Utah’s controversial Mountain Accord plan got off the ground in July with the unanimous endorsement of a quartet of proposed land swaps between Utah ski and snowboard resorts and the U.S. Forest Service. The land exchanges at Alta, Snowbird, Solitude and Brighton signal a commitment for backcountry conservation among elected officials, government agencies, and representatives of private business and non-profit organizations.

The Summit Express at Solitude Mountain Resort has been both the lift of choice for black-diamond powder hounds … and somewhat of a hassle to get to.

Conversations have begun in earnest to figure out how to more efficiently connect Salt Lake City with seven of Utah’s ski and snowboard resorts -- and reduce environmental impact at the same time.

Late-season snow storms have been rolling into Utah mountains, making it difficult to hang up the skis and snowboards but easy for resorts to stay open.

The long-pondered connection among seven resorts in the Wasatch Mountains became an official “concept” March 19, as executives at each resort joined hands in support of the project.

Many season passes add extra value through discounted rentals, food, ski shop apparel, and other perks, but several Heartland season passes also include alliances with western and eastern ski resorts. Check them out. There are some good benefits if you’re planning a ski vacation outside the Midwest this winter.

Sometimes you just can’t keep track of all the multi-resort season pass deals without a scorecard. Now you can add the Big Cottonwood Pass to the list, offering Solitude and Brighton every day of the season, plus nights at Brighton. 

If you’re on the slopes of Brighton or Park City Mountain Resort at the end of this month you might wonder what all the cameras and trucks are up to. Nope, it’s not Warren Miller or TGR hunting for epic powder stashes.