Salt Lake City—Local community groups announce a celebration and appreciation event honoring Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and Utah Transit Authority (UTA) Cottonwood Winter Operation crews who worked tirelessly to ensure safe canyon roads during a record-setting year of snowfall in the Central Wasatch Mountains. The event will take place on May 17 from 4:30 – 8:00 p.m. at Golden Hills Park, located at 8295 Wasatch Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121. All who enjoy winter recreation in the Central Wasatch are invited to attend.

The event will express gratitude to the dedicated professionals who played a vital role in plowing canyon roads and conducting essential avalanche control work, and providing ski bus service, ensuring the safety of skiers, snowboarders, and other winter enthusiasts in Big Cottonwood and Little Cottonwood Canyons.

“During this record-setting year of more than 900 inches of snow in the Wasatch Mountains, we want to thank the winter canyon crews who do the avalanche control work, snow removal to clear canyon roads, and drive ski buses so all of us in the winter recreation community can safely enjoy it ,” said Chris Adams, president of Wasatch Backcountry Alliance (WBA). “We know the hours are long and the work is hard – we think it is important not just to thank everyone involved, but to celebrate the great job they do.”

The celebration event will feature distinguished speakers, including officials from various city and state government offices who will express their gratitude to the on-the-ground winter operations crews for their exceptional efforts and dedication.

The event will also feature a presentation about this record-breaking snowfall year, highlighting the behind the scenes efforts to ensure safe winter travel in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. A “Thank You” project will allow attendees to share messages of appreciation to the winter operations crews.

The event is free to attend, and anyone who enjoys winter recreation in Big Cottonwood and Little Cottonwood Canyons is encouraged to attend.

More information about the celebration and appreciation event can be found online at https://bit.ly/WinterOpsParty. Organizers request attendees RSVP to assist with event planning. Carpooling to and from the event is appreciated.

This event is being organized by Wasatch Backcountry Alliance (WBA) and Save Our Canyons (SOC), with support from other non-profit community groups including, Friends of Alta, Friends of Little Cottonwood Canyon, IORAA (International Outdoor Recreation Asset Alliance), Save Not Pave, and Students for the Wasatch.

About Wasatch Backcountry Alliance

Wasatch Backcountry Alliance is the recognized voice for the backcountry community involved in human-powered winter recreation in the Central Wasatch Mountains. As a non-profit, WBA works to protect the Wasatch mountains unique backcountry and undeveloped areas, and advocates for responsible and sustainable land use, ensuring future generations can enjoy the beauty and adventure of the Wasatch.