Utah is truly a snow mecca in the US, boasting 14 ski areas, 10 of which are conveniently located within an hour drive from the city. Utah ski resorts are known for their monster dumps of fluffy powder bolstered by the Great Salt Lake effect. That's why we've curated the top ski resorts in Utah so you can decide what’s best for you!
7. Brighton
Why Ski Brighton
Brighton is Utah’s first ski area and is a reliable choice for less crowds and terrain variety. The trails are spread across four distinct parts of the mountain, with express chairlifts making it easy to access groomers, bowls, tree skiing and terrain parks. There’s also night skiing available from Monday to Saturday. It’s small compared to other resorts in the area, but you can access Solitude Mountain on the SolBright Pass, where you’ll find more blue and black trails. Brighton can be a good family-friendly option too, as kids under 10 can ski or ride for free! Keep in mind that accommodation and dining options at the base are limited.
Where to Stay
The Brighton Lodge offers ski-in/ski-out access to the slopes and is the only lodging available at the base of the mountain. There are a number of chalets just outside the base area that are about a 5 minute walk to the lifts. If you’re planning to ski at both resorts, Solitude is about a 5 minute drive away and has more lodging variety. Staying in Salt Lake City will give you more dining, shopping and nightlife options and is a 45 minute drive away.
Getting Around
To travel between Brighton and Solitude, the UTA bus operates a free service. To get to and from Salt Lake City, there are private shuttle bus services available. You can also catch the light rail from downtown Salt Lake City to Midvale and then transfer to a UTA ski bus to Brighton.
6. Snowbasin
Why Ski Snowbasin
As one of the Olympic venues for downhill skiing in 2002, Snowbasin has beautiful day lodges and a great mix of terrain. On a clear day, you can see the neighbouring states from the top and enjoy tons of vertical on the way down. The resort has a friendly atmosphere, relatively fewer crowds and some excellent cafeteria food. The only thing it’s really missing is a base village and slopeside accommodation.
Where to Stay
There isn’t any lodging at the base, but the city of Ogden is just a 30 minute drive away with plenty of dining and shopping options. A more peaceful alternative is staying in one of the small towns in Ogden Valley, which are a 15 to 20 minute drive away. Salt Lake City is just under an hour drive away, with endless restaurants, shops and nightlife.
Getting Around
If you’re staying in Ogden Valley, some of the properties offer guests a shuttle service to and from the slopes. The UTA Ski Bus operates routes from Ogden and Layton to the resort, and is available from some ‘Park & Ride’ lots in Weber and Davis County. A number of private shuttle services are available to travel to and from Salt Lake City.
5. Powder Mountain
Why Ski Powder Mountain
Powder Mountain is the furthest from Salt Lake City on this list, but the huge terrain can be worth the trip from the city. Daily ticket sales are limited to 1,500, and with the largest skiable terrain in North America, you’ll be sure to enjoy an uncrowded experience. The backcountry terrain serviced by snowcats is suited to the advanced, but there are trails for everyone. Admittedly, Powder Mountain lacks dining, lodging, shops, and off-the-slope activities so if that's what you're after, this may not be your spot.
Where to Stay
Lodging at the resort is limited, but there are on-mountain cabins in the Lefty’s Canyon area that are ski-in/ski-out. You’ll find more lodging options in small towns like Wolf Creek and Eden which are a 15-20 minute drive away. Eden has a small number of dining options, while the city of Ogden is about a 40 minute drive from the resort and has plenty of restaurants and shops.
Getting Around
Parking is available at the resort's three lodges. The Sundown Lodge is a good spot for beginners, while Timberline Lodge and Hidden Lake Lodge require you to ski down before accessing a chairlift. The UTA Ski Bus operates routes between Ogden and the resort and is also available from the ‘Park & Ride’ lot in Eden. Private shuttle services are available to travel to and from Salt Lake City.
4. Deer Valley
Why Ski Deer Valley
Luxury is the name of the game at Deer Valley, a skiers-only mountain with top-notch facilities and grooming. It’s quite popular amongst families, with an excellent ski school and a range of terrain spread across six mountains. The resort limits the number of daily lift tickets sold, which reduces crowds and adds to the exclusivity. Deer Valley can get quite pricey but you’ll enjoy convenient lodging, upscale dining and five-star customer service. There isn’t much nightlife at the base, but it’s conveniently close to downtown Park City.
Where to Stay
There are three areas to stay in Deer Valley: Snow Park (Base Area), Silver Lake (Mid-Mountain) and Empire Pass (Upper-Mountain). Each area is close to the lifts and has a few dining options. The Snow Park area is a convenient choice for families as the ski school, children’s centre and beginner ski area are located here. It’s also just a 5 minute drive to Park City’s Main Street, where you’ll find plenty of restaurants, shops and nightlife. The Silver Lake and Empire Pass areas are better for accessing a wider variety of terrain.
Getting Around
Many accommodations offer a complimentary Cadillac shuttle service within the resort. The Park City transit system also operates free routes throughout the Deer Valley area and to downtown Park City. To get to and from Salt Lake City, private shuttle services are available. You can also catch a bus from downtown Salt Lake City to the Kimball Junction area and then transfer to a bus to Deer Valley.
3. Snowbird
Why Ski Snowbird
Snowbird is truly for the adventurous, with challenging terrain and world class snow that often lasts until May. Mineral Basin, on the backside of the mountain, is where you’ll find all the powder bowls, chutes and cliffs. It has some unique lift systems, with an aerial tram that travels straight to the peak, as well as a tunnel with a conveyer belt connecting the two mountain sides. There are a handful of restaurants and bars, but Snowbird’s base area consists mainly of a few lodging buildings. Skiers can get access to neighbouring Alta on the AltaBird pass, where you can find better beginner-friendly terrain.
Where to Stay
There are four lodging options at the base of the mountain. The Cliff Lodge is on the west end of the resort and is closest to the Aerial tram and the beginner’s area. The other three lodges are located more centrally in the base area and are also close to the lifts. There are condos located between Snowbird and Alta that are about a 5 minute drive from the slopes. For an array of dining, shopping and nightlife options, lodging in Salt Lake City is about a 40 minute drive away.
Getting Around
Some parking lots require a paid reservation. To travel between Snowbird and Alta, the public UTA bus operates a free service. There are private shuttle services to get to and from Salt Lake City. You can also catch the light rail from downtown Salt Lake City to Midvale and then transfer to a UTA ski bus to Snowbird.
2. Alta
Why Ski Alta
Alta is a skiers-only resort, so unless you’re a snowboarder, you can enjoy all the extreme steeps, chutes and tree runs that it’s known for. That being said, there is terrain for all abilities and the mountain has a family-friendly vibe. Alta refers to itself as a ‘ski area’, rather than a resort, so you won’t find many dining, shopping or après options. The base is relatively compact, with just two base areas connected via a transfer tow. The Albion base is closer to beginner-friendly terrain, while the Wildcat base area is closer to advanced trails. If more skiing is what you’re after, you can upgrade to the AltaBird pass and ski over to neighbouring Snowbird.
Where to Stay
The five lodges at the base of the mountain offer close access to the slopes and most have meals included. There are also condos located around the resort that are a couple minutes drive to the slopes at most. If you don’t mind the commute and are looking for cheaper lodging, stay in Salt Lake City. It’s about a 40 minute drive, but you’ll have access to more nightlife, dining and shopping options.
Getting Around
The roads within the resort aren’t designed for pedestrians, but if you’re on skis you can use the transfer tow between the base areas. Some of the lodges offer free shuttles to and from the slopes for guests. Parking is available but paid reservations are required on weekends and during holiday periods. To travel between Alta and Snowbird, the UTA operates a free bus route. To get to and from Salt Lake City, private shuttle services are available. You can also catch the light rail from downtown Salt Lake City to Midvale and then transfer to a UTA ski bus to Alta.
1. Park City
Why Ski Park City
Park City is the largest ski resort in the U.S. and offers plenty more than just skiing. The resort combines two ski areas, Park City Mountain and Park City Canyons, with varied but mostly intermediate terrain. Its Old West mining town has heaps of winter attractions and endless entertainment and restaurants. You’ll find activities including sleigh rides and the Alpine coaster in town, or tubing and bobsledding at Utah Olympic Park just a short drive away. The resort can attract some sizable crowds as it’s a popular destination amongst families and large groups.
Where to Stay
You can stay in the vibrant Historic Park City town or in one of the two areas at the base of the mountain, Mountain Village and Canyons Village.
Town
The town’s Main Street is the best option for dining, nightlife, and shopping out of the three areas. The lively town is located on one end of the mountain and you can access the slopes via the Town Lift, which is about a 10 minute ride.
Base
Stay in one of the base areas to be close to the slopes. Mountain Village is a good option for beginners as there are more green trails. The area has a small market for the bare necessities, but the town is roughly a kilometre away. Canyons Village is a 10 minute drive away on the other end of the mountain. There’s more terrain here, made up of mostly blue and black trails. You'll find a number of après options and a small market for the basics. For more food and supply stores, the Kimball Junction area is just a 10 minute drive away.
Getting Around
To get around the area, the Park City transit system operates a free bus service with routes throughout the resort, to neighbouring Deer Valley and the nearby town Kimball Junction. To get to and from Salt Lake City, there are a number of private shuttle services available. You can also catch a bus from downtown Salt Lake City to the Kimball Junction area and then transfer to a bus to the resort.