Ski Resorts in Utah

Ski Resorts in Utah

Utah’s next door neighbor (Colorado) may boast more skier visits per year, but those in the know will tell you that Utah’s powder is the lightest on earth. There’s over 500 inches (more than 40 feet / 12 meters) of snow at most Utah ski resorts each winter and that’s about 200 inches more than most Colorado resorts.

Reasons to Ski Utah

Home to The Greatest Snow on Earth®

Utah ski resorts average more than 500 inches of snow each winter and thanks to Utah’s high-altitude desert terrain, the snow quality is almost invariably dry and fluffy snow – lighter quality snow than any other state in the USA or Canada and some claim the best in the world. With snow density averaging just 8.5%, Utah’s lighter and fluffier powder snow is a huge attraction and a magnet for powder skiers from all over the world.

Easy to get there via Salt Lake City International Airport

While Utah has a lot going for it, one of the best things about Utah is how easy it is to get there. Utah resorts are among the most accessible in the USA. Snowbird, Alta, Solitude and Brighton (all skiable on the remarkably cheap Ski Salt Lake Superpass) and Park City are Deer Valley are all within 35-40 minutes drive from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Also, direct flights to SLC from London and other European cities via Delta. Some Utah resorts even allow you to ski free the day you land when you produce your airline ticket. Flying and skiing on the same day is not only possible, it’s commonplace! Additionally, because the Salt Lake City airport is deep in the valley where temperatures are mild even in the mid-winter months, the airport rarely closes due to snow.

Utah’s Liquor Laws are now in line with in most other states.

Once known as a difficult place to get a drink, recent changes to Utah’s formerly peculiarly strict liquor laws dispensed with some of the previously required formalities, such as paying a membership fee to drink at a bar. In fact, since 2009 visitors unfamiliar with Utah’s previous alcohol scheme would now not notice any difference between Utah and other U.S. states.

A wide range of resorts

Ranging from fun-loving Park City (among the biggest ski areas in the USA with skiing and boarding for all abilities and terrific apres ski on and around Historic Main Street) and neighboring Deer Valley (renowned for outstanding customer service on- and off-the mountain and high-end luxury accommodation) to Alta (for steep terrain) and Snowbird (among the best all-around ski resorts in the USA). Solitude and Snowbasin (favoured by locals because few lodging options and practically no apres-ski means no crowds, no lift lines and more untracked powder), Brighton (known as the snowboarding capital of the USA), sustainable Sundance Mountain Resort Sundance (the brainchild of actor Robert Redford which hosts the renowned Sundance film festival each spring) and Powder Mountain (uncrowded, varied terrain and relaxed natural atmosphere).

Park City Mountain Resort

Utah’s foremost ski town, Park City is a fun-loving town with a big, high-energy resort and one of the largest ski areas in the USA, offering over 7,300 acres of skiable terrain. The resort features an impressive 341 trails, served by 41 lifts, including high-speed quads and a gondola connecting the two main areas, Park City Mountain and Canyons Village. Known for its diverse terrain, Park City caters to all skill levels with a mix of groomed runs, powder bowls, and challenging steeps. The resort also boasts eight terrain parks and two half-pipes, making it a favorite among freestyle skiers and snowboarders. The resort is not an inexpensive place to stay, but represents good value for money. From the town you can access the main skiing and boarding area via two high-speed six-passenger lifts, which whisk you to the top in less than 12 minutes. Historic Main Street, with restaurants, bars, boutiques, and art galleries, is superb for après-ski or lunch on a day off and a the town bridge spanning Park Avenue means that skiers and snowboarders can now ski or ride directly from the mountain to Main Street. For dinner and après-ski, over 100 diverse restaurants and bars await. Search Accommodation in Park City & Book Online >

Ultimate Ski Guide to Park City >

Deer Valley Ski Resort

Deer Valley has a deserved reputation for outstanding customer service. Everything at Deer Valley is first rate, from the lifts to the grooming. Of course it all comes with a first class price tag, but for those who are truly looking for a world-class destination resort, Deer Valley is the crème de la crème. Families love Deer Valley. The runs are groomed to perfection, the lodges are immaculate, the snow is dry and the crowds nonexistent. Ski valets will carry your equipment and you’ll never touch your bags. If your aching from skiing all those moguls, just soak in the hot tub at one of the many five-star hotels scattered across the resort. Despite its stereotype as a playground for the rich and famous, Deer Valley has some outstanding terrain and though not much of it will raise the hair on the back of your neck, there’s more than enough steep stuff to keep the kids occupied while mom enjoys her day at the spa and dad prowls the groomers. Search Accommodation in Deer Valley & Book Online >

Ultimate Ski Guide to Deer Valley >

Alta Ski Resort

One word defines Alta – POWDER. The resort is blessed with well over 500 inches of snow each winter and the snow is so dry the resort even publishes the water content of every snowfall (often under 5%). Upgrade your ski lift ticket to an Alta Snowbird ticket and you’ll be able to ski between the two interconnected resorts – a popular option for those staying at Snowbird’s more luxurious accommodations. That’s right ski and only ski because Alta is one of only a handful of US resorts which prohibits snowboarding. Alta is strictly a skier’s paradise and what a paradise it is. Don’t let the resort’s modest vertical (only 2000 feet) deter you. Alta has some seriously steep terrain. Just be prepared to endure some longish catwalks to get there. The relatively low number of lifts means that to reach the good stuff, you’ll be traversing more than usual – often on narrow tracks. It’s worth it though – trust us. As a final word of warning, Alta grooms very little, so if you’re uncomfortable skiing powder and crud, Alta is not for you. If you’re looking to stay at Alta, the resort offers a reasonable amount of slopeside lodging and much of it is affordably priced. However, the hotels in Alta are rather rustic and spartan. If you’re going to Alta, it’s for the powder. There is no base village and the nightlife is practically nonexistent. So if you like powder, visit. You’ll understand. Oh and leave the narrow skis at home – rent fat powder skis. It’s worth it. Search Accommodation in Alta & Book Online >

Ultimate Ski Guide to Alta >

Snowbird Ski Resort

Considered by many to be the best all-around ski resort in the United States, Snowbird blends 500 inches of fluffy powder a year with exceptional terrain and first rate slopeside lodging – all within 30 minutes of a major international airport. Snowbird does not look like your traditional ski resort -no charming Tyrolean pedestrian village here. In fact, those making their maiden visit to Snowbird might be put off at first by the exterior appearance of the buildings, all of which appear to be designed by an architect whose sole prior experience must have been limited to concrete parking garages. But once you arrive, you’ll learn there is a very good reason for Snowbird’s austere bombshelter-esque style – SNOW. Snowbird receives so much snow each winter and the surrounding hills are so steep that the resort’s buildings are reinforced to survive direct avalanche strikes. If you stay any of the slopeside hotels, the front desk will need to keep your keys so they can remove your vehicle from the parking lot to perform avalanche work every morning. At some resorts, after hitting the snooze button a few times, the sweet sound of avalanche-triggering explosions is audible in the distance – not at Snowbird. At Snowbird, you won’t need that alarm clock, nor have a need to hit the snooze button. On most mornings, when 7 am rolls around, you might well think you’d woken up on the Western Front, that din meaning just one thing: a powder day. Your room will shake and your windows rattle with the sound of TNT exploding startlingly close-by. If you’re like us, you’ll smile at being so “rudely” awakened because there’s simply no better way to wake up. Search Accommodation in Snowbird & Book Online >

Ultimate Ski Guide to Snowbird >

Solitude Mountain Resort

Solitude may be the most aptly named resort in North America. Nestled atop Big Cottonwood Canyon and a scant 35 minutes from the Salt Lake City International Airport, Solitude feels a world away. While the crowds fight their way up Little Cottonwood Canyon to Alta and Snowbird or slog around the mountain to Park City, those who are in on skiing’s best kept secret are at Solitude. Salt Lake locals know that long after the powder’s tracked out elsewhere, Solitude still has the goods…even 3, 4, or even 5 days after a big storm). A Tyrolean-themed base village offers ample lodging and dining options, but limited fun for those looking to cut loose. Après-ski is tame and nightlife is non-existent. But with 500″ of powder each year and two new quad chairlifts to help you access all of Solitude’s legendary fluff, you might be too tired to party anyway. Search Accommodation in Solitude & Book Online >

Ultimate Ski Guide to Solitude >

Brighton Ski Resort

Known as one the snowboarding capital of the USA, Brighton ski resort in Big Cottonwood Canyon is to boarders what Alta is to skiers – heaven. Renowned for its excellent snowfall, averaging 500 inches annually, the resort features 1,050 acres of skiable terrain with 66 runs, served by six chairlifts, including high-speed quads. Brighton is known for its diverse terrain, accommodating all skill levels, and is particularly popular with families and beginner skiers due to its renowned ski school. The resort also offers extensive night skiing, covering over 200 acres. Snowboarders and freestyle skiers appreciate Brighton’s three terrain parks. The resort’s easy accessibility, reliable snow conditions, and laid-back atmosphere make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Sharing a boundary with neighboring Solitude, Brighton is the more unassuming of the two Big Cottonwood Canyon resorts. Slopeside lodging options are extremely limited and far from posh. Search Accommodation in Brighton & Book Online >

Ultimate Ski Guide to Brighton >

Snowbasin Ski Resort

Many of our readers tell us that Snowbasin is the best resort they’ve never visited. Located near Odgen, not far from Salt Lake, Snowbasin is owned by the same company that owns Sun Valley (notice the similar smiling sun logo). Home of the 2002 Winter Olympic Downhill, Super G and Combined runs, Snowbasin has the terrain to be a first class winter resort, but most people forego Snowbasin for its nearby neighbors due to a total lack of slopeside lodging. No slopeside hotels, however, means no liftlines and those who make the trip to Snowbasin love it. Search Accommodation near Snowbasin & Book Online >

Ultimate Ski Guide to Snowbasin >

Sundance Mountain Resort

Sundance resort was the brainchild of actor Robert Redford. Redford imagined a place where skiing was a more ethereal experience and the resort blended harmoniously into the natural surroundings. In that regard, the resort is a reaction against the excesses commonplace at many of today’s mega-resorts. There are no gaudy townhouses or out-of-place condo developments. The resort emphasizes conservation and green business practices. But make no mistake; Sundance is still a five star resort. The resort hosts the renowned Sundance film festival each spring. The skiing, much like the resort itself, is modest. With only three chairlifts and 450 acres of terrain, Sundance is a rather small resort, but those who frequent it say it’s big on character and one of America’s most charming ski resorts. Search Accommodation in Sundance & Book Online >

Ultimate Ski Guide to Sundance >

Powder Mountain

As its name suggests, Powder Mountain Ski Resort is famous for its snow and is a great choice for intermediate powderhounds looking for an uncrowded and reasonably-priced alternative. Located near Eden in northern Utah, Powder Mountain Ski Resort,is renowned for its expansive terrain and deep powder. Boasting over 8,464 acres, it is one of the largest ski resorts in North America. The resort offers a mix of 154 runs, including groomers, glades, and challenging steeps, serviced by nine lifts, including two high-speed quads. Powder Mountain is famous for its light, fluffy snow, receiving an average of 500 inches annually. The resort emphasizes a natural, uncrowded skiing experience, with limited daily lift ticket sales to preserve the quality of the slopes. Powder Mountain also offers cat skiing, backcountry tours, and extensive night skiing. Its relaxed atmosphere, breathtaking views, and varied terrain attract skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The resort’s commitment to maintaining a low skier density ensures a unique and memorable experience. For more information visit the Powder Mountain Ski Resort website >

Getting to Ski Resorts in Utah

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is a major hub in the western United States, offering extensive domestic and international flight options. Located just 4 miles from downtown Salt Lake City, SLC provides convenient access to Utah’s renowned ski resorts. The airport’s proximity to major ski destinations is a significant advantage, with popular resorts such as Park City, Deer Valley, and the resorts in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, including Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, and Solitude, all within a one-hour drive. This accessibility makes SLC a prime gateway for skiers and snowboarders seeking world-class snow and varied terrain. The airport’s modern facilities and efficient operations ensure a smooth travel experience for winter sports enthusiasts. For more information about airlines and flght connections go to the Salt Lake City International Airport website >

Distances from Salt Lake City International Airport and driving times in good weather conditions:

Park City Resorts…
Park City 37 miles / 35 minutes
Deer Valley 38 miles / 40 minutes

Cottonwood Canyon Resorts…
Alta 32 miles / 38 minutes
Snowbird 31 miles / 38 minutes
Solitude 33 miles / 40 minutes
Brighton 33 miles / 40 minutes

Other Utah Ski Resorts…
Snowbasin 45 miles / 50 minutes
Sundance 54 miles / 51 minutes
Powder Mountain 55 miles / 1 hour 5 minutes