Whether you prefer the bunny slopes or double black diamonds, there are ski runs nearby that will fit your ability and interests. Here are five of the best ski resorts areas near Salt Lake City, just a 45-minute drive from Salt Lake City International Airport.
Brighton
For a relaxed and casual mountain experience, Brighton offers an intentionally smaller and less crowded option. Relying on word of mouth and minimal advertising, you’re likely to find more locals skiing than visitors. Brighton has an authentic atmosphere, friendly vibe, and homey feel, which makes up for the smaller base and somewhat limited food and lodging options. The area is slowly growing with a new restaurant, three new day lodges, high-quality rental shops, an impressive ski and snowboarding school, and convenient public transportation.
Brighton is an excellent choice for families since kids under 10 always ski and ride the lifts for free. The mountain has four different terrain parks at Brighton with various runs, from narrow chutes to smooth groomers to obscure trails. All 1,050 acres are accessible by high-speed quads, and 22 of the runs are lit for night skiing. In addition, the slope connects to Solbright Pass and Solitude Mountain, offering even more places to explore.
Snowbird
If you’re a seasoned skier and you’re looking for unique and challenging terrain, then Snowbird is the place for you. Adventure abounds on 2,500 acres for intermediate to advanced skiers with double black runs that have cliffs, chutes, and trees to keep you busy. There is a minimal amount of beginner terrain, so Snowbird is ideal for already experienced skiers with over 140 runs, including the connection to Alta. Chip’s Run is the longest at 2.5 miles, and Gad Valley has the longest descent at 3.5 miles.
The ski season is long at Snowbird, running from November through May, with an average of 500 inches of powder annually. The lift system is quite efficient with one aerial tram, three conveyor lifts, and 10 chairlifts with four doubles and six high-speed detachable quads. Snowbird is the perfect location if your primary focus is on the snow. The town at Snowbird is small, with a limited selection of shopping, restaurants, bars, and nightlife, however, it’s also easy to take the public bus or drive to Salt Lake City for urban activities.
Park City
Park City is not only the largest ski resort area on this list, it’s the largest in the entire U.S. and home to the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. This unbeatable ski town is bursting with winter attractions, endless entertainment, and more restaurants and shopping than you’ll ever need. The town vibe is authentic with its Old West mining origins and is a popular destination for large groups and families, which can mean sizable crowds at peak times. However, Park City can handle enormous crowds since there’s a distinct lack of wind, which keeps the quality powder fresh and fluffy.
Across the 7,300 acres of terrain, you’ll find 348 different trails, eight terrain parks, 13 bowls, 41 ski lifts, and a half pipe. The terrain is almost 50/50 intermediate and expert level, with a small beginner area. Each night, 40 snowcats proudly groom 115 trails creating clean lines, so beginners and professionals alike are ready for a fresh start the next day. Embracing modern technology, Park City utilizes Emma, the world’s first digital ski assistant, and Epicmix, an app with everything from trail maps to mountain webcams.
Deer Valley
Nestled in Utah’s Wasatch Range, Deer Valley is upscale, luxurious, and only for skiers. The lodges are conveniently ski-in and ski-out with outstanding dining, five-star customer and guest services, an award-winning ski school, a high staff-to-guest ratio, a family-friendly atmosphere, and a sterling reputation. Guests receive complimentary services like daily mountain tours, curbside ski valets, in-town car service, and first-class amenities. The exclusivity of Deer Valley is worth checking out, but it is more expensive. For nightlife or urban activities, Park City is just next door.
Designed by world-class systems, both the ski lift and the trail grooming are remarkable. To prevent overcrowding, a limited number of lift tickets are sold each day. There is an impressive variety of terrain across 2,026 acres, making it ideal for intermediate skiers and families. While you won’t run out of trails to ski, if you want to try something different, you can go on a ski tour to discover secret powder stashes and new runs, demo the latest ski technology, or take a legendary ski class.
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Alta
A skier-only mountain, Alta is ideal for spending the entire day shredding the slopes. If you want to snowboard or do other snow activities, you can go a mile down the canyon to Snowbird. Slightly less crowded than the neighboring Snowbird, you’ll find several lodging options at Alta, but not much nightlife, shopping, or restaurants, so head to Salt Lake City for more urban activities. Alta is easy to navigate with minimal walking, an informal and intimate atmosphere, and amiable staff. Relax by the lobby fireplace, take afternoon tea and cookies, or unwind at the bar.
The terrain at Alta is perfect for every ability level. The rolling hills of Albion Basin are excellent beginner terrain, Supreme and Sugarloaf and ideal intermediate playgrounds, and world-class extreme terrain for experts includes Gunsight, Eagle’s Nest, Rustler, and Baldy Chutes. With over 2,500 acres of ski terrain, you’re sure to find trails that match your interests. Check out the multi-day immersion ski adventures for advancing your skills.
Well, there you have it, five of the best ski resorts near Salt Lake City. Here at Bountiful Mazda, we love skiing almost as much as we love buying, selling, and talking about cars. It’s important to get outdoors, be active, and take some time to do an activity you enjoy with your favorite people. It’s also important to feel confident that your vehicle is reliable and safely gets you to and from those activities. Whether you have a ski resort recommendation to add to our list or want to talk about Mazda vehicles, give us a call today.
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