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Where to ski in Utah: The definitive guide

 

Ogden Area

Snowbasin

I grew up back East, where four to six hour drives to ski each weekend were not uncommon. Why I have it stuck in my head that Snowbasin, all of 45 minutes to the north, is far away I have no idea. Most Salt Lakers fall victim to the same mental flaw. The ‘basin is not far. In fact, it can be quicker to head up I-15 to I-84 at 75 mph than fight a potential “red-snake” in the Cottonwoods. Terrain-wise, Snowbasin delivers. How about lifts? Three gondolas are not too shabby. Opulent day lodges and fantastic resort food are the icing on the cake. The cherry on top? The bathrooms. Seriously.

One word: Surprising.

snowbasin.com

 

Powder Mountain

Pow Mow is as old-school as they come. You’ll run into kids in jeans having a blast, know the bus driver by name in a single day and also get to ride a snowcat to well, snowcat-worthy terrain. Utah’s biggest resort at over 5,000 acres, PowMow can be daunting to navigate. If you combine lifts, snowcats ($18/ride) and free bus shuttles out of “Powder Country” into large loops, you’ll maximize vert and never have to fight for fresh tracks. Right down to the base lodges, PowMow is a throwback resort. It’ll remind you of the place you grew up skiing and likely be where you’ll want to teach your kids to ski.

One word: Massive.

powdermountain.com

 

Nordic Valley

Nestled between larger neighbors Snowbasin and Powder Mountain, Wolf MountainNordic Valley aims at family-friendly value experience. With only three lifts accessing a fun freestyle park and popular night skiing, this small resort is grooming the next generation of Utah skiers. Most of the available lodging in the valley is part of Nordic Valley, so you may have come for the ‘basin and PowMow, but you may find yourself getting some night turns in on this hill.

One word: Value.

wolfmountainutah.com

 

Cottonwoods

Alta

Powder. Deep powder. And the only thing that runs deeper than the snow here, is a regaled history. Olympians, daredevils and ski bums alike have all cut their teeth at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon on Alta’s slopes. I once heard a stat that Alta had the highest education per-capita in the nation. I didn’t believe it until I met a PhD who worked as a dishwasher at the Peruvian Lodge. The skiing here is that addictive and worth putting off the “real world” for at least a few years of bumming it at Alta. Fair warning: You may never go back to the career shuffle, but joining Altaholics Anonymous will be more than fulfilling. Snowboarders need not apply, as Alta is open to skiing only. No worries, though, there are a dozen other amazing resorts to ride at in Utah.

One word: Powder.

alta.com

 

Brighton

Known as a local favorite for affordability, as well as being one of the first resorts in the country to embrace snowboarding, Brighton is rightfully popular. Every ski resort has a “vibe” and from the moment you park at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, the vibe is clearly that of unity. Skiers & snowboarders, tourists from the midwest and local high school kids more than co-exist: everyone gets along. No one seems to be having a bad day, and you won’t either.

One word: Friendly.

brightonresort.com

 

Solitude

Sometimes a name is so fitting and descriptive additional words won’t do it justice and this resort is a prime example. Given prime location, 12 miles from SLC, plus favorable snowfall and legit terrain it may as well be the 8th wonder of the world how Solitude is not crowded. Snow lasts for days here, there is little “powder panic” on powder days and the side-country touring options plant you in the middle of the Wasatch. Even on a Saturday during holiday periods the mountain absorbs the minimal crowd well. Simply put, you won’t be waiting in line here.

One word: Empty.

skisolitude.com

 

Snowbird

The steeps of Jackson, plus the snow of Alta, just eight miles from Salt Lake’s suburbs. High speed lifts, including a tram, ensure the 3,000 vertical offered at ‘bird will wear you out, assuming your goal is to shred hard. If a more mellow ski day is up your alley, they have plenty of long cruisers, especially in Mineral Basin. But if it is steep and deep you are after, Snowbird is Utah’s most challenging hill. The views from the top may make it the most scenic, as well.

One word: Steep.

snowbird.com

 

Park City

Park City Mountain Resort

Home to Olympic events in 2002, as well as snowboarding Grand Prix events, PCMR always has something going on. Current Olympians train on these slopes and in the massive terrain park, but mere mortals like us can enjoy a plethora of runs. Jupiter Peak offers some hike-to terrain that can get the pulse going and the cruisers seems to last for miles. One of the most memorable experiences you can have is skiing into town. You literally go from snow to pavement with whiskey distilleries, bars, restaurants and shops steps from the Town Lift.

One word: Action.

parkcitymountain.com/

 

Canyons Resort

Pack a trail map – this place is huge. Spread over half a dozen peaks, with lifts and connecting trails taking you left, right and up, Canyons is a fun place to pick a direction and explore. The unique Orange Bubble Express, with a windshield and heated seats, is one of the state’s most unique lifts. On a cold and/or windy day, hot laps on the Orange Bubble can save the day! A lively base area and quality restaurants are a hit with locals and visiting skiers alike.

One word: Massive.

canyonsresort.com

 

Deer Valley

Smooth groomers, powder stashes in the trees for days after a storm and legit steeps in the Daly Chutes: Deer Valley comes close to being perfect. The food at the Seafood Buffet and Fireside Dining rival the actual skiing for the highlight of a day at Deer Valley. Homes, lodges and hotels are straight out of a rich and famous lifestyle show line many of the runs, so don’t be surprised if you run into more than one celeb skiing these perfectly manicured groomers.

One word: Extravagant.

deervalley.com

 

Sundance

Robert Redford, the famed actor who also started the Sundance Film Festival, has kept the eponymous resort as tied to nature as possible. Art classes, recycling, locally inspired menus and lodges built from natural materials are the calling card of Sundance Resort. Wild turkeys roam the grounds – a scene more farm than ski resort. As for the snow sliding itself, sundance has two main lifts that serve up plenty of long runs and peaceful rides back up the hill, allowing ample time to gaze at Mt TImpanogos – possibly Utah’s prettiest peak.

One word: Nature.

sundanceresort.com

 

Southern Utah

Brian Head

Southern Utah’s red rock meets white snow resort. Winter biking trips to St. George and long weekends to Vegas all provide good opportunities to try Brian Head on for size. If you can read storms, there are several each year that favor the southern part of the state. Great reason for a road trip if you ask me!

One word: Dixie.

brianhead.com

 

Eagle Point

Southern Utah’s “other” resort, Eagle Point is off the radar for most Utah skiers, just outside of the sprawling metropolis of Beaver, UT. Having lain dormant for years, the resort formerly known as Elk Meadows, has undergone a significant makeover. Updated lodges, nice condos and plenty of good terrain. If midweek storms hit, the snow will stay fresh as the resort only runs a few days around weekends. On a Saturday morning a few years ago, after it had snowed 8” overnight, we rolled up to the lift at 9:20. We were the first to ride that day. When’s the last time that happened in the Wasatch?

One word: Spacious.

skieaglepoint.com

 

Northern Utah

Beaver Mountain

Utah’s northernmost resort, Beaver Mountain, is a family-friendly experience on the front-side and a backcountry adventure on the back. Popular with the college crowd from nearby Utah State and southern Idahoans, Beaver has a bit of something for everyone at affordable prices.

One word: Throwback

skithebeav.com/

 

Cherry Peak

New for the upcoming 2014-15 season, Cherry Peak sits just 15 miles from Logan and plans to have three lifts and plenty of night skiing. Expect it to be popular with college kids and families from Utah’s famed farming communities.

One word: New!

skicpr.com