lodge so we could be first on the mountain in the morning.
Inside the cozy Brighton Lodge. Credit: Harriet Wallis
It snowed all night. We skied all day. Then we had to cope with the car.
Outside the Brighton Lodge. Deep snow is fun until it buries the car. Credit: Harriet Wallis
Snowboarders dug it out. Credit: Harriet Wallis
The ample winter also creates some other quirks at Brighton.
While the snow keeps falling, these father and son skiers pitch in to help dig out the gates. Credit: Harriet Wallis
The children’s warming yurt looks more like an igloo. Credit: Harriet Wallis
The parking lot is walled by snow. Where will they put the next storm’s dump? Credit: Harriet Wallis
Even the ride down the canyon toward home has rewards. Deep snow drives the peak-loving mountain goats down to lower elevations. It’s a treat to see them so close.
Shaggy coats and quizzical looks. Credit: Harriet Wallis
To read more from Harriet click here for her stories on SkiUtah.