The 13 Best Ski Resorts in Utah

It’s no wonder that Park City became the training grounds for the U.S. ski team and was chosen to host the 2002 Olympics snowboarding events and giant slalom. Encompassing 7,300 acres of skiable terrain with two distinct base areas, Park City Mountain Resort is credited as the largest resort in the U.S. Located in the heart of charmingPark City, a short 35-minute drive from Salt Lake City, this famed resort provides an impressive variety of terrain, ranging from novice to expert level, spread across 330 trails, 43 lifts and six terrain parks. With so much acreage to cover, the resort seldom feels crowded.

Known for its high-end amenities, including ski valets and gourmet delicacies, Deer Valley Resort is a luxury skier’s paradise, It’s known for providing outstanding luxury service both on and off the slopes. In addition to delivering impeccably groomed trails, the resort limits lift ticket sales to ensure uncrowded runs. This skiers-only resort offers 2,026 acres of diverse terrain and a 3,000-foot vertical drop. A complimentary shuttle to nearby historic Main Street, Park City, is provided. The resort is conveniently located just 40 miles from Salt Lake City Airport, making flying and skiing in one day a possibility.

Snowbird offers an exhilarating 3,240-foot vertical descent, but that isn’t the only thing drawing skiers to “The Bird.” More than 2,500 skiable acres of terrain are equally divided among beginner, intermediate and expert level skiers. In addition, the mountain offers adrenaline junkies an opportunity to explore Utah’s backcountry on an epic heli-skiing adventure. Snowbird is open from November to June – longest ski season in Utah – so visitors can experience all Snowbird has to offer well into spring. Visitors have access to a  full-service resort with four lodges to choose from, all located within the village.

This world-renowned powder skiing destination has been family-owned and operated since 1938 and offers 2,614 skiable acres of terrain. But leave your snowboard at home as Alta is a ski-only resort. Since the resort is perfectly perched atop Little Cottonwood Canyon, one of the country’s snowiest locations, the mountain witnesses an average of 537 inches of light and powdery flakes each year. In addition, it’s one of the most conveniently located resorts within the state, sitting just a 45 minute drive from Salt Lake City.

Considered one of Utah’s best-kept secrets, Solitude is known for short lift lines and uncrowded trails. Though one of the state’s smaller resorts, this 1,200-acre ski area packs 80 runs, three bowls, and plenty of moguls and well-groomed trails. Located in the Big Cottonwood Canyon of the Wasatch Mountains, Solitude experiences plenty of fresh power with an annual snowfall of more than 500 inches. Along with epic alpine skiing, Solitude has more than 12 miles of Nordic skiing trails, not to mention an ice skating rink at the Village base.

Snowbasin was a locals' favorite for more than 60 years before the 2002 Winter Olympics put it on the map. The mountain offers diverse terrain across its 3,000-skiable acres, as well as an impressive 3,000 foot vertical drop. Though the mountain lacks a central base village, it’s recognized for its top-notch customer service, elegant day lodges and gourmet dining. Just 35 miles from Salt Lake City, Snowbasin is one of the closest resorts to the airport, so visitors can experience its wide-open bowls, and steep shoots shortly after landing.

Brighton sets itself apart as Utah’s only resort with 100 percent of its terrain accessible from its high-speed lifts. This feature enables skiers of varying levels to ride the lifts together, choose their desired runs, and meet up at the bottom, which is great for families and groups. Ideally situated atop Big Cottonwood Canyon, Brighton welcomes more than 500 inches of fluffy powder each year across its 1,050 skiable acres. Along with family-friendly amenities like plenty of bunny slopes, a top-notch ski school and affordable lift tickets, Brighton is where kids under 10 can ski free with a ticketed adult. The fun doesn’t end at sunset, Brighton offers excellent night skiing with 22 runs across 200 lighted acres.

The 7,900 accessible acres across Powder Mountain make up the largest skiable acreage of any resort within the U.S. Though the abundant terrain is enough to keep the slopes uncrowded, the mountain limits the number of lift tickets sold, allowing an average of three acres of terrain per skier. Cat skiing is a popular way to experience the mountain. The 15-person powder cat delivers skiers and boarders to the summit to begin an unforgettable powder adventure. With over 500 inches of fresh snow falling on Pow Mow’s 150 runs each year, skiers and boarders are guaranteed a memorable snowy escape.

Located in the mountains of southern Utah, Brian Head is one of Utah’s smaller resorts, but its 650 acres have plenty worth bragging about. At 9,600 feet, the resort is home to the state’s highest base elevation and offers a 1,320-foot vertical drop. Nearby Cedar Breaks National Monument and Bryce Canyon National Park are the backdrop for scenic red rock views. Meanwhile, Brian Head’s terrain suits every breed of powder hound that comes to experience its 360 inches of annual snowfall. Along with plenty of alpine adventures, Brian Head has two snow tubing areas and a terrain park.

A popular local ski destination in northern Utah, Beaver Mountain Resort – or “The Beav” as it’s known to many – opened in 1939 and is still dependent on the natural snowfall on its mostly east-facing slopes. About 110 miles from Salt Lake City, close to the Idaho border, Beaver Mountain Resort boasts 828 skiable acres that receive about 400 inches of snowfall annually. The resort's 48 marked runs cater to all skill levels, with 35 percent of trails designed with beginners in mind, making this a great destination for families with younger powder hounds. Beaver Mountain also features two terrain parks for riders looking to practice their skills. What's more, The Beav is open past sundown for night skiing, so the fun doesn't have to end once the evening starts.

Founded by Robert Redford in 1969, Sundance is located at the base of Mt. Timpanogos and is protected by 5,000 acres of wilderness. Its 450 acres of skiable terrain offer the ultimate intimate wintry escape. The resort features plenty of bunny slopes and beginner trails for newbies while still offering steep, wide bowls and narrow glades to keep advanced skiers interested. When it comes to lodging, Sundance offers 105 cottages, ranging from studios to luxury mountain houses, equipped with rustic-yet-elegant décor. A variety of dining options provide everything from upscale cuisine at the Tree Room to soup and sandwiches at the Sundance Deli.

Eagle Point, located in the Tushar Mountain range in southern Utah, is often praised for short lift lines, uncrowded slopes, and exceptional customer service. As one of Utah’s smaller resorts, Eagle Point offers a relaxing alternative to nearby larger ski destinations. The mountain encompasses 650 skiable acres with a 1,500-foot vertical drop. Beginners enjoy the wide, well-groomed green runs, while more advanced skiers can head for the steep powder-filled glades. While it’s not as conveniently located to the airport as many other state resorts, Eagle Point is a scenic three-hour drive from either Las Vegas or Salt Lake City airports.

Nordic Valley may be Utah’s smallest resort with a mere 120 skiable acres, but it’s the place to be for skiing after dark. With 100 percent of the mountain under lights, the resort offers the most extensive night skiing in the state. Offering mostly intermediate and advanced runs and a 1,000-foot vertical drop, Nordic Valley was chosen as a downhill training area for the 2002 winter Olympics. However, the resort caters to a wide range of skill levels. Families know Nordic Valley as a budget-friendly resort with plenty of learning hills for little ones. Though the resort offers few amenities off the slopes, it’s a short drive to nearby Ogden, home to plenty of restaurants and entertainment options.