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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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10 Top Stops Along the National Pioneer Mormon Heritage Area
Written By Matcha
5 minute read
Here are 10 of the best stops along Utah's Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area’s backroads and byways. Explore rich Mormon historic sites, awe-inspiring canyons and mountains and unforgettable outdoor adventures.
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15 Non-Technical Slot Canyons
Written By Whitney Childers
7 minute read
You don’t have to be Spider-Man to explore some of the best slot canyons Utah has to offer. You just need to be ready for an adventure in tight spaces with huge photographic rewards
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5 Expert Tips to Prepare for Your Utah National Parks Adventure
Written By Visit Utah
3 minute read
If you’re planning to visit Utah national parks for a hike, learn important tips to maximize your experience and keep you and your family safe.
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7 Utah Artisan Cheeses to Try Now
Written By Darby Doyle
7 minute read
Taste delicious hand-crafted cheese from Utah dairies at farmers markets, restaurants and specialty shops. Visit Utah and find your favorite artisanal cheese.
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A Van Lifer’s Guide to Responsible Travel in Southern Utah
Written By Kristen Bor
2 minute read
When Utah’s dirt roads are calling you, it’s time to plan your van life road trip. Here’s what you need to know to travel safely, support Utah’s rural communities, and help preserve the delicate desert landscapes.
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A Winter’s Desert: Visiting Southern Utah in the Slow Months
Written By Brinley Froelich
7 minute read
Experiencing the peace of canyon country in the winter is an attraction of its own.
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Alpine Fishing Above the Red Rock Landscapes of Southern Utah
Written By Visit Utah
2 minute read
Sitting just outside of Capitol Reef National Park, this 11,000-foot peak offers views of the surrounding red canyons and desert-like region. In contrast, Boulder Mountain is heavily forested and home to more than 80 lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. With an average rainfall multiple inches more than the lower regions, the area makes for some surprisingly good fishing.
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An Insider’s Guide to Torrey
Written By Melissa Fields
4 minute read
Look no further than Capitol Reef National Park and nearby Torrey for lesser-traveled red-rock hikes, plenty of lodging options, satisfying dining and night sky as our ancestors knew it.
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Artisan Cheese in Red Rock Country
Written By Darby Doyle
8 minute read
Two decades ago, Randy Ramsley traded his Dockers-and-tie city job for a 50 acre plot of land that he called a “Garden of Weedin” and the dream of establishing a sustainable farmstead. Now travelers from all over the globe know the small market and counter-service restaurant at Mesa Farm as a refreshing “must-do” respite seemingly plunked in the middle of nowhere on Highway 24 east of Capitol Reef National Park.
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Gravity and Water: Mark Making in a Winter’s Desert with Anne Kaferle
Written By Brinley Froelich
3 minute read
Finding Helper at a time when she “needed it the most,” landscape artist Anne Kaferle has put down roots in Utah, thanks to plein-air painting and the healing power of time alone in the landscape.
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Hiking the Desert in Capitol Reef National Park
Written By Visit Utah
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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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Meet the Women Leading Utah's Food and Beverage Renaissance
Written By Darby Doyle
When it comes to food and beverage in Utah, there are key influencers who have been the proponents of change, growth, and the role of women in Utah’s food scene.
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Mesa Farm Market
Best local shops and healthy eats near Moab and Capitol Reef. Try the goat cheese!
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Moonscapes, Marscapes and More
Written By Matcha
If you want to know what Mars looks like — then the dramatic terrain of Capitol Reef National Park and the surrounding lands are a good place to start.
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Paradise and Slickrock
Written By Stephen Trimble
Utah's national parks seen through a lifelong relationship with Capitol Reef
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Permit of Solitude in Robbers Roost
Written By Visit Utah
6 minute read
Local guide Christopher Hagedorn leads a group through Robbers Roost in Southern Utah, where wind, water and time has left a primitive maze of canyons.
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Searching for Dinosaur Bones in Capitol Reef Country
Written By Matcha
4 minute read
The Hanksville-Burpee Dinosaur Quarry dates back to the Jurassic Period and is approximately 150 feet wide by 600 feet long. Hundreds of dinosaur bones have been discovered here, including those of the Stegosaurus, Brontosaurus and Brachiosaurus.
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See the Fall Leaves Near Utah's National Parks
Written By Visit Utah
Sure, any of Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks are spectacular year round — covered in snow, peppered with spring wildflowers, and baked in sunshine. But find them exponentially special when the changing fall leaves are in juxtaposition to the immaculate red rock cliffs.
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Serenity Found in Torrey and Capitol Reef’s Cathedral Valley District
Written By Melissa Fields
5 minute read
Taking Southern Utah’s remote, less-traveled path in Capitol Reef's Cathedral Valley District to nurture your body, mind and spirit.
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The All-American Road: Scenic Byway 12
Written By Visit Utah
4 minute read
This is 122.863 miles (to be exact) of pure driving bliss. Welcome to Utah’s Scenic Byway 12, a designated All-American Road.
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The Return to Robbers Roost
Written By Lindy Blanchette
10 minute read
Are you intrigued by the old American West legend involving Robbers Roost? Want to find an alleged hideout of the infamous Butch Cassidy and Gang? Explore Utah.
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Utah’s Unexpected Pit Stops
Written By Melissa McGibbon
5 minute read
You’re doing it wrong if you think road trip pit stops are boring layovers on your way to more exciting destinations. How many of these hidden gems have you been to? Here are 11 mini-adventures to check off your list next time you’re road-tripping through Utah.
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Walking Off the Ledge Into Capitol Reef
Written By Paula Colman
6 minute read
Capitol Reef is breathtaking, but as you stare across the ledge you realize that some of the best scenery is only accessible by dropping in, 20, 50, sometimes 100 feet or more.
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Winter Road Trip: Where to Stay, Hike and Eat When Traveling from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon
Written By Jeremy Pugh
Need winter break ideas? Take a road trip from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon and enjoy the best of Utah landscapes during its quiet season.
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 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.
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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 3 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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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
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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
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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