10 Best Ski Resorts in Utah – Visiting Guide

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Beginning in mid-November, Utah’s resorts will be open with rotating lifts. It’s crucial to remember that many resorts still have COVID-19 safety standards in place. While the outside and on the lifts may appear to be much more regular this winter, make sure to prepare ahead, review each resort’s particular safety requirements, and cooperate with resort staff, and post information.

As a general rule, it’s a good idea to keep a mask on you at all times, even if you’re indoors. Skiers and riders must work together to ensure a successful and safe ski season. Utah ski resorts are eager to welcome you back to sliding on snow whenever you’re ready, with wide-open bowls, fun tree runs, and The Greatest Snow on Earth.

Ski Resorts in Utah Best Places to Go

Ski resorts in Utah are gearing up for a long winter season. The ski season typically starts in November and ends in April, but the season is year-round. Check out the best resorts in Utah .

1. Park City Mountain Resort:

In Utah, Park City Mountain Resort is a top choice for skiers and guests, with recently extended snowmaking capabilities, great terrain parks, après ski support and environment, and the town of Park City at the bottom of the slopes. Its previously independent terrain from “The Canyons” now owned by Vail Resorts Skiing at Park City Mountain Resort has become one of the most popular activities in Utah.

Park City is Utah’s largest ski area:

Skiers of any level will be able to find what they’re looking for at this resort, with 7,300 acres of skiable terrain. A typical snowfall at the resort is nearly 30 feet, and it has 500 acres of snowmaking to complement Mother Nature’s snowfall. At Park City Mountain Resort there are two separate bases, Park City Mountain Village and Canyons Village. There are also separate parking areas at each of these bases. When skiing on a single day, most skiers choose to ski either one or the other, since traveling from one side to the other and back is complex and can take all day.

Best Family Ski Resort in Utah:

It’s a great place to ski or snowboard on the slopes and off the slopes at the mountain coaster and Olympic Park attractions. Among the Utah family ski resorts, Park City is among the best.

COVID-19 safety:

It’s important to combat the spread of COVID-19. So park city has some COVID-19 safety protocols. 

• Face Covering: Their restaurants, hotels, retail stores, and restrooms will require face coverings in indoor settings such as rental locations and buses. Unless local public health authorities require it, face coverings will not be enforced outside. 

• Vaccination: COVID-19 vaccination proof will be required for those aged 12 and up. They believe the vaccine requirement is necessary for the protection of guests and personnel, as do many other large-scale indoor events and venues. This is the only part of their experience that requires confirmation of vaccination at the moment.

Advantages: 

• The Park City Mountain Village has great intermediate runs but also plenty of room for beginners and some challenging areas for advanced skiers. 
• With over 330 named runs across 17 peaks, Park City Mountain Resort offers something for everyone. 
• There are 41 lifts up to the summit, including many quads. 
• Ski-in/ski-out accommodation is also available at the base of Park City and Canyons.

Disadvantages:

This ski resort doesn’t have much of a problem but one thing to avoid is that it is sensitive to major crowds.

Opening and Closing (21/22 Ski Season):

Opening Date: Nov 29, 2021
Closing Date: Apr 12, 2022  
Contact the Park City Ski Mountain website to book your desired room.

2. Deer Valley Ski Resort:

There is no ski resort in Utah like Deer Valley, with first-class facilities, terrain suitable for all levels of skiers, and staff that make sure your skiing experience is great. Two miles from downtown Park City and 40 minutes from Salt Lake City, this skiers-only resort is within driving distance for those coming from Salt Lake City. 

Seat at Deer Valley’s Luxurious Lodges:

The number of lift tickets for Deer Valley’s luxurious lodges is limited daily to guarantee everyone has a place. In terms of terrain, it is not limited, with five separate peaks spreading over 2,026 acres, 3,000 meters of vertical space served by 22 lifts including 11 high-speed quads, and a gondola upholstered in leather. 

Ensure Your Best Skiing Experience:

Deer Valley limits the number of skiers per day to 7,500 to ensure the best skiing experience and minimal lift lines, so peak holiday times are never overly congested. Because most skiers come to Deer Valley to ski groomed runs, a snowstorm often leaves untracked snow behind. Deer Valley emphasizes excellent customer service.

Ski storage is available for free, ski gear and accessories store is available for an additional fee, and the grounds and facilities are immaculately kept. A state-licensed child care facility is located at Deer Valley for non-skiing children, making it one of the few resorts on the mountain.

COVID-19 safety:

For the 21/22 winter season, Deer Valley looks forward to welcoming guests back to the mountain and to ensure that their health, safety, and well-being continue to be a top priority. 

• Face Covering: All guests and staff at Deer Valley are required to wear masks or facial covers while indoors, regardless of their vaccination status, except when eating or drinking at a table. Perforated and vented masks, as well as single-layer buffs, are not permitted. During the Jordanelle Gondola ride, face coverings are mandatory, even if you are not riding outside or on a chairlift. 

• Vaccination: We strongly recommend that all guests have a complete vaccination against COVID-19. At no point during your visit will you be asked to show proof of vaccination, unless federal, state, or local laws prohibit it.  

Advantages: 

• Its immaculate facilities and amenities such as free ski storage and gear and accessory storage for a nominal fee set it apart from the competition.
• Have a licensed child care facility for non-skiing children.
• A range of dining options is available at one of the lodges featuring wood-burning fireplaces, towering windows, and comfortable seating.
• It is easy to get to the lodge on foot or take a free shuttle back to the base area, where you can drop your skis off, park, and then walk back.

Disadvantages: 

• This resort is a bit pricey and does not allow snowboarders to enter.

Opening and Closing (21/22 Ski Season):

• Opening Date: Dec 04, 2021
• Closing Date: Apr 17, 2022

Contact Deer Valley’s website to book your desired room.

3. Snowbird Ski Resort:

A truly adventurous place, Snowbird features challenging terrain and world-class snow that usually lasts until May. There are lots of powder bowls, chutes, and cliffs on the backside of the mountain, in the Mineral Basin. There are two unique lift systems in the area, including an aerial tram that leads straight to the summit, and a tunnel with a conveyer belt linking the two mountainsides.

Snowbird’s base area is largely made up of lodging buildings; there are a few restaurants and bars. A pass called AltaBird allows you access to the neighboring Alta resort, where you will find more beginner-friendly terrain. 

A Unique Ski Resort Which Gives You An Amazing Experience:

125-passenger trams allow access to practically every part of the mountain, which is a unique feature. A ski-through mining museum is located along a mountain tunnel that doubles as a conveyor belt tunnel for skiers to travel through. The resort just invested $35 million on upgrades to its facilities. The Summit Restaurant, perched atop Hidden Peak, commands awe-inspiring views of Little Cottonwood Canyon, as well as the surrounding hills and mountains. The Cliff Lodge was also increased in size.

Recent base upgrades have resulted in a sunlit outside patio at The Forklift restaurant and renovated public areas at Snowbird Center. Skier travel has been aided by the construction of two new pedestrian bridges, one of which is 491 feet long. The resort maintains its environmental commitment behind the scenes. Snowbird has built a multimillion-dollar cogeneration energy complex that allows the resort to be nearly self-sufficient in terms of electricity.

COVID-19 safety: Our guiding principle at Snowbird is the health and safety of our staff, guests, and the surrounding community. In acknowledgment of COVID-19, we started Operation Stay Safe to ensure that our operations are run properly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Salt Lake County Health Department (SLCoHD), and the State of Utah offered direction and understanding for the policies.

For the course of the season, Operation Stay Safe encompasses all of the steps we’re taking to ensure the safety of our guests, staff, and community. Because this is a changing environment, we will be updating our safety regulations and processes regularly to protect our staff and visitors.

Advantages: 

• Get free on-site parking
• The AltaBird pass allows skiers to access neighboring Alta.
• Backcountry, heli-skiing, snowcat skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobile tours are all available at this resort.

Disadvantages: 

• Long lines for the elevator have been reported by some reviews, and spa entrance is $30 per day for hotel guests.
• With limited food, nightlife, and housing options, it is not suitable for novices.

Opening and Closing (21/22 Ski Season):

• Opening Date: Dec 01 2021
• Closing Date: May 24 2022

Contact the Snowbird’s website to book your desired room. 

4.  Brian Head Resort :

Brian Head Resort is one of the cheapest and family-friendly winter destinations in Southern Utah. Brian Head Resort, with the highest base elevation in Utah, receives approximately 360 inches of amazing Utah snow each year. The resort includes eight lifts, the greatest of which is the Giant Step Express High-Speed Detachable Quad, which drops 1,320 feet vertically. Brian Head is a 650-acre golf course with 71 holes. You can also take to the skies in the redesigned terrain parks, which contain a variety of activities for all skill levels.

The acclaimed Kids Camp at Brian Head Resort is a fully supervised snow sports training facility. In a pleasant and safe learning atmosphere, lessons are presented in three age-specific programs. All-inclusive half-day and full-day packages are offered.

Enjoy A Quality Time With Your Family :

Skiing with your family is frequently more about spending time with your family than it is about skiing alone. Of course, there will be moments of joy when skiing, but for the most part, the focus is on everyone having a good time together. On one side of the hill, a terrain park and lovely run with views of the Cedar Breaks National Monument are dedicated to newbies; on the other side of the hill, a terrain park and beautiful run with views of the Cedar Breaks National Monument, everyone may obtain an experience to their liking.

Everyone will love the opportunities to hug and relax, whether you’re having hot coffee together around the gorgeous Stone Fire Pits at the start of the Giant Steps Express or taking your eldest child on their first uphill run.

COVID-19 safety: Guests are asked to maintain social distance by standing at least six feet away from others who are not traveling with them. When social separation with persons outside of your tour party is not possible, the Resort authority requested all guests to wear masks/face coverings.

Several sites across the Resort include hand sanitizing stations. Handrails, doorknobs, tables, seats, and high-trafficked places such as ticket windows, entrances, and bathrooms are being disinfected more frequently throughout the Resort.

Advantages: 

• It offers a good mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs, as well as tubing.
• There are usually few people on the slopes, and you can have them all to yourself.

Disadvantages: 

• Brian Head is a small ski area, and for those used to huge mountain resorts, it will look like a molehill.

Brain Head Resort Opening and Closing Date (21/22 Ski Season):

• Opening Date: Nov 24, 2021
• Closing Date: May 24, 2022

Contact Brian Head’s website to book your desired room.

5. Brighton Resort Ski Resort in Utah:

Brighton is roughly 45 minutes from Salt Lake City and is home to the Solitude Ski Resort, which is located just outside the Big Cottonwood Canyon. The emphasis at this resort is on skiing and boarding rather than the express ski scene. It’s a great area to visit for a day in the mountains. With little over 1,000 acres of skiable terrain and around 42 feet of snowfall in a single season, this mountain appeals to skiers of all abilities. Advanced skiers will find lots of open space and snow, but groomer lovers will not be disappointed.

Best Ski Resort in Utah With Wide Area:

With fewer crowds and terrain variety, Brighton is Utah’s oldest ski resort. It provides groomers, bowls, tree skiing, terrain parks, and express chairlifts so you can access all parts of the mountain. On Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays, night skiing is offered. There are more blue and black trails at Solitude Mountain than at other resorts in the area, though it’s smaller than others in the area. As kids under 10 can ski and ride for free in Brighton, it could be a good family-friendly option as well.

COVID-19 safety: Wear face masks indoors or while waiting in line to order food/drink, except for sitting down to eat or drink. Please make sure your face mask is in accordance with the CDC guidelines. Resort authorities are significantly increasing the frequency of surface sanitation and disinfection. They have added sanitation stations to Brighton restaurants and other common areas. We’ve installed additional signboards providing recommendations, information, and awareness of best practices. Committed to deep cleaning every day in all public areas throughout the resort.

Advantages: 

• Among Utah’s ski resorts, Brighton Ski Resort is often dumped with dry Utah snow because of its elevation and second-highest base elevation.
• Brighton ski area is connected to the wonderful Solitude ski area for intermediates and above.
• Kids 10 and under ski and ride free, and the resort is part of the Ikon Pass, so it’s relatively inexpensive compared to the most well-known ski resorts in UT.
• From the resort, you can access excellent side-country and backcountry.

Disadvantages: 

•  Mountain lodging is extremely limited, and there is no village with nightlife, restaurants, bars, and shops.
• Things to do in Brighton are basically skiing and snowboarding.
• Compared to other resorts in the area, the terrain is rather small.

Brighton Ski Resort Opening and Closing (21/22 Ski Season):

• Opening Date: Nov 24 2021
• Closing Date: Apr 17 2022

Contact Brighton’s website to book your desired room. 

6. POWDER MOUNTAIN:

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Powder Mountain offers cat skiing as well as backcountry terrain. Powder Mountain became North America’s largest ski resort by skiable area in 2017 with 8,464 acres of skiable terrain. A Snowcat Powder Safari can reach the rest of the area, which is about 3,800 acres and accessible by nine lifts. Season passes are limited to 3,000 and day lift tickets to 1,500.

A Great Natural Snow Resort for Skiing:

Powder Mountain is recognized for its superb natural snow, and powder hounds will find exactly what they’re searching for when they cross the elevator’s boundary. The Lift Service Area is fantastic if you’re searching for some great groomed runs or on-heel action, with 154 courses to choose from. Don’t worry if this sounds intimidating; the resort provides a complimentary mountain hosting service to guide newbies around the mountains.

The two terrain parks, Sundown and Hidden Lake, both contain modern elements for snowboarders and freestylers. A half-pipe and a boardercross trail are also available at Hidden Lake.

COVID-19 safety:

Powder Mountain Resort requests that all guests familiarize themselves with their Guest Health and Safety Protocol. They are urging their guests to take personal responsibility for being informed of and adhering to their baseline COVID-19 preventive measures while enjoying everything Powder Mountain has to offer because they cannot anticipate every eventuality.

Advantages: 

• At all times, two-layer, non-perforated face coverings are necessary.
• Please follow all written and verbal instructions.
• Observe all limited capacity restrictions in resorts, restaurants, rental properties, and retail stores.
• Maintain correct social distance by remaining at least 6 feet away from other visitors at all times, including on the slopes, on lifts, in lodges, Outpost Spirits, trailheads, foodservice venues, and parking lots.
• If you have COVID-19 symptoms such as, fever, coughing, respiratory difficulties, aches/pains, stay at home and rest.
• There are no Epic or Ikon crowds at Powder Mountain Ski Resort, which only releases 1,500 lift tickets per day. Powderhounds will feel as if they have the entire island to themselves.
• The area served by lifts is vast, and there are additional zones served by buses, snowcat shuttles, and guided backcountry tours.
• Powder Mountain, Utah, is a hip pocket-friendly destination.
• The atmosphere is wonderfully laid-back.

Disadvantages: 

• Powder Mountain is a smaller ski resort than many others in Utah.
• The majority of the elevators are old and slow.
• Given the vast area of the terrain, there aren’t many chair lifts, thus getting around can be difficult.

Powder Mountain Resort Opening and Closing Date :

• Opening Date: Dec 10 2021
• Closing Date: Apr 17 2022

Contact Powder Mountain’s website to book your desired room. 

7. ALTA Skiing Resort:

Alta is a ski only resort, so even if you’re not a snowboarder, you’ll be able to enjoy the resort’s legendary steaks, slides, and three runs. However, there is terrain for all levels, and the mountain has a welcoming atmosphere. Alta is more of a ski area than a resort, so there aren’t many restaurants, shopping options. With only two base areas connected by a transfer tow, the base is relatively small. The Wildcat base location is closer to advanced trails, while the Albion base area is closer to beginner-friendly terrain.

A Good Day Trip Destination:

Six main lifts serve the resort, while others are solely served by lodges, providing access to more than 2,000 acres of skiable terrain. There are two bases: Wildcat, which has vast parking and skiing facilities, and Albion, which is a short distance from Canyon and houses the ski school but has limited parking. Wildcat Base and Collins Lift are suggested for the quickest access to most terrain. 

In the mountains, there are some excellent lodging alternatives for families, including ski-in/ski-out hotels with huge rooms or adjoining rooms and all-inclusive food packages that make the whole experience easier. Staying at the resort eliminates the need to drive and likely eliminates the need to cook, plus there is a decent full-day ski school for children.

COVID-19 safety:

Like all other ski resorts, Alta Ski Resort has some Covid-19 safety policies: 

• Maintain a standard Covid-19 vaccination and testing policy for all employees, visitors, and guests.
• Within 72 hours of arrival, all personnel, guests, and visitors, except for children under the age of 5, will be fully vaccinated or the Covid-19 test results will be negative.
• For pre-return travel testing, provide an in-room PCR covid test.
• Make a fast antigen test available.
• Stay at home if we don’t like it.
• Follow the current CDC recommendations.
• Indoors, unless when actively eating or drinking, please wear a mask in public areas.

Advantages: 

• You can’t help but fall in love with the Alta Ski Resort and its ski lodge culture, which is steeped in history, nostalgia, and romance.
• Alta Utah receives a lot of snow, and the powder is often of exceptional quality.
• The terrain is fantastic for experienced and elite skiers.
• There are excellent beginning and intermediate slopes, as well as a welcoming atmosphere for families.
• This renowned powder destination is known for its challenging terrain, good powder, and relatively uncrowded slopes.

Disadvantages: 

• In light of the high cost of lift tickets, the lift system is not very impressive.

Alta Ski Are Opening and Closing (21/22 Ski Season):

• Opening Date: Nov 24 2021
• Closing Date: Apr 24 2022

Contact Alta Ski Resort’s website to book your desired room. 

8. SNOWBASIN Ski Resort Review:

Snowbasin is located an hour north of Salt Lake City and 30 minutes south of Ogden. With first-class facilities, fantastic service, and great slopes for all levels, including over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain and 3,000 feet of vertical, this resort is an unexpected and sometimes missed jewel. Little, Blue Grouse, and Orsons are three amazing terrain parks that cater to different types of freestylers and powers.

Wide Range Ski Area : 

There is a wide range of black and blue runs, from steep tree runs to open bowls and groomed runs. As the mountain lowers, green streams cascade down to the main base lodge. Despite a large number of lifts, there is little line-up around the mountain, which has five gondolas and a tram. Stunning log-style buildings host the restaurants and day lodges, complete with high ceilings, stone fireplaces, a never-ending wall of windows, and giant chandeliers.

You can walk easily in ski boots outside in the heated walkways. There is no accommodation at or near the base. Ogden, a cute town about 30 minutes away, is the main lodging option for Snowbasin visitors. When snowy weather is present, driving from Ogden to the resort can be challenging.

COVID-19 safety:

Guests and employees will be required to wear face masks in all public areas. This includes, but is not limited to, all inside places, outdoor patio spaces, shuttles, warming huts, and other temporary services, lift rows, gondolas, and chairlifts, and situations where a social distance of six feet or more cannot be maintained regularly. Guests are not required to wear face masks when eating or skiing if they keep a safe distance from other people.

Advantages: 

• The day lodges are luxurious.
• Snowbasin Ski Resort has speedy groomers.
• Advanced riders will enjoy the terrain at Snowbasin. 
• Lift infrastructure has been extensively renovated and a majority of lifts are operating efficiently.

Disadvantages: 

• Compared to some of the other Utah ski resorts, Snowbasin Ski Resort receives a fair amount of snow. In part due to the high level of skier traffic, the ski area has a significant amount of fake snow that can get really icy.
• If you don’t get to Ogden Valley lodging by dawn, you may have a difficult time finding parking on the weekend, and the shuttle service between Ogden Valley lodging and Snowbasin is not developed enough.
• Beginning skiers should not go to Ogden Valley lodging.

SNOWBASIN Opening and Closing (21/22 Ski Season):

• Opening Date: Nov 24 , 2021
• Closing Date: Apr 14 , 2022

Contact Snowbasin’s website to book your desired room. 

9. Woodward Park City Resort Review:

Skiing, snowboarding, and tubing are among the adventure sports available at this ski resort. 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.

Focused On The Youngest Along With The Beginners: 

Woodward Mountain Park is a mash-up of many terrain parks. They’ll find more terrain to jump, slide, ride, and soar on here than at other Utah resorts. For freestylers and boarders at the advanced and intermediate levels who want to do their own thing. Go to the Reds’ backyard if you wish to slide over the structure. The park is essentially the backyard of a fictional house, complete with rails and Red Gerard waiting to test your riding abilities.

However, this is not a resort for seasoned riders; instead, the resort caters to newbies by focusing on being the youngest. With confidence, ride and slide on the snow.

COVID-19 safety:

As COVID-related situations change rapidly locally and nationally, they are changing their rules to ensure the health and safety of guests and staff while providing the most comfortable experience possible. The following policies apply to visitors to Woodward Park City:

• All guests must continue to wear masks indoors unless they are actively eating or drinking.
• Outdoor masks are not required.
• All employees must be vaccinated.
• Each of these policies is the result of careful consideration for the safety of guests and employees in the face of changing conditions.

Advantages: 

•  It offers a variety of action sports, including skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. 
• It is perfect for spending time snowboarding or freestyling in the terrain park. 
• This resort looks like several terrain parks altogether.

Disadvantages: 

• It’s not all about the experienced rider

Woodward Park City Opening and Closing (21/22 Ski Season):

Please visit their website.

10. Solitude Mountain Resort Review:

Solitude is a hidden gem that is becoming increasingly popular among locals rather than tourists. This is a terrific area to visit if you’re searching for powder and tree skiing, or just want to get away from the crowds. It is a quiet place near the end of the Big Cottonwood Valley, with 80 runs and three bowls spread over 1,200 acres. Honeycomb Canyon has plenty of wide-open middles and new lines and those looking for a challenge will find it there.

Because of the mountain layout, the Solitude is a perfect area to ski with a family or group. There are two main lifts after each run, so getting separated or lost is uncommon. 

COVID-19 safety:

Solitude Mountain Resort’s Covid-19 safety policies: 

• Solitude staff must be completely vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit to twice-weekly testing beginning December 10, 2021.
• Masks are necessary indoors unless you are sedentary and eating or drinking.
• Masks are not necessary outside.
• Hands should be washed with soap and water regularly. When handwashing isn’t an option, use a hand sanitizer.
• If you are sick or have any symptoms connected to COVID-19 or any other contagious sickness, stay at home.

Advantages: 

• The snow quality and amount at Solitude are exceptional.
• The terrain at Solitude Ski Resort is suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities.
• The resort is ideal for families, and the Solitude lodgings’ proximity to the slopes is a huge plus.
• Its closeness to a major airport, like that of some of the other Utah ski resorts, is an advantage.

Disadvantages: 

• Solitude is small in comparison to some of the major Utah ski resorts, but it is connected to Brighton and thus forms part of a larger ski area.
• The lift layout is a little strange.
• In Solitude village, après-ski activities and nightlife are limited, and evening food options are limited.
• While there aren’t many overnight visitors, there are a lot of day-trippers from SLC or the canyon’s base, which can cause traffic and parking lot congestion.

Solitude Mountain Resort Opening and Closing (21/22 Ski Season)

Opening Date: Nov 23, 2021

Please visit the website to learn more and book a room.

The Ski Gear Guide team did as much as a detailed discussion about the top 10 ski resorts in Utah. I have tried to highlight the details about the resorts. There should be no problem when you book a resort. I hope these ski resort reviews will be helpful to you. So book your favorite resort this winter and enjoy the fun of skiing.