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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.

Utah's Easy Access Ski Resorts

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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.

Best Ski Runs Prepare for Your Ski Trip

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. 

Backcountry Skiing 101

Utah Is Why Winter Exists

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.

Current Snow Conditions Best Time to Ski in Utah

Ski_Snowbird_Markewitz-Scott_20170429

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

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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 - Three lifts, one main terrain park and 200 skiable acres are open for night skiing
  • Brian Head - One lift runs until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays for Southern Utah skiers
  • Cherry Peak - Supplies the most vert for night skiers
  • Sundance - Opens most of its front mountain, plus its terrain park
  • Powder Mountain - The evening crowd runs laps from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Woodward Park City - Open daily until 8 p.m., freestylers from beginner to advanced can enjoy pipes, rails and jumps

Where to Night Ski

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 half pipe and a mini pipe. Excellent terrain for everybody, whether it’s your first park lap or you’re a seasoned pro
  • Powder Mountain - Home to Utah’s only public boardercross course, along with a handful of terrain parks and a halfpipe
  • Solitude - Two of the newest terrain parks in Utah
  • Woodward Park City - Utah's first all-in-one action sports mountain center, with three terrain venues for learning, experiential and performance
  • Snowbasin - Multiple parks offer easy progression designated as small and medium
  • Brian Head - Color-themed park with 20+ features for beginner and intermediate

Terrain Parks

Know the Skier and Snowboarder Responsibility Code

  1. Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
  2. People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
  3. Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
  4. Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
  5. You must prevent runaway equipment.
  6. Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
  7. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
  8. You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant. 
  9. Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.  
  10. 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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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.

Community, Kid-Friendly, Non-ski Winter Activities, Ski and Snowboard, 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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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.

Non-ski Winter Activities, Ski and Snowboard

Highlights

  • Brian Head Resort
  • Eagle Point Resort
  • Cedar Breaks National Monument
  • Southern Utah Ski Vacation
  • Winter Hiking in Southern Utah

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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.

Non-ski Winter Activities, Olympics, Ski and Snowboard, Solitude, Urban Experiences

Highlights

  • Ski City Urban Lifestyle
  • Park City Mountain
  • Deer Valley Resort
  • Park City Experiences

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Well-prepared travel is responsible travel.

Do your part by planning ahead
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