Utah received more snow last year by this date, but when it comes down to inches on the ground, the numbers this year are nearly the same.

By Dec. 22 of last year, Utah's higher-elevation resorts, like Alta, Snowbird, Brighton and Solitude, had received close to 200 inches. This year the numbers are around 150 inches, which is still above the norm for this time of year.

Last year at this time, the four resorts were holding bases between 70 and 75 inches.

The snow report this week showed Brighton with 74 inches, Alta with 71 and Snowbird and Solitude with 65.

The snow hit early and hard last year, but then a dry spell hit and the 13 Utah resorts had to rely on a packed base and snowmaking.

This year snowstorms have been more consistent and, in looking at the last two storms, have been somewhat of a surprise.

The last two storms, including the one Sunday and Monday, were not expected to be much.

"But they were and they both came in with perfect timing," said Nathan Rafferty, president of Ski Utah. "We've got good snow, now, and our bookings for the holidays are strong. The main thing is we have a good base. Visiting skiers aren't used to the three feet of Utah powder we sometimes get. Conditions now are perfect."

Holiday bookings are, in fact, very strong. Snowbird reported 100 percent occupancy last weekend, "and strong bookings through the holidays," said Laura Schaffer, director of public relations.

The town of Park City is pretty much full for the holidays.

Krista Parry, public relations manager at Park City Mountain Resort, said that with the latest storm, which put down 13 new inches, "We have a great base and conditions now are great. Storms the past two weeks have really helped. Everything is open. We even opened Jupiter Bowl to hiking this week."

Solitude and Alta are also reporting strong bookings, with an opening here for one- or two-night stays, but nothing for extended vacancies of six to seven days.

Consensus is, the latest storm was just the boost resorts needed going into the busy Christmas and New Year's business.

"It was a nice, heavy snow," said Connie Marshall, director of public relations at Alta. "It wasn't like light snow we're used to, but it was the kind of snow that gives us a good base to ensure good skiing."

Elsewhere around the country, resorts seem to be doing better this year than last.