You wake up to 18 inches overnight. The snowflake emoji is blowing up your phone. Powder day. Here's what to check before you head up the canyon.
Check UDOT Road Conditions
Go to udottraffic.utah.gov before you leave. On heavy snow days, UDOT requires AWD/4WD or chains to enter Little Cottonwood Canyon. Big Cottonwood Canyon has similar requirements. They enforce this — don't get turned around at the gate. Check conditions the night before and again the morning of.
Leave Early — Very Early
On a powder day, everyone in Salt Lake City is heading to the same place. Canyon traffic can add 45 minutes to an hour on a big storm day. The powder doesn't stop being powder because you arrived at 10 AM — but by then, the tracked-out lines are very real. Aim to be at the resort when lifts open.
Check Your Gear the Night Before
Don't waste powder morning minutes searching for goggles. The night before: lay out your full kit — helmet, goggles (double-check the lens for fog), gloves, base layer, mid layer, jacket, pants, socks, and any pocket items (pass, phone, snacks). Your skis should already be tuned and waxed.
Make Sure Your Skis Are Waxed
A well-waxed ski glides; an unwaxed ski drags. In deep powder, this matters less than on groomed snow — but it still matters. If your skis haven't been waxed this season, drop them at The Lifthouse for a hand wax ($25) or machine wax ($18) the day before. We can often do it same-day if you call ahead.
Book a tune →Have Your Lift Ticket Ready
Use the resort's app or website to pre-load your pass. Standing in the lift ticket line on a powder day is a crime against powder. Your Ikon Pass, Epic Pass, or resort-specific pass should be loaded and ready to scan before you get to the mountain.
Bring the Right Lens
Low-light storm goggles are different from bright-day lenses. A yellow, rose, or low-VLT lens helps you see the terrain through flat light and heavy snowfall. If you only own one lens, make sure it's versatile. Bring sunglasses as a backup for when the clouds break.
Eat a Real Breakfast
This is real advice. Skiing powder is physically demanding — you're working legs and core hard for potentially 5+ hours. Eating at the mountain is expensive and slow. Eat before you leave the house. Pack snacks. Stay hydrated.
Know Your Resort's Opening Policy
Some resorts open expert terrain slowly on storm days as ski patrol clears avalanche hazard. Know which zones will open first and have a plan. The resort's social media often posts updates before lifts open.
Need Rentals or a Tune Before the Storm?
The Lifthouse is open daily 8 AM – 7 PM at 3700 Fort Union Blvd. We can handle same-day waxes and tune-ups when you call ahead. Rental reservations available online.