Skiing mountains in Utah

Regardless of your skiing talents or experience, Utah is a fantastic spot to visit for a ski trip. Utah is home to a variety of world-class ski resorts and prides itself on having “the greatest snow on earth.” But don’t take my word for it; get out there and discover the wonders of Utah skiing for yourself! Utah is a fantastic place to ski because of its high-quality resorts and genuinely exceptional snow coverage and texture.

If you want to visit a variety of resorts but don’t want to travel too far from home, Utah is the place to go. Its wonderful, powdery snow can be enjoyed for most of the year, and if you’re a skier like me, you’d be crazy not to visit Utah at least once. The Deer Valley Resort is one of Utah’s most prestigious resorts. Deer Valley was named the greatest resort in North America by Ski Magazine in 2005, and it’s simple to understand why. Deer Valley is a connoisseur’s pick because of the sheer quality of skiing available, as well as the gorgeous surroundings and world-class facilities. What’s more, it feels a million miles away while just being a short distance from the hustle and bustle of Salt Lake City. The resort itself has over 20 ski lifts, ensuring that lines are kept to a bare minimum, and it is well-priced for the quality of the skiing.

Snowbird is number one on this list

Snowbird provides terrain for all levels of skiers, but it’s especially good for expert skiers. The steep runs and open bowls present a challenge, but not one that is overwhelming. With jagged mountain peaks that actually make you feel like you’re in the mountains, this is also one of Utah’s most scenic ski resorts.

Snowbird is close to Alta Ski Resort, and a combination ticket allows you to ski both resorts. They’re linked at the summit of Sugarloaf Pass, and the two together offer enough terrain to keep you busy for months. Storms that funnel up the Cottonwood Valley tend to strike these resorts hard, dumping a lot of snow on them.

Snowbird is the only Utah resort with a 125-passenger tram that connects practically all of the mountain’s sections with a single lift. It also features a tunnel that runs into the mountain and acts as a “ski-through” mining museum, with skiers moving through it on a conveyor belt.

Snowbird just made a $35 million investment in upgrading and improving their facilities. The installation of The Summit restaurant at the top of Hidden Peak, with views of the hills and beautiful mountains of Little Cottonwood Canyon, was one of the significant enhancements. They also increased the size of the famous Cliff Lodge.

The base’s latest upgrades are now complete, including the Snowbird Center, which features new public areas and a sunny outside patio at The Forklift restaurant. The building of two new pedestrian bridges, one of which is 491 feet long, has further enhanced skier movement. Behind the scenes, the resort maintains its environmental commitment. Snowbird has erected a multimillion-dollar cogeneration energy facility that makes the resort nearly energy self-sufficient.

Snowbird’s base is fairly modest, with a few lodging options but no actual town or village, making it more of a skier’s mountain than a sociable mountain. At the base, there is generally plenty of parking, with the farthest lots free and the closer lots demanding a nominal fee. If you’re looking for après-ski choices, look into hotels in Salt Lake City, which is just over an hour away.

www.snowbird.com is the official website.

 

Deer Valley is number two.

With first-class facilities, a nice mix of terrain for all levels of skiers, great snowmaking capabilities, and employees who go out of their way to make sure your skiing experience is pleasurable, Deer Valley is a skiing experience like no other in Utah. This skiers-only resort is only 45 minutes from Salt Lake City and about two miles from downtown Park City.

Despite its reputation as a family resort, the mountain offers a surprising variety of terrain that will keep even the most experienced skiers entertained. More than 100 lines are spread across 2,000 acres and six summits, including long and wide groomers on Flagstaff, Bald, and Empire Mountains, as well as steep glade experiences on Lady Morgan Mountain. The runs are all well-planned and have decent fall lines.

Deer Valley limits the number of skiers each day to 7,500 to offer the finest skiing experience and the shortest lift lines, ensuring that even during peak vacation seasons, the mountain is never too crowded to enjoy. It’s also worth mentioning that, because so many people travel to Deer Valley searching for groomed slopes, it’s typically simple to locate untracked snow long after a snowstorm has passed.

At Deer Valley, customer service is extremely important. This resort stands out with nice extras like free ski storage, gear and accessory storage for a little cost, and perfectly maintained amenities. Deer Valley is also one of the few mountain resorts with a state-licensed non-skiing child care center.

The great on-hill eating is another highlight of the Deer Valley experience. Luxurious day lodges with wood-burning fireplaces, towering windows, and comfy seating provide a variety of meals, ranging from casual to white-table service.

Ski-in/ski-out hotels and apartments are available at Deer Valley, which caters to the upper echelon of the market. You can also stay in nearby Park City, or if you don’t mind a 45-minute drive, you can discover a wide choice of lodging alternatives in Salt Lake City. There is plenty of parking for day visitors, and you may leave your skis at the base area, park, and walk or ride the complimentary shuttle back to the resort.

www.deervalley.com is the official website.

Park City Mountain Resort is a ski resort in Park City, Utah is number three on the list

Because of its enormous terrain, recently improved snowmaking capabilities, amazing terrain parks, great après ski infrastructure and culture, and the town of Park City at the base of the slopes, Park City Mountain Resort is a top choice for skiers and boarders visiting Utah.

Park City Mountain Resort is Utah’s second-largest ski resort, after Powder Mountain. It offers 7,300 acres of skiable terrain, and each level of skier will find something to their liking here. The resort receives approximately 30 feet of snow on average each season, with 500 acres of snowmaking to supplement Mother Nature’s supply.

Park City Mountain Village and Canyons Village are two independent bases at Park City Mountain Resort. Each one has its own own personality and parking spots. When skiing for a single day, many skiers choose to ski at one or the other because traveling from one side to the other and back needs a substantial number of runs and planning, and can be an all-day undertaking.

Canyons is the largest of the two locations, with a diverse range of topography, excellent on-hill restaurants selling gourmet cuisine, and a bustling base area, especially in the spring when concerts and other events take place.

Park City Mountain Village is recognized for its excellent intermediate lines, but it also has plenty of room for beginners and some demanding spots for more experienced skiers.

At Park City Mountain Resort, there are over 330 named ski routes spread across 17 peaks. You’ll be back up to the top in forty-one lifts, several of which are high-speed quads or better.

Park City Mountain Resort has a number of benefits over other Utah resorts, including the community of Park City at its base. This isn’t simply a ski community; it’s a true town with a bustling Main Street. Although small, it is home to the annual Sundance Film Festival and boasts numerous excellent restaurants and hotels. There is also ski-in/ski-out accommodations available at the base of Park City and Canyons.

Park City Mountain’s official website is www.parkcitymountain.com.

 

Alta Ski Area is number four on the list.

Skiers hold a particular place in their hearts and minds for Alta. This historic, old-school, skiers-only resort, which dates back to 1938, is located at the end of Little Cottonwood Valley and receives more than 500 inches, or over 42 feet, of snow each year. The terrain is diverse, with groomed slopes and many of beginner-friendly spots, although the mountain is geared more toward strong intermediates and adventurers who prefer to ski off the groomed runs.

The resort features six main lifts (the others only serve the lodges) that provide access to more than 2,000 acres of skiable terrain. There are two bases: the main base is Wildcat, which has plenty of parking and skier facilities, and the ski school is located at Albion, which is a little further up the canyon but has limited parking. The Wildcat base and Collins lift are ideal for easy access to the most terrain.

Alta lies directly up the valley from Snowbird, and skiers looking for more terrain can purchase a combination lift ticket that allows them to access Snowbird Mountain through a gate at the summit of Sugarloaf Pass. When conditions are ice, skiing Alta in the morning and then switching to Snowbird’s Mineral Basin bowl in the afternoon to capture the afternoon sunshine and sun-softened conditions is a terrific alternative. In the spring, when not all of the resorts’ runs are available, a dual mountain pass is an excellent choice.

Alta’s facilities and eateries are typically rudimentary, while the Watson Café, which opened recently, is a step up from the rest.

Alta is a great place to visit for a day trip from Salt Lake City. However, there are several excellent family-friendly lodging alternatives on the hill, including ski-in/ski-out hotels with huge rooms or neighboring rooms and all-inclusive meal packages that make the whole experience easier. Staying at the resort eliminates the need to drive and may eliminate the need to prepare meals, plus there is a decent ski school with full-day programs for youngsters. One of the greatest possibilities is Alta’s Rustler Lodge.

Both the IKON and Mountain Collective pass packages include Alta.

www.alta.com is the official website.

Snowbasin is number five.

Snowbasin is located little under an hour north of Salt Lake City and 30 minutes south of Ogden. With over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain and 3,000 feet of vertical, this resort is an unexpected and sometimes missed jewel, with first-class amenities, outstanding service, and some great slopes for all levels.

Littlecat, Blue Grouse, and Orson’s are three excellent terrain parks, each catering to different levels of boarders and freestylers.

The hill is dominated by blue and black slopes, which include everything from steep tree runs to open bowls and groomed lines. Green streams flow down the mountain’s lower slopes, eventually reaching the main base lodge. Nine lifts, including a gondola and a tram, are strategically spaced across the mountain, and lift lineups are uncommon.

The restaurants and day lodges are lovely log structures with lofty ceilings and wooden beams, massive stone fireplaces, walls of windows, and massive chandeliers. The heated sidewalks outside make wearing ski boots a breeze.

The lack of accommodation at or near the base is the resort’s only disadvantage. Visitors to Snowbasin will most likely stay in Ogden, a charming town around 30 minutes away. In snowy weather, the journey from Ogden to the resort can be treacherous. On the plus side, this resort does not see a lot of Salt Lake City skiers.

Snowbasin is well-known for being one of the country’s oldest continuously operating ski resorts. It was also the filming location for the 2010 American horror film Frozen, and it hosted part of the skiing events for the 2002 Winter Olympics.

www.snowbasin.com is the official website.

 

Powder Mountain is number six.

Powder Mountain, located just over an hour north of Salt Lake City, offers a wide range of skiing choices, including cat skiing and backcountry terrain. Powder Mountain, with 8,464 acres of skiable terrain, became the largest ski resort in North America with the opening of two new lifts in 2017. About 3,800 acres are accessible through nine lifts, with the rest accessible via a Snowcat Powder Safari into the backcountry.

The number of day lift tickets is limited to 1,500, while the number of season passes is limited to 3,000.

Powder hunters will find what they’re searching for if they wander outside the lift gates at Powder Mountain, which is noted for its excellent natural snow. If all you want is some nice groomed runs or on-hill action, the lift service area is ideal, with 154 courses to choose from. Don’t worry if it all seems a little daunting; the resort provides a complimentary Mountain Host service to show beginners around the mountain.

Sundown and Hidden Lake, two terrain parks for snowboarders and freestylers, include all the latest features. A half-pipe and a boarder cross trail are also available at Hidden Lake.

www.powdermountain.com is the official website.

Solitude Mountain Resort is number seven on the list.

Solitude is a hidden gem that locals are more aware of and enjoy than tourists. If you’re seeking for powder and tree skiing, or just want to get away from the crowds, this is the place to go.

It’s a peaceful spot near the end of Big Cottonwood Valley, with 80 runs and three bowls spread out over 1,200 acres, as the name says. Honeycomb Canyon has a lot of wide-open intermediate and novice lines, and those searching for a challenge will find it there.

Due to the hill’s layout, Solitude is an excellent area to ski with a family or group. Because all of the runs tend to wind up at a couple of big lifts, becoming separated or lost is uncommon.

There are two basic regions in Solitude. The primary base area for day trippers, with the largest day lodge and abundant parking, is accessible through Entry 1. The other base area, which can be accessible by Entry 2, mostly serves the village and condos. There is no restaurant or day use facilities on the slopes. Restaurants can be found in the village streets just a short walk from the hill. There is very little parking available at this entrance.

The unique Himalayan-styled Roundhouse, considered as the sunniest point on the mountain, and the Moonbeam lodge at the Entry 1 base area are two on-hill dining alternatives. In the evenings, the Village is the only place to go for food and entertainment, so many individuals decide to self-cater in their condos or townhouses.

 

The Village is the only place to stay, with a hotel and a number of condominiums, townhomes, and private homes operated by Solitude Resort. Many people come here for a day excursion from Salt Lake City, which is roughly 45 minutes away by automobile.

At Solitude, big changes are afoot. This ski resort, which was recently purchased by the proprietors of Deer Valley, will soon receive all of the necessary modifications to make it even better. New chairlifts, lodge enhancements, and new food and beverage options are all in the works, backed by Deer Valley’s famed first-class service.

Solitude has a large network of Nordic (cross-country) skiing and snowshoeing paths in addition to outstanding downhill skiing. The IKON pass program includes Solitude.

https://solitudemountain.com/official-site/

Brighton Resort is ranked number eight.

Brighton is roughly 45 minutes from Salt Lake City, beyond Solitude Ski Resort, up Big Cottonwood Canyon. It’s all about the skiing and boarding at this resort, not the après ski scene. This is a great area to visit for a day on the mountain.

With little over 1,000 acres of skiable terrain and almost 42 feet of snow per season, this mountain appeals to skiers of all abilities. Advanced skiers will find lots of ungroomed terrain and powder, but those who prefer groomers will not be disappointed.

The on-hill equipment is one of Brighton’s key benefits over some of the other mountains in the vicinity. High-speed quads, a triple, and a magic carpet provide access to all of the greatest terrain. This allows you to quickly build up some substantial vertical.

From early December to early March, children under the age of ten ski for free, and night skiing is provided every night of the week except Sundays.

www.brightonresort.com is the official website.

Sundance Mountain Resort is number nine on the list.

Actor Robert Redford founded Sundance Ski Resort in 1969, roughly an hour south of Salt Lake City and a half hour from Provo. With wooden and log-style accommodations and restaurants, the resort has a basic, rustic charm. The scenery is breathtaking, and the mood is quaint to say the least.

With 450 acres and 42 slopes, the ski hill is small by Utah ski resort standards, but it offers a full variety of black, blue, and green runs, as well as first-class service and amenities, including a ski school.

Sundance contains a terrain park, as well as night skiing and a winter zip line.

Sundance Resort’s official website is www.sundanceresort.com.

Brian Head Resort is number ten.

Brian Head Resort, located in southern Utah about 2.5 hours north of Las Vegas, is a good-value, family-friendly ski resort where people come to have fun. This is the ideal hill for families who just want to get out and enjoy the snow, with something for everyone, even if they don’t want to ski or snowboard.

This is Utah’s highest ski hill, with a base height of 9,600 feet. The resort spans two summits with about 650 acres of skiable terrain and 1,320 feet of lift-served vertical. It offers a good mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs, as well as tubing.

There is some lodging on the hill or in Cedar City, which is about 40 minutes away. Casual dining is available at a few of the resort’s restaurants.

Brian Head’s official website is located at https://www.brianhead.com/.

Woodward Park City is number eleven.

This brand-new facility, which opened for the 2019/2020 season, offers a variety of action sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. This is the place for you if you have an outdoor snow sports family and your kids don’t care much for traditional downhill skiing and would rather spend their time snowboarding or freestyling at the terrain park.

They’ll find more terrain to jump, slide, ride, and fly over here than they will at most Utah resorts. Woodward Mountain Park is a combination of many terrain parks. The Woodward Peace Park, built by Grand Prix champion Danny Davis, is for advanced and intermediate freestylers and surfers who want to do their own thing.

Red’s Backyard is the place to go if you want to slide on constructions. This park is essentially Red Gerard’s backyard, complete with rails and everything else he has lying around to test your riding abilities.

However, the resort isn’t just interested in getting expert riders up on the snow; it also wants to get the youngest and most inexperienced riders up on the snow, riding and sliding with confidence.

Tubing and climbing are two other activities available, as well as trampolines and other hobbies.

Woodward Park City’s official website is https://www.woodwardparkcity.com/.

Powder Mountain is number twelve on the list

Powder Mountain is another of Utah’s most beloved resorts. Powder Mountain, a favorite of local skiers, is largely undiscovered in comparison to the other resorts, despite being just as wonderful in terms of amenities. In fact, it is regarded as one of the top resorts in terms of value for money, and with its optimum temperature, it is the ideal location for a skiing vacation. Powder Mountain is a significantly smaller ski resort, with only 7 ski lifts, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less enjoyable! If anything, less skiers will benefit you because you will have more slope to yourself! Powder Mountain is known for its friendly ambiance, which screams of typical Utah character. That’s not to mention its remarkable specialized skiing school, which offers affordable instruction from some of the state’s most experienced ski instructors. Powder Mountain has earned its reputation as a world-class ski resort without the crowds, and is truly one of Utah’s best kept secrets, with nightly grooming and slopes to suit all ability levels.

 

So, if you’re searching for a nice skiing holiday with your family or a place to perfect your talents, you can’t go wrong with Utah. Utah is regarded as one of America’s top skiing states, combining world-class accommodations and restaurants with ideal natural skiing conditions, and it’s easy to understand why with its magnificent, deep powder snow. With such a diverse range of resorts, there’s something for everyone, and you’ll be sure to have a great time, just like the millions of other skiers who have chosen Utah for their trip.