When it comes to skiing resorts, folks calling Salt Lake City (SLC) their home are totally spoilt for choice. The city, which combines as many as four world-class resorts just in the vicinity, made for the ultimate winter destination. That along with the fact that there are even more ski resorts nearby, we could easily see SLC’s allure as a snowy vacation place. In fact, Utah snow is unanimously considered the “greatest snow on Earth” by snowboarders and skiers, and we wanted to see for ourselves. The best ski resorts in Salt Lake City also happen to be some of the gnarliest best ski resorts in Utah, all of which lie less than an hour from the airport.
With so many options, it could get quite challenging to choose one. Not only does everyone have varied skiing prowesses, but also some might want to take families and young children along too. Adding to that is the fact that Utah also happens to be one of the best US winter vacation destinations! That’s why we’ve listed the best ski resorts in the region below to help you choose and make memories on your next skiing vacation. Let’s visit these beautiful ski towns and resorts nestled close to SLC in this article and take advantage of Utah’s thrilling ski season!
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Brian Head
6
Best for kids. Utah’s southernmost skiing resort, Brian Head, lies just 4 hours south of SLC in Dixie National Forest. It felt amazing to be surrounded by the contrasting aspen and evergreen spruce, and it made for wonderful photo ops. What’s more, it also has Utah’s highest base elevation of a whopping 9,600 ft (2,926 m) and even has a bridge between its two skiable mountains! If that wasn’t enough, it’s also the only snowboard/ski resort that showcases snow-dusted red rock fairy chimneys from the Bryce Canyon National Park and Cedar Breaks National Monument.
Brian Head is also ideal for families like ours with kids, thanks to its renowned snow sport teaching facility called the “Kids Camp.” This fully supervised snow sport teaching facility features three age-specific lessons and programs in a safe and fun-filled learning environment. There are even two thrilling tube parks located at Navajo Mountains and Giant Steps, which the kids loved. With more than 650 skiable acres, 71 runs, and tons of winter and summer activities, it’s no wonder that Brian Head is a very popular ski resort near Salt Lake City.
The Terrain. As mentioned earlier, Brian Head has two peaks, the Navajo Peak and the eponymous Brian Head Resort Peak. The former has more beginner and intermediate terrain, with a single advanced (black diamond) run. Between them, the ski resort has 35% beginner and intermediate runs, 20% advanced ones, and 10% expert runs.
The Town. The lovely little town of Brian Head boasts excellent drinking and dining options, especially the famed Après-ski destination of the Last Saloon. From delicious food to local beers with live music, this place has something for everyone. Plus, there’s even a free town shuttle that would transport us around the resort and the town for no charge.
At a glance
- Known for: All-round family fun, night skiing
- Opening: Winter – Mid-November, Summer – Mid-June
- Closing: N/A
- Elevation: 9,600 ft (2,926 m)
- Summit: 10,920 ft (3,330 m)
- Lifts: 8 (2 surface lifts, 1 double chair, 5 triple chairs, and 2 high-speed quad chairs)
- Airport: Cedar City (regional airport), 33 mi (53 km); Salt Lake City, 249 mi (400 km)
Pros
- This resort offers nighttime skiing.
- It has family and kid-friendly terrain and runs.
- It boasts stunning red rock topography all around.
- It’s among Utah’s more affordable resorts.
Cons
- It has a later opening time than other ski resorts.
Where to Stay: Cedar Breaks Lodge, which is within walking distance of the ski lifts, is the perfect place to stay in Brian Head. We had the choice of multiple spacious villas with full kitchens, gas fireplaces, jetted bathtubs, and cable TVs. After a day of skiing, we loved relaxing in the sauna and hot tub or enjoying a leisurely swim in the indoor pool. Multiple seasonal restaurants, one even with pool tables, a game room, a gym, and a gift shop round up the amenities here.
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Snowbird
5
Best for luxury. The four-season Snowbird in the Wasatch Mountains’ Little Cottonwood Canyon boasts Utah’s longest ski season. This 1971-opened, 2,500-acre-huge resort lies at Alta’s base and started with the Snowbird Center, the Lodge, the Aerial Tram, and 3 lifts. Today, it also boasts a conference center, an 11-story atrium, the world-class Cliff Lodge and Cliff Spa, and the only ski tunnel in North America!
That said, Snowbird focuses on year-round relaxation, and the luxury and thrills don’t end when the snow melts. We indulged in amazing alpine activities, including mountain dining, events, and unwinding with heavenly spa packages during the warmer months. We treated ourselves to the wonderfully soothing heated swimming pool, the hot tubs, and the world-famous spa and had the option of dining at more than 15 restaurants. Aside from mountain biking and hiking, we even hopped onto the aerial tram to visit Chip’s Run and the Hidden Peak.
The Terrain. Snowbird is known for its particularly incredibly challenging terrain with world-class snow in both quality and volume. While there is a beginner’s terrain, it’s very limited, and most ski runs have difficulty levels of “intermediates only” or higher. The cirque traverse is the mountain’s most difficult part, containing experts-only runs. The region here is truly only for the adventurous, with double black runs of cliffs, chutes, and trees to keep expert skiers busy.
The Town. Snowbird is a very small village with a handful of restaurants and bars and very limited shopping and nightlife, just like Alta. The fact that Salt Lake City is just a short ride away does help. Nevertheless, Snowbird and Alta mostly see people who’ve come to do everything skiing and indulge in a snowy, luxurious holiday.
At a glance
- Known for: Excellent intermediate and expert terrain
- Opening: November end
- Closing: Late May
- Elevation: 7,760 ft (2,365 m)
- Summit: 11,000 ft (3,352 m)
- Lifts: 26 (1 aerial tram, 1 conveyor lift, 1 surface lift, 10 chairlifts)
- Airport: Salt Lake City, 32 mi (51.5 km)
Pros
- We loved the long ski season and the efficient lift system.
- The ski resort is connected to Alta.
- It offers a superbly challenging terrain for intermediate and expert skiers.
Cons
- It’s not suited for beginners.
Where to Stay: The concrete walls of the Cliff Lodge and Spa complement the granite cliffs surrounding the resort. Every room’s window has a spectacular view and the most plush mod-cons we’ve seen in a mountain resort yet. The crowning jewel of this high-end ski-to-door escape is – literally – the 9th-floor rooftop Cliff Spa, complete with a hot tub, a heated pool, and spectacular views of the Wasatch Mountains! That’s why it’s also one of the best Salt Lake City hotels.
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Sundance
4
Largest ski resort. With more than 5,000 acres of land, the cozy Sundance is the largest resort for skiing near SLC, Utah. Belying its size, the log cabin-esque resort actually has a cozy, nestled vibe, with just 500 acres of skiable area and 50 runs. Built by acting legend Robert Redford, Sundance had a whole host of mountain recreational activities we could indulge in, unlike other resorts. These activities included biking, hiking, and snowshoeing, apart from skiing and snowboarding. But what makes Sundance truly amazing is that with 5,000 acres of protected wilderness surrounding the place, we felt like we were totally removed from the rest of the world.
The Terrain. With a good mix of runs, Sundance is one of the most thrilling terrains for first-time skiers. What we loved was that Sundance has many beginner-friendly terrains, almost 35%! This spells excellent news for those who’re just getting their fingers wet with powder, so to speak. 45% of the runs are intermediate, and 20% are advanced ones for expert skiers. The newest terrain sits on the south-facing face of the mountain, which is a great way to stay warm while skiing in the morning.
The Town. The 12,000-ft-tall Mount Timpanogos towers over the tiny ski town of Sundance, which has less than 30 permanent residents! And most of them and their families have lived here for more than 50 years. Since we’re also huge film buffs, we went full film nerd here, as this also happens to be the birthplace of the Sundance Film Festival, which is America’s largest film festival. With streams, rivers, pristine forests, and towering peaks surrounding the town, it’s the perfect winter destination for budding skiing enthusiasts.
At a glance
- Known for: A good mix of beginner, intermediate, and expert runs.
- Opening: Beginning-mid December
- Closing: April first week
- Elevation: 6,100 ft (1,860 m)
- Summit: 8,150 ft (2,484 m)
- Lifts: 8 (1 high-speed quad, 3 quad chairlifts, 1 triple chair lift, 3 magic carpets)
- Airport: Salt Lake City, 55 mi (88 km)
Pros
- The resort also has the option of night skiing.
- We loved the rustic-upscale ethos of the resort.
- The low crowds and stunning views made our skiing vacation all the better.
Cons
- There are fewer long runs due to the small skiable area.
Where to Stay: The state-of-the-art Sundance Mountain Resort is a ski-to-door resort that features its own ski lift! Besides the breathtaking views, the resort also has a host of wellness-based amenities at the wellness center. These include saunas, steam baths, a relaxation waterbed room, and multiple heated outdoor pools! What’s more, we had a lot more staying options, including studios and suites, which even included loft suites for a cozy but luxurious mountain living feel.
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Eagle Point
3
Perched high up in the Tushar Mountains, the stunning Eagle Point Resort is the deepest and steepest snowboard/ski resort in southern Utah. Formerly called Elk Mountain, this independently owned resort boasts 39 runs across 650+ acres of Utah’s Greatest Snow on Earth. What we loved about it is that it was neither highly priced nor was it crowded, especially when waiting for the lifts. Thanks to the remarkably varied terrain, the beginners amongst us enjoyed the wide, neatly-groomed slopes, while the experts were thrilled with the steep, powdery, adventurous glades. There’s even a professionally designed terrain park that integrates manmade and natural design features, thus maximizing creativity and skiing fun.
“If you aren’t about expensive or huge ski destinations, then Eagle Point is the place for you.”
WOW Travel
The Terrain. Eagle Point has a dynamic mix of beginner, intermediate, and expert terrains, as well as terrain park and backcountry runs. 21% is beginner terrain, while the intermediate and advanced terrains are 36% and 44% of the park, respectively.
The Town. Eagle Point isn’t exactly a town, as it has just one on-site dining option, the Canyonside Lodge Bar & Grill. That said, the place, with its fine dining, rustic mountain ambiance, and live music, is very popular. The closest town to Eagle Point is Beaver, which lies 19 mi (30 km) away.
At a glance
- Known for: Uncrowded, intimate environment with high-quality powder of a mega-resort.
- Opening: Mid-December
- Closing: Beginning of April
- Elevation: 9,100 ft (2,773 m)
- Summit: 10,500 ft (3,200 m)
- Lifts: 5 (2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 quad, and 1 surface lift)
- Airport: Salt Lake City, 222 mi (357 km)
Pros
- There’s no frantic competition for lines, unlike other Utah resorts.
- The inclusive beginner packages are very budget-friendly.
- The powder is world-renowned.
Cons
- It’s further afield from other SLC resorts, but it comes with benefits like lesser crowd and reduced costs.
Where to Stay: If you’re a group of six people looking for a holiday home rather than a hotel, then you’re in luck because this Cozy Beaver Retreat might just do the trick. Firstly, it’s right in Eagle Point, with ski-to-door access. What’s more, the three-bedroom condo is modern to boot, with comfy beds, plush bathrooms, and a full kitchen for whipping up meals. Aside from the mod-cons, there’s even free Wi-Fi to stay connected, as well as a fireplace and a deck!
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Solitude
2
Solitude isn’t a name – they say it’s a promise. And a promise it was, just half an hour from downtown SLC in the heart of Big Cottonwood Canyon, one of the top things to see in SLC. We didn’t think peaceful seclusion was possible until we came to Solitude, an out-and-out locals’ mountain that’s so less crowded that we couldn’t believe our luck. What’s more, we had 1,200 skiable acres with 82 runs to choose from, and that too in one of North America’s snowiest canyons! Skiing fanatics like us will love the slopes here as they see the heaviest snow in the region.
Aside from skiing, Solitude has a ton of other activities on offer, including riding and snowboarding. There’s the Ski & Ride School, which offers group and private lessons for boarders and skiers of all ages. So, no matter our comfort levels, we all enjoyed sessions with Solitude’s pro instructors, who helped will help kick your skills up a notch.
The Terrain. Solitude has a great mix of slopes, including some of the country’s most exciting off-piste terrains. The beginners love the terrain’s size on the resort’s lower front side, while the more advanced shredders head for the more challenging runs. Besides the alpine terrain, there are many forested, peaceful snowshoe and Nordic trails, too.
The Town. The ski resort might have a relatively low-key rep, but the base area and mountain village are very vibrant with lots of après options. There’s Club Solitude, which has relaxation options like outdoor hot tubs and a heated pool, but also a cozy movie theater, an Xbox console, board games, and pool tables! Aside from the Club, there are shops selling just about everything. Finally, there’s even the Solitude Spa and lots of scenic restaurants offering everything from fine dining to grab-n-go breakfast items.
At a glance
- Known for: An intermediate skier’s delight.
- Opening: Mid-November
- Closing: N/A
- Elevation: 7,994 ft (2,436 m)
- Summit: 10,488 ft (3,196 m)
- Lifts: 8
- Airport: Salt Lake City, 33 mi (53 km)
Pros
- Accommodations here are reasonably priced as compared to other SLC ski resorts.
- There’s a decent variety of terrains for all ability levels.
- This resort is very close to SLC.
Cons
- The resort doesn’t offer night skiing.
Where to Stay: Hotel Eagle Springs is one of the best hotels to stay in Solitude, especially since it boasts a sunrise chair lift of its own! So we could get to the slopes first thing in the morning and before the crowds even got a foot in the door. We had many options for individual suites and lodges, ultimately choosing the red-wing suite that was closest to the ski lifts.
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Alta Ski Area
1
Best overall. The Alta Ski Area is hands-down one of the most well-known and popular ski resorts around SLC, having been around since 1938. Deemed a veritable skiing paradise, the slopes boast vast skiing areas of more than 2600+ acres and feature a whopping 118 runs, including off-piste lines. What’s more, Alta is famed for allowing only skiers (no snowboarders), so it’s a great spot for the entire family to learn and go skiing together. This is made all the better with the presence of the Alf Engen Ski School, where we could enroll kids and go off to spend the day skiing on our own.
Alta also borders the Snowbird skiing area, so we were able to access both with the AltaBird pass. That said, we found Alta to be a bit less crowded due to snowboarders not being allowed on the lifts and because it’s even more up the canyon.
The Terrain. Not only is Alta one of the oldest ski resorts in the US, but also it’s home to some of SLC’s most spectacular terrain. In fact, only advanced skiers and backcountry experts can access most of the wild bits of the terrain, and that too via hiking. Plus, most of the lift-accessible areas are also challenging and steep. It’s difficult for beginner skiers, yes, but the payoff is worth it. For, if you can ski at Alta, you can ski anywhere.
The Town. The small base town of Alta is unlike other ski towns as both the town and resort have grown organically, united by the love of snow. Despite modern upgrades like digital lift passes and better lifts, Alta is an icon proudly rooted in the past. It’s also (in)famous for having no shopping avenues or nightlife, with its entire life revolving around skiing.
At a glance
- Known for: Old-school kiers only mountain for beginner, intermediate, and expert skiers
- Opening: November third week
- Closing: N/A
- Elevation: 8,530 ft (2,600 m)
- Summit: 11,068 ft (3,373 m)
- Lifts: 5 (2 doubles, 3 high-speed quads, 1 high-speed six-pack)
- Airport: Salt Lake City, 32 mi (51.5 km)
Pros
- The ski resort boasts a world-class extreme terrain.
- It has a compact base area that’s very easy to navigate.
- It has great beginner terrain and runs.
Cons
- The town lacks shopping and nightlife options. However, for serious skiers, that shouldn’t be a problem.
Where to Stay: A luxurious living with ski-to-door access is what makes Snowpine Lodge the best place to bed down in Alta. Not only does it have spacious, modern rooms with family living options, but it also boasts views of the mountain. Two restaurants aside, the star amenity here is the state-of-the-art spa and hot tub. Did we mention the outdoor swimming pool with unobstructed mountain views that’s also open all year? Yep.
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Our Verdict!
While we like all these ski resorts close to Salt Lake City, if we had to choose, we’d choose based on this specialized list below.
- Best overall: Alta Ski Area
- Best for kids: Brian Head
- Best for luxury: Snowbird
- Largest ski resort: Sundance
On this list, which ski resort in Salt Lake City lies within an hour of it?
Among these resorts, Alta and Snowbird lie within an hour of Salt Lake City. However, the rest aren’t far away either.
How long does ski season last in Salt Lake City?
Utah’s ski season lasts from November to May, with ski towns of Salt Lake City, Park City, and Ogden offering endless snowy adventures.
What is the coldest month in Salt Lake City?
January is SLC’s coldest month, with the average temperature being 21.3 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 degrees Celsius).
