The first snowflakes of the season stuck to the mountainsides and swirled about the valley Saturday as a cold front marched through Utah with temperatures dropping below 40 degrees overnight along the Wasatch Front.

Snow piled up 6 inches deep at Snowbird ski resort and dusted communities north of Salt Lake City. It whipped through Price canyon to the south, slowing traffic along U.S. Highway 6 and softening the autumn hues.

The National Weather Service reported the heaviest snowfall above 7,000 feet. Lower elevations were greeted with rain, snow flurries and even quarter-sized hail. The agency expects temperatures to drop below freezing overnight in some places along the Wasatch Front.

Although cold, autumn isn't over, meteorologist Brandon Smith said.

"It is just late summer in the mountains," he said.

Temperatures are expected to rise into the mid-70s by Tuesday, then drop again into the 60s later in the week as another cold front comes through town.

While the weather may signal bright days ahead for snow-lovers, it hasn't translated into booming sales for ski equipment vendors such as Wild Rose Mountain Sports in Salt Lake City.

Owner Tim Metos said he probably lost two mountain bikers for every skier that came into his shop on Saturday.

"Generally when it gets soggy and dreary outside, people tend to stick around home and have an extra cup of coffee," he mused.

Metos said his ski-supply business usually picks up in November, not after drive-by snowstorms like the one this weekend.

Ironically, the weather hasn't spoiled foot traffic at some valley nurseries where perennials such as mums and pansies still are selling. Karen Grant, manager of West Side Nursery in Murray, said her sales have remained steady.

"The only thing this is bothering is people with [vegetable] gardens," she said.

The National Weather Service expects temperatures to climb into the 60s today. The skies should clear by tonight and stay sunny for much of Monday.

jstettler@sltrib.com