UDOT Asks Novice Winter Drivers To Avoid Utah's Ski Resorts This Weekend

UDOT Cottonwood Canyons issued a timely travel alert for Utah skiers heading into this weekend.

Over the next two days, according to the National Weather Service, Alta is predicted to get 22 inches, Snowbird is predicted to get 27, Snowbasin is looking at 15, and Brighton could get 16.

While this is great news for the growing base depth of Utah resorts, with the forecasted storm, UDOT voiced its concerns.

Officials wrote that "tomorrow (1/5) (thru 6pm): Snow will pick up after 8am and will continue through the rest of the day, heavy at times and exceeding 1” per hour after 9am. Road snow accumulations of 6-8” are possible in the upper canyons and 2-4” in the lower canyons."

As Utah skiers already know, the canyon shuts down pretty quick when there's a storm.

This weekend, "there will be a bit of a lull through the day on Sat. (1/6) before more snow showers move in during the evening. 12”+ road snow is possible before lulling on Mon (1/8)."

UDOT advises considering "early departures if PM snow is forecast, especially in the upper canyons."

"Regardless of slide offs or crashes, there is a good chance you will be in fully stopped traffic for extended periods of time both exiting the parking areas and on the roads due to all the powder hounds heading for home at the same time."

"Plan wisely. If you’re not skilled at driving in the mountains during severe winter weather, please don’t drive up. There are carpool, shuttle and transit options.

"Be prepared for ALL road conditions. Weather changes quickly and traction restrictions could go into effect at any time, regardless of road conditions when you head up. Reduce your speeds and don’t drive distracted, especially as road conditions worsen."

Where did you learn to drive? I did more than half of my learning hours on a remote, dark, snow-filled highway up to Northern Maine.

By choice? No, of course not. What 15 year old girl wants to learn how to drive in those conditions?

But as a 23 year old women (who proudly passed her driving test the second time around, it had nothing to do with snow and everything to do with parking) I can say that putting those hours in paid off for Tahoe daily driving.

Nurse those brakes, baby!

Stay safe out there, it's not worth dying on the way to the hill. It goes without saying that 4WD, All Terrain tires, proper tread left, or chains are required for a reason.

If you don't have any of those, carpooling is a great option.

Because honestly, the danger isn't always you, it's everyone else with anything less than 4WD. Defensive driving, just like at the resort.

Related: Park City Opens Jupiter Lift To Expand Expert Terrain

Don't miss another headline from POWDER! Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of skiing.

We're always on the lookout for amusing, interesting and engaging ski-related videos to feature on our channels. Whether you're a professional or just an amateur, we want to see your best footage and help you share it with the world. Submit your video for a chance to be featured on POWDER and our social channels. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch high-quality ski videos.