Walking to class in the snow and ice has caused many freezing students to complain about the large amounts of snow that continue to pound harder and harder onto the ground.
Any avid snowboarder or skier would give the opposite reaction.
Carson Brockbank, an exercise science major from Elk Ridge, lives for fresh powder on the mountain. On Wednesday, Jan. 30, after the storm, Brockbank headed up the canyon to dig his board into the fresh 30 inches of snow at Snowbird Ski Resort.
“The (powder) was up to our thighs, and the landing was soft for any small ledge, jump or drop you wanted to hit,” Brockbank said.
The Weather Channel said the Little Cottonwood Canyon has received roughly 222 inches of fresh powder this season alone. The winter isn’t over yet.
Not only does the snow bring pleasure to avid skiers and snowboarders, but it boosts the local economy as well. The storms increase the number of tourists who come to Utah.
Dave Fields, vice president of resort operations for Snowbird Ski Resort, was excited for the guests the storm brought in.
“Skiers and snowboarders are thrilled to have such amazing conditions,” Fields said. “The snow is waist-deep but blows over your head when you are skiing down the mountain.”
Last winter told a different story. The lack of snow caused tourism to decrease, and the resorts suffered because of it.
This year, however, the large snowstorms have resulted in booked rooms and crowded mountains.
Caylen Craven, an athletic training major from Herriman, lives for the snowy days on the mountain.
“Looking out the window a thrill shot through my body, which wouldn’t let me fall back asleep,” Craven said. “Every thought in my head was flying down the mountain on a massive pillow of snow getting deep carves through the pine trees (and) creating the only lines in all that fresh snow.”
Craven’s passion for the snow on the mountain drives his will to board. He, along with many other avid skiers and snowboarders, has expressed gratitude for the massive amount of snow this winter has brought.
“It’s an adrenaline obsession that consumes me every time I see the clouds come over the horizon and I feel a storm coming deep in my bones,” Craven said.
There are plenty of opportunities for avid skiers and first-time boarders to get on the mountain and experience the snow.
