Snow Giants of 2022-2023: California & Utah's Unforgettable Winter

Winter 2022-2023 left an indelible mark on California and Utah resorts as the region experienced a snowfall surpassing 50-year records. The unanticipated and extensive snowfall presented both challenges and unique opportunities.

The colossal snowfall brought significant disruptions. Essential routes, including those leading to popular ski resorts, were closed intermittently and sometimes for extended periods. Notably, residential areas like Mammoth and Tahoe experienced substantial snow coverage, with houses and vehicles often submerged. Despite these difficulties, an unexpected benefit emerged - skiers and snowboarders on the West Coast enjoyed deep snow and a prolonged season, having access to resorts such as Mammoth Mountain as late as August. This rare occurrence was a delight for ski enthusiasts and boosted the winter sports industry.

To put it into perspective, 8 resorts in California and Utah all received over 700 inches of snow last season, which is about 58 feet, 5 stories, or 8 Shaquille O’Neils stacked on top of each other. These resorts were; Mammoth Mountain(CA), Alta(UT), Brighton(UT), Snowbird(UT), Solitude(UT), Sugarbowl(CA), Boreal(CA), Dodge Ridge(CA), and Kirkwood(CA), respectively.

The unprecedented snowfall was not predicted by meteorologists and required considerable adaptation. Communities, businesses, and individuals in areas such as the Sierra Nevadas and Utah experienced some trouble navigating the unusual circumstances. The West Coast's winter of 2022-2023 will be remembered for its record-breaking snowfall. While posing significant challenges, this extraordinary event also brought about unique opportunities, emphasizing the region's adaptability and resilience.