While the snow year at Utah resorts has been — how should we say it? — less than optimal so far, the state continues to win national awards for the quality of its skiing.
The latest award comes from Liftopia, an online mobile marketplace for lift tickets and mountain activities.
Alta was ranked second overall as the best ski area in North America. The Little Cottonwood resort was ranked first in snow consistency and quality in the High West and as having the best snow in North America.
“We are honored to be recognized by Liftopia as the No. 2 ski area in North America and the ski area with the best snow consistency and quality,” said Alta general manager Mike Maughan. “Being also ranked in the top 10 for challenge, value and beginner friendly contribute to the reason why Alta is a favorite of many skiers. These accolades are great recognitions for our 80th anniversary season.”
According to Ski Utah, the Best in Snow Awards calculate their rankings using survey feedback from thousands of skiers and snowboarders. Winners are ranked and divided among seven categories for regions including the Northeast, West Coast, High West, Southeast and Midwest.
Magic Mountain, in Vermont, was ranked as the best ski area in the country. Snowbird was ranked fourth and Powder Mountain sixth in the national awards.
Tom Wharton has written high school sports and the outdoors for more than four decades. Though he retired in 2016 from his full-time position after working more than 45 years at The Tribune, the University of Utah graduate continues to write about prep sports, Utah history and the outdoors part-time.