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Skiing In Utah
You're here to ski. You've come to the right place. Aside from having The Greatest Snow on Earth® and vibrant ski towns (après ski, anyone?), the easy access is what sets Utah apart from other skiing locations. Of Utah's 15 resorts, 10 are within an hour of Salt Lake City International Airport.
Start Planning
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Plan Your Utah Ski Trip
Utah's easy access to The Greatest Snow on Earth® allows for more time on the mountain and easier planning.
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Ski & Snowboard FAQs
Are you planning your cold-weather vacation to Utah? Find winter travel tips on highway safety, liquor law information, skiing and snowboarding gear.
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Ski Rentals in Utah
Need ski or snowboard gear? These go-to ski rental shops in Salt Lake City, Park City and Ogden outfit skiers and boarders for the perfect day on Utah's snow.
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Read the Stories
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5 Reasons to Hire a Guide to Run Utah’s Rivers
Written By Heather May
3 minute read
While we eat and splash in the river to escape the early morning heat, the four guides will wash the dishes, break down camp, load our bags on the rafts and discretely stow the toilet.
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6 Surprising Activities That Take Place at The Homestead Crater
Written By Matcha
3 minute read
From soaking to scuba diving, this hot spring has a lot to offer.
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An Old Favorite Fishing Hole at the Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Written By Dan Potts
6 minute read
Visit Utah columnist Dan Potts takes us to his "secret" fishing hole on Utah's Flaming Gorge Reservoir, one of the world's most diverse fisheries set among the brilliant red rock walls of Red Canyon in the easternmost corner of the state. Along the way, Dan takes us through some of his favorite landscapes on the drive to and from Salt Lake City.
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Angling Secrets: How and Where to Catch Fish on Lake Powell
Written By Visit Utah
3 minute read
Read expect advice on when and where in Lake Powell to get the prized fish you're chasing.
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Bear Lake Monster Winterfest
Written By Ben Whisenant
8 minute read
It all started decades ago with the “Cisco Disco” and has grown to include a polar plunge, chili cookoff and winter festival known as the Bear Lake Monster Winterfest.
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Bridesmaids Gone Boating
Written By Melissa McGibbon
If you and your bride tribe are more outdoorsy than indoorsy, consider booking a whitewater rafting trip in southern Utah instead of club night at a casino. Half-day, full-day, and multi-day river trips are easy to plan and are great for groups of all sizes and abilities.
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Chasing John Wesley Powell: Six Places to Explore Utah's Green and Colorado Rivers
Written By Heather May
5 minute read
One hundred and fifty years ago a one-armed Civil War veteran set off with nine mountain men on a scientific expedition to map one of the last blank spaces left on the U.S. map: The Green and Colorado rivers. Much of the river remains wild today. Follow Powell's journey here.
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Enjoying the Simple Pleasures of Lake Life on Palisade Reservoir
Written By Visit Utah
4 minute read
Utah’s beautiful Palisade Reservoir is an oasis of serene water in the central part of the state, a perfect getaway for paddling, fishing, swimming and camping.
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Fisher Towers River Rafting
Written By Bob Wassom
5 minute read
Join Bob Wassom, and a few others, as they raft down the Fisher Towers stretch of water disproving any idea or stereotype suggesting disabilities hinder outdoor recreation.
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Flaming Gorge: Boating and Paddling Paradise
Written By Matcha
Do you know that Flaming Gorge is one of the best boating lakes in Utah? Read all about this stunning body of water and plan a trip!
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Get to Know Echo State Park
Written By Matcha
4 minute read
Situated at 5,560 feet above sea level, just north of Park City, lies Echo State Park. Watersports are king here, and whether you kayak, paddleboard, or boat, it’s a perfect place to get out on the water.
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How to Find a Guided Outdoors Experience
Written By Arianna Rees
6 minute read
You might not be a pro climber, camper or explorer, but Utah’s diverse collection of outdoor guides has all of the expertise you need to have an adventure worth getting stoked about.
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How to Slow Travel in Utah
Written By Elainna Ciaramella
Avoid the mad scramble and consider slow travel as a better approach to your Utah trip.
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How to Take a Kayak & Camping Trip at Yuba State Park
Written By Matcha
5 minute read
Pristine sandy beaches, warm water temperatures all summer long and serene mountain views make Yuba State Park an appealing destination for campers and kayakers in sunny Central Utah.
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Kayak and Stand Up Paddleboard Lake Powell
Slip into the mighty Lake Powell with a personal, self-propelled watercraft and have a whole different experience than the boats flying down the lake.
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Lake Powell Trash Boat
Attention good samaritans: Sign up for the Trash Tracker, a houseboat on Lake Powell, and help clean up the debris that has collected on the lake’s shores.
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Lakeside Near Torrey: Three Ways
Written By Melissa Fields
Take a trip to this trio of Capitol Reef-area reservoirs where you can swim, fish, kayak and cool-off.
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Paddle Among Red Rocks and Waterfalls at Gunlock Reservoir State Park
Written By Matcha
4 minute read
Pack up your gear and head out to Gunlock Reservoir near St. George. Bring your SUP, kayaks, jet skis and power boats for a day full of watersport excitement.
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Paddling the Caribbean-Blue Waters of Bear Lake
Written By Matcha
3 minute read
At nearly 6,000 feet of elevation, temperatures at Bear Lake stay cool in the summer, making the basin a welcome respite from the heat and a great destination to enjoy water sports in a serene mountain setting.
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The Most Scenic Trophy Trout Destination
Written By Matcha
Flaming Gorge, Utah is one of the world’s best places to fish for trout. Awe-inspiring scenery and abundant fish attract anglers from all over. Check it out!
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The Story of Starvation Reservoir
Written By Matcha
Sprawling waters and local legends at Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation.
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Two Trips, Two Worlds, Two Years Apart: Returning to Raft in Dinosaur National Monument
Written By Nushin Huq
5 minute read
Nushin and her family of four returned to Utah's Dinosaurland for the "best four days ever!" of guided rafting on the Green River. Explore their journey today!
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Venturing Out (and Back) Along the Canyon Rim Trail
Written By Matcha
3 minute read
An under-the-radar destination that should be on more people’s lists, Flaming Gorge offers spectacular wildlife viewing, scenery that comes straight out of paintings and plenty of outdoor adventure.
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What to Wear on a River Rafting Trip
Written By Melissa McGibbon
There are a variety of Utah river trips to be had, from rafting the Green River’s whitewater, to leisurely floating the Colorado. Here's your packing list.
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Wild Heber: Close-to-Home Adventure
Written By Kristen Pope
8 minute read
Just 45 minutes from Salt Lake City, Heber Valley’s state parks and national forest lands offer a world of adventure. Hike, bike, camp, kayak, watch wildlife and reel in blue-ribbon trout while learning about nature and how to protect it.
Utah Ski Regions & Ski Towns
The Wasatch
Home to The Greatest Snow on Earth, you can’t go wrong visiting any of the Salt Lake area’s world-class resorts. Skiing at the resorts along Utah’s metropolitan corridor will feature high elevations, evergreen forests, cozy lodges and a culture saturated with dedicated powderhounds. Stay on-mountain or in the nearby Wasatch ski towns of Salt Lake City, Ogden or Park City.
Northern Utah
For skiers looking to avoid the crowds, find a more affordable lift ticket and enjoy small-town charm, the northern resorts are tough to beat. Visit Cherry Peak or Beaver Mountain for a family-friendly (and budget-friendly) ski vacation. You can extend the fun by staying in Logan or Garden City, nearby ski basecamp towns.
Southern Utah
Southern Utah’s ski resorts feature miles of fresh powder among unique red rock scenery. The small crowds and family-friendly slopes make Brian Head and Eagle Point excellent ski trip destinations. After skiing or riding, stay at the basecamp towns of Brian Head or Cedar City to enjoy more gorgeous red rock scenery.
Learn To Ski or Level up Your Skills
Even if you’ve got a few seasons of experience, we can all afford to brush up on our fundamentals. Every resort offers skiing lessons for all ages and levels — beginner to expert. Private adult ski lessons are an excellent way to acclimate to Utah’s terrain. Plus, if you feel confident in your ability level, signing the kids up for ski school is a great way for everyone to get some mountain time at their own pace.
Ski the Backcountry (Expert Skiers Only)
Utah’s resorts occupy only a fraction of the state’s skiable terrain. Each year, thousands of early risers seek out first tracks on the miles and miles of rideable acreage beyond Utah’s resort boundaries. Backcountry skiing can be a fun way to escape the crowds, but make sure you have the necessary safety gear and know the day’s avalanche forecast. Better yet, go with a backcountry ski guide to get the most out of your adventure.
Utah's Ski Season
Utah’s opening and closing dates for the ski season vary, but typically range from late fall through spring. Expect chilly winds, fresh snowfall and occasional sub-zero temperatures from November through January. For warm-weather skiing, plan your trip for the season's later months or consider visiting one of the southern resorts. Some Utah resorts (Snowbird) are known to remain open through the Fourth of July.
Once you're here, check the local weather and traffic conditions daily before heading up the canyons to avoid road or resort closures.

8 Elevated Ski Experiences That are Uniquely Utah
Written By Matador
3 minute read
If you dream of the possibility of hitting six resorts in one day or carving your own lines from snow-covered summits served by helicopters, then this listicle is made for you.
Hiking, Skiing, Ski Resorts, Southwestern
Night Skiing & Riding
Need more than a full day of skiing or just want to avoid crowds? Night skiing is offered after-hours at some ski resorts in Utah. Get great deals on lift tickets and see your favorite resorts in a new light. Make sure to check for weather updates and resort updates before you go.
- Brighton - Four lifts, one main terrain park and 200+ skiable acres are open for night skiing Monday to Saturday
- Brian Head - One lift runs until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays for Southern Utah skiers
- Cherry Peak - All four lifts supply the most vert for night skiers Monday to Saturday
- Sundance - Opens most of its front mountain, plus its terrain park 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
- Powder Mountain - The evening crowd runs laps on one lift from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week
- Woodward Park City - Open daily until 7 p.m., freestylers from beginner to advanced can enjoy pipes, rails and jumps
Terrain Parks
In 2002, when Utah was the host of the Winter Olympics, many ski and snowboard resorts constructed world-class terrain parks and features for athletes to train and compete on. If park riding is your idea of a perfect day on the slopes (and why shouldn’t it be?), these are the resorts for you.
- Brighton - Six terrain parks are regularly redesigned all winter long, and are great for all ability levels
- Park City Mountain - Six terrain parks, one halfpipe and a mini pipe. Excellent terrain for everybody, whether it’s your first park lap or you’re a seasoned pro
- Powder Mountain - Two terrain parks, one with a halfpipe and boardercross course, return to Powder after hiatus
- Solitude - One beginner terrain park runs along the Main Street run
- Woodward Park City - Utah's first all-in-one action sports mountain center, with three terrain venues for learning, experiential and performance
- Snowbasin - Three terrain parks offer easy progression designated as small and medium
- Brian Head - Color-themed park with 20+ features for beginner and intermediate
Know the Skier and Snowboarder Responsibility Code
- Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
- People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
- Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
- Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
- You must prevent runaway equipment.
- Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
- Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
- You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
- Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.
More Winter Experiences
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Backcountry Skiing & Snowboarding
Thousands of people each day enjoy Utah's famous backcountry — the areas outside of ski area boundaries.
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Cross Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing Utah is awesome! Find popular Nordic trailheads in the north, high altitude serenity in central Utah and miles of regularly groomed trails in the south.
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Kite Skiing
Kite skiing (snow kiting) is attracting freestyle adventure seekers to Utah. Learn about the cool places to kite ski in Utah, grab your equipment and go!
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Heli Ski & Snowboarding
Utah heli skiing and snowboarding are perfect for those who want to ride some of the best backcountry in the world. Find your next ride here.
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Winter Hiking
You might think the cold is unavoidable and the terrain impassable during the winter months, but if you can surpass these doubts you might just be rewarded with your best hike of the year.
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Fat Tire Biking
Fat tire biking has become the latest rage among cycling enthusiasts and newbies. Find out tips for riding and the best places to explore in Utah.
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01
4 Days
Ski City Downhill + Downtown
Big city amenities support 10 different resorts within an hour of SLC International, which means the best in downhill meets the best in downtown.
Kid-Friendly, Ski and Snowboard, Community, Non-ski Winter Activities, Urban Experiences
Highlights
- Craft coffee, dining and spirits
- Alta Ski Area or Snowbird Ski Resort
- Solitude Mountain Resort or Brighton Ski Resort
- Performing arts, après-ski and live music

02
5 Days
Ski Southern Utah: High Alpine Trails + Red Rock Wonder
Southern Utah is home to two high-elevation ski areas with generous helpings of what we call (with authority) The Greatest Snow on Earth®. Things can be a little quieter down here this time of year. Give yourself at least five days to combine the thrills of Southern Utah skiing and boarding with exploring the wintertime wonders to be found in Utah’s red rock country.
Ski and Snowboard, Non-ski Winter Activities
Highlights
- Brian Head Resort
- Eagle Point Resort
- Cedar Breaks National Monument
- Southern Utah Ski Vacation
- Winter Hiking in Southern Utah

03
4 Days
Weekender Ski Park City
So you've decided to ski in Park City for a weekend. That decision alone will be rewarded with three resorts that eclipse over 9,000 acres of Utah's renowned skiing and riding.
Ski and Snowboard, Solitude, Non-ski Winter Activities, Olympics, Urban Experiences
Highlights
- Ski City Urban Lifestyle
- Park City Mountain
- Deer Valley Resort
- Park City Experiences