Sponsored by Ski Utah
While there are many places that claim to have great skiing, there’s only one place, Utah, that owns the title of The Greatest Snow on Earth®. But it’s more than just a tagline in Utah, which on average receives an incredible 500 inches of snow each year. Pair its famously light powder with unmatched terrain, a Winter Olympic legacy, 200 days of sunshine, and easy access, and you have all the makings of an unforgettable Utah ski trip. Discover the pure magic of skiing in Utah across its 16 unique resorts.
Utah is Home to The Greatest Snow on Earth®
A combination of climate conditions makes the Wasatch Range one of the snowiest ski regions in America and home to The Greatest Snow on Earth®. When storms roll in from the northwest, warm, moist air is closely followed by cold air that creates the low-density fluff that skiers and riders love to float through. This, plus Utah’s high altitude and low humidity, results in snow that’s both abundant and light. But snow is just part of the story and what makes Utah such an iconic ski destination.
Discover Utah’s Unique Ski Regions
Utah is home to 16 amazing ski resorts, 10 of which are within an hour of Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). The Cottonwood ski resorts—including Alta Ski Area, Brighton, Snowbird, and Solitude Mountain Resort—are well regarded as some of the snowiest ski resorts in America, and each deliver a distinct experience.
Alta, one of the oldest ski resorts in the state, blends its historic, independent, skier-only roots with some of the deepest powder skiing you’ll find. Brighton, Utah’s first ski resort, draws skiers and snowboarders alike with its fantastic tree skiing, welcoming atmosphere, and night skiing. Snowbird, known for its aerial tramway and a long ski season that often goes into May, delivers some of Utah’s deepest snow across a mountain where over 60% of the terrain is for advanced and expert skiers. Solitude attracts skiers and riders of all levels, pairing high-elevation steeps and technical terrain with lower-mountain greens and blues—anchored by its European-style mountain village.
In Park City you’ll find two of the most iconic destination ski resorts in America, Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort. Park City Mountain, soaring above the historic mining town, is one of the largest ski resorts in America, featuring 7,300 acres of skiable terrain. You’ll find it all here, including 13 bowls, 7 terrain parks, 41 lifts, and a mind-boggling 340-plus named runs across 17 mountain peaks. Nearby, Deer Valley Resort combines a skier-only experience with unmatched service and elevated amenities that make it one of the most renowned luxury ski resorts. Deer Valley has undergone a historic expansion in recent years, adding a staggering 2,500 acres of new terrain, nearly 100 new ski runs, 10 new chairlifts, and the East Village Express Gondola. Park City is also home to Woodward, a state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor freestyle sports park with several lift-served terrain parks, as well as tubing lanes and a ski and snowboard learning zone.
Further north, Ogden is the perfect base for those who want to explore Powder Mountain, Snowbasin, and Nordic Valley, all of which are a short drive. These three ski areas combine for more than 12,000 acres of terrain and some of Utah’s least crowded slopes. After the lifts stop spinning, come back to Ogden to experience its vibrant history and culture. Ogden is just 35 miles north of Salt Lake City International Airport.
In Northern Utah, skiers and riders can experience America’s oldest family-owned-and-operated resort, Beaver Mountain, when they make Logan their basecamp. Closer to Salt Lake City, just an hour south, Sundance Mountain Resort offers a variety of adventures for skiers and non-skiers alike, including 540 acres of ski terrain, night skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, incredible dining, and more. And last, but not least, don’t overlook Southern Utah. Brian Head Resort, which boasts the highest base elevation in the state at 9,600’, features the unique experience of skiing to the backdrop of dramatic red rock landscapes.
Pass holders who have an Ikon Pass, Epic Pass, and The Mountain Collective can enjoy access to a number of Utah resorts on those passes. If you want to visit every one of Utah’s resorts, then check out the Ski Utah Yeti Pass, featuring one day each at 14 participating ski resorts in Utah.
Planning Your Utah Ski Trip
No destination boasts the convenience and access to world-class ski resorts and winter adventures like Utah does. Take the first flight out of many major cities—like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Seattle, and Portland—and be on the slopes by lunchtime. Those going to Sundance Mountain Resort can fly into Provo Airport (PVU), which is about a 35-minute drive away.
In many cases you don’t even need a car. Take the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) Ski Bus to Snowbasin, Powder Mountain, Solitude, Brighton, Snowbird, Alta, and Sundance. Or, enjoy the ease of getting around by foot and a free bus system in Park City. Use Ski Utah’s resort comparison tool to compare prices, skiable terrain, vertical, proximity to a major airport, and more.
If you want to ski like the locals do, then ski midweek, and after 1 p.m. on weekends, when the slopes thin out and there’s more parking available. For the best savings, and the least crowded slopes, visit early in the season or in the spring. Start planning your trip at skiutah.com.
Hero image ©Chloe Jiminez
