Deer Valley   |  Courtesy of Deer Valley

6 Days   •   385 Miles

Your Ikon Ski Trip Made Easy

Your Salt Lake City plane ticket is booked. Here’s a 6-day itinerary for making the most of your multi-pass.
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You can practically see the slopes from the tarmac at Salt Lake City International Airport. Unlike other ski destinations, once you’ve deplaned and grabbed your bags, you’re less than an hour from 10 of Utah's 15 resorts. 

You may want to choose to spend your entire trip at just one stellar ski resort, which is a great way to enjoy all the amenities that resort has to offer. Plus, staying slopeside is the easiest way to avoid traffic and ensure first tracks. 

But with so many ski and snowboard resorts easily accessible in and around Utah, many visitors come to town bearing a multi-pass. And perhaps no multi-pass surpasses the popularity of the Ikon Pass, which gives you access to six of Utah’s resorts (Alta, Brighton, Deer Valley, Snowbasin, Snowbird and Solitude). But you can compare the multi-mountain passes for yourself. 

If you’re skiing Ikon, we’ve got a 6-day itinerary with tips to help you beat the crowds, find parking and enjoy all the amenities that Utah has to offer while supporting its local businesses. We've included overnight options at each of the resorts, but if you choose to ski more than one resort, making Salt Lake City your base camp is a convenient option both for transportation and off-the-slope activities.

Snowbasin Resort | Courtesy of Snowbasin Resort

Day 1

Snowbasin Resort

45 Miles

After flying into Salt Lake City, you'll want to head north to kick off your ski trip at Snowbasin, voted the "Top Ski Resort in the West" for 2024 by SKI Magazine readers.

Snowbasin doesn't currently have any onsite lodging, so you can opt for a stay at the nearby Compass Rose Lodge. This charming 15-room boutique hotel, just 13 minutes down the road in Huntsville, embodies the cozy feel of a ski lodge. But if you'd rather be closer to a city, opt to stay in Ogden (19 miles away) or Salt Lake City (42 miles away).

If you stay at the Compass Rose, First Lift Coffee is conveniently located in the lobby and will fuel your first ski day with hot drinks and pastries. If you're driving, you can park in one of the complimentary lots at Snowbasin or hop on the UTA (Utah Transit Authority) bus.

Snowbasin is known for its Olympic legacy from the 2002 Winter Games, as well as its broad appeal to skiers and riders of all ages and abilities. The 3,000+ skiable acres include everything from wide, corduroy groomers such as Bear Hollow to steep and narrow expert chutes like Lone Tree. If you get lucky with timing, the two Olympic runs – Wildflower Downhill and Grizzly Downhill –  might be freshly groomed which makes for an extra fun and speedy descent.

Stop for lunch or an afternoon snack at 8,700 feet in the majestic Needles Lodge. Then, take in the panoramic, snow-covered views of Ogden Valley while munching on a freshly-made sandwich or hot meal.

Still have some gas in the tank after a day of skiing? Swing through Ogden for a bit of shopping and dining. Now a recreation hub, Ogden was once a railroad town notorious for its gambling dens, speakeasies and brothels. Many of the businesses today along Historic 25th Street pay tribute to the city’s checkered past. (Read: Restaurants in Ogden)  

Pro Tip: The best time to ski in Utah is midweek or after 1 p.m. While non-holiday weekends can also see lift lines and full parking lots, weekdays might not see either.

Solitude Mountain Resort | Amie Engerbretson

Day 2

Solitude Mountain Resort

100 Miles

Start day two with a morning treat from Jitterbug Coffee & Donuts. It’s an adorable, hot-pink vintage 1963 Ford Vannette coffee shop on wheels permanently parked outside of the Powder House ski shop, just over a mile from the entrance to Big Cottonwood Canyon where Solitude is located. They serve perfectly bite-sized mini donuts and a variety of hot beverages — don’t miss the Yard Sale donut, a classic chocolate-iced, speckled with rainbow sprinkles.

A few highlights of Solitude include the coveted Honeycomb Canyon terrain for experts, the 6-person high speed chairlift Eagle Express and an average of over 500 inches of snow each season. Solitude is the only Utah resort on the Ikon Pass where you get unlimited days – not just seven – so spend another day here on your trip if your heart desires. Additionally, Ikon Pass holders get first tracks on select days at Deer Valley and Solitude.

Pro Tip: If you're driving, check the Solitude website for parking information as reservations are required Friday through Sunday and on holidays (this is when the roads are particularly busy). Drivers should note that on severe winter weather days, Utah's Traction Law requires traction devices (snow tires or chains) on vehicles traveling in the canyons. No traction devices? No problem. You can opt for the UTA Ski Bus. Fun perk, the Ikon Pass is your ticket to ride the UTA Ski Bus for free.

Where to Stay: Set up slopeside in Solitude’s Bavarian-inspired inn. Note that Ikon Pass Holders can book discounted lodging at the resort during select dates. You could also make Salt Lake City your base camp, allowing for easy evening excursions to see the Utah Jazz or Utah Hockey Club, or experience Salt Lake’s dining, arts and culture.

Brighton | Jay Dash

Day 3

Brighton Resort

60 Miles

On day three, venture back up Big Cottonwood Canyon to experience Utah’s first ski resort, Brighton Resort. Started in 1936 by a group of alpine ski enthusiasts who built a primitive T-bar at the end of Big Cottonwood Canyon, Brighton Resort still maintains the reputation of skiing and riding for the joy of it. 

Known for its laid back vibe, Brighton has terrain that features many tree-lined runs where you can choose your own adventure – weave through the pines or zip down the speedy groomers. With a few on-site restaurants and bars like Molly’s Green and Alpine Rose, there are plenty of options for a midday bite to keep you energized.

As the only resort in either Big or Little Cottonwood to offer night skiing and riding, extend your day past sunset to experience the resort under the lights. You’ll likely be ready for a big, warm dinner by then, so swing by Eight Settlers’ Distillery as you exit the canyon to top off your day with one of their signature cocktails and a steak.

Pro Tip: Check the Brighton website for parking information as reservations are required Friday through Sunday and on holidays. Looking to stay slopeside? Book early at the Brighton Lodge.

Deer Valley | Courtesy of Deer Valley

Day 4

Deer Valley Resort

60 Miles

Deer Valley Resort is famously one of North America’s three ski-only resorts. Beloved among the ski-set for its commitment to customer service, this historic Park City resort is consistently ranked as a top resort for five-star grooming on its’ runs. It also runs a gold-standard level ski school for skiers of all ages and abilities, and offers world-class restaurants slopeside for one of the most decadent ski day lunches you could ever have. Stop at Silver Lake Restaurant for a warm bowl of beef pho or Deer Valley’s famous turkey chili, then walk upstairs for an aprés beer at The Sticky Wicket.

Similar to at Solitude, if you opt to stay at one of the many slopeside properties at Deer Valley, Ikon pass holders can book discounted lodging during select dates.

Pro Tip: If you drive to Deer Valley from Salt Lake City, stop at Bjorn’s Brew on Foothill Drive for a convenient morning coffee before you head up to Park City. And be sure to check the weather forecast as you plan your drive up and down the canyon. The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) helps road travelers with information about weather, traffic, winter driving tips, emergency alerts and much more.

Additionally, Deer Valley limits the number of skiers on the mountain each day, so advance lift reservations are required for Ikon Pass holders. Make your reservation on the Ikon app. 

Snowbird | Scott Markewitz

Day 5

Snowbird

60 Miles

Ahead of skiing at Snowbird, you may want to plan a restful spa day at The Cliff Lodge because these 11,000+ foot peaks and over 3,240 vertical feet to ski and ride will likely leave you with weary legs but a smile on your face. (Read: Explore Utah's Winter Ski Lodging)

Don’t fear, Snowbird may be known for its steeps, but the resort still offers plenty of fun beginner slopes and lessons to keep leveling up your skills. If you choose to venture into the expert terrain, use your Ikon Pass for a complimentary ride on the Aerial Tram, which whisks you up 2,900 vertical feet along a 1.6-mile cable to the top of Hidden Peak. Stop for an 11,000+ feet high lunch at The Summit, the highest restaurant in Utah, and look at expansive views of the Salt Lake Valley.

Pro Tip: Before you end your day, be sure to experience the Peruvian Tunnel, the only ski tunnel in North America. As you make your way from the frontside of Snowbird to the backside, you are transported via a magic carpet through an underground tunnel that celebrates the area’s mining history. (Read: 8 Elevated Ski Experiences That are Uniquely Utah)

Alta Ski Area | Scott Markewitz

Day 6

Alta Ski Area

60 Miles

If you’re a skier, tack on Alta Ski Area to check off the last of Utah’s six resorts on the Ikon Pass. Also a ski-only resort, Alta rivals Snowbird with a similar abundance of thrilling terrain to spend all day exploring. (Read: High Action at Alta)

It’s good to know that a quarter of Alta is beginner terrain and 35 percent is expert, and just under half is labeled intermediate, so there’s truly something for everyone. Venture up the Supreme Lift for the local favorite expert terrain, or stick to the Sunnyside Lift to ski the beginner runs to Albion Base.

Before heading back to rest your head and dream about the fluffy powder you experienced along the Wasatch, cap off your trip with a full dinner at Swen’s Restaurant. Housed inside Snowpine Lodge, Swen’s offers seasonal dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients. 

Pro Tip: Check the Alta website for parking information as reservations are required Friday through Sunday and on holidays.

Know Before You Go

  • Advance lift reservations: Deer Valley limits the number of skiers on the mountain each day, so advance lift reservations are required for Ikon Pass holders. You can usually make your reservation on the Ikon app. 

  • Advance parking reservations: Driving up the canyon? Alta, Brighton and Solitude require advanced parking reservations Friday through Sunday and on holidays.

  • Mind the traffic: The easiest way to avoid traffic is by staying slopeside. But the UTA Ski Bus is another great way to cut down on congestion. Your Ikon pass also doubles as a UTA pass. 

  • Ski mid-week: The best time to ski in Utah is midweek or after 1 p.m. While non-holiday weekends can also see lift lines and full parking lots, weekdays might not see either.

  • First Tracks: Ikon Pass holders get first tracks on select days at Deer Valley and Solitude. 

  • Check the weather: The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) helps road travelers with information about weather, traffic, winter driving tips, emergency and avalanche alerts and much more.

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