Skiing in Utah

Located just 30mi. southwest of the state’s capital, Salt Lake City, Brighton Ski Resort holds the distinction of being the first ski resort in Utah. It boasts top-notch trails and ski runs, as well as extensive backcountry access. Marvel at Brighton's amazing natural features, as there are exciting drops, chutes, cliffs, and bowls to amuse intermediate and experienced skiers. Accommodations, dining, and shopping facilities are on hand in the area should you decide to go on a short trip from the capital city.

Boasting over 7,000 acres of skiing terrain, Powder Mountain is the best-kept secret around Ogden, Utah, thanks to being a one-stop-shop for numerous skiing options. On top of its tons of traditional or conventional trails, Powder Mountain also features in-bound snow-cat skiing, something that is not usually offered in ski resorts. Plus, it has Powder Country, the slopes on the road leading up to the resort, a 1,200-acre area of "ungroomed backcountry" which affords skiers the unique experience of the side country. A bus at the bottom of the road picks up skiers and brings them back to their stations or bases.

The alpine resort of Deer Valley is just 36mi. east of Utah’s capital and is ranked as one of the top-notch upscale resorts in the U.S. It also hosted the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. Snowboarding is not allowed in the area but the resort’s reputation for pampering its guests more than makes up for it. It has well-groomed snow and varied terrain that will appeal to all sorts of skiers. Plus, there are plenty of good restaurants and lodgings in the area.

Park City is a big resort comprising 7,300 acres. There are loads of terrains, some of which are fit for Olympic competition and activities. In addition, there are two ski-in ski-out villages that are perfect for families and groups. With its 41 lifts, eight terrain parks, 14 bowls, and more than 300 trails, Park City Mountain is a skier's paradise. A licensed daycare center is available if you have very young children in tow and would like someone to look after them while you are on the slopes. For older kids, it's an ideal opportunity to kick off a lifelong love of downhill winter sports, by enrolling them at the snowboarding or ski schools.

The Alta ski area, officially opened in 1939, is known for its powder skiing. Part of Alta's appeal is that it is interconnected to another family-friendly ski resort (Snowbird) through lifts and slopes. Skiers love the deep snow in Alta and it is one of the remaining three ski-only resorts in the US. Its good vibes and family-friendly facilities make it a great hit among skiers whether they are novices or experienced.

Snowbird boasts the record of holding Utah’s longest skiing season with an average annual snowfall of 500ft. In addition to its jaw-dropping 3,240 vertical feet drops, the resort offers several terrains for all types of skiers. Heli-skiing, snowcat skiing, and snowmobile tours are available for the entire family to enjoy. Off the slopes, vacationers can enjoy heated outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, and spa facilities set against a backdrop of snowcapped peaks. Numerous restaurants complete the offerings for families or groups.