In a season where powder days have been few and far between out West, the moments when the atmosphere finally cooperates are that much sweeter.
That was the story in Utah’s Cottonwoods this past week, when the snow piled up at Alta Ski Area, Snowbird, Brighton, and Solitude.
Forecasters spotted the storm in advance, but, as far as we can tell, the surge of wintry weather delivered more than expected. Skiers vanished into the white room. Hoots and hollers, we can only assume, became the de facto language.
Alta Ski Area recorded at least 44 inches of new snow throughout the week starting March 1, 2026. It was the biggest and “best” storm of the season, according to multiple first-hand accounts.
With a period of spring-like conditions settling in, the powder frenzy passed as soon as it came. Based on the forecast, the coming week will be about goggle tans, corn snow, and alpine sun.
The storm was no mirage, though. Take a trip down memory lane with some local Alta photographers, who caught Alta Ski Area at the peak of the swell.
The 2026 POWDER Photo Annual is here! Look for a print copy on a newsstand near you, or click here to have a copy shipped directly to your front door.

Alta Ski Area/Rocko Menzyk

Alta Ski Area/Tyler Struss

Alta Ski Area/Rocko Menzyk

Alta Ski Area/Rocko Menzyk

Alta Ski Area/Tyler Struss

Alta Ski Area/Rocko Menzyk






