Best Ski Resorts in Utah

Unlike Colorado and California, most of Utah’s world-class skiing is less than an hour’s drive from its metropolitan airport. In fact, there are 10 such resorts in the vicinity, spread across the famous Cottonwood canyons, Park City, and nearby Ogden and Provo.

Better yet, Utah is renowned for having “the greatest snow on Earth,” thanks to its light, dry, and fluffy flakes. Several resorts in this beautiful state record over 500 inches of annual snowfall—making it the most in North America. With the largest resort in the nation and warm, welcoming people, Utah is a remarkable and convenient place to ski or snowboard.

Choosing the ideal Salt Lake area ski resort is essential for making the most of your winter visit. All of these resorts rate 4.5 (or higher) out of 5 stars from online reviewers. They are generally easy to access, relatively affordable, and incredibly family-friendly.

1. Big Cottonwood Canyon

Best all-round value

Located just 40 minutes from the airport, Brighton is one of the first and oldest ski resorts in the state, maintaining its prestigious status for nearly 80 years. Brighton offers a blend of affordability and quality with spacious runs amidst tall trees, and a fantastically priced lift ticket at $90, with kids 10-and-under skiing for free.

Although food and lodging options may be limited, with 500 inches of annual snowfall across fantastic terrain for all levels, this resort remains a top choice.

Nearby, you’ll find the similarly-sized and snow-heavy Solitude. Known for being one of the least-visited resorts in Utah, it attracts local expert riders for its challenging terrain especially when other resort roads are closed. However, this isn’t an ideal spot for beginners, but it promises loads of fun for more experienced skiers with lift tickets averaging $120 per day.

Getting to Big Cottonwood Canyon: You can drive, take a public bus, or rideshare up Big Cottonwood Canyon Road to either Solitude or Brighton.

2. Little Cottonwood Canyon

Best for serious skiers

For those seeking two of the nation’s top ten resorts with the continent’s deepest snowfall within 45 minutes of the airport, Little Cottonwood Canyon is the place to be. However, beginners and intermediate skiers should exercise caution, as Little Cottonwood features slopes that are often too steep for novices to fully enjoy.

The renowned Snowbird offers an array of challenging runs, an impressive tram (the only one in Utah), and excellent on-site lodging. With several more feet of snow than its neighboring resort, expert skiers and riders will find Snowbird irresistible.

Travel a little further to reach the equally famous Alta, the first resort established in Utah. Although snowboarders cannot access Alta lifts, they can enjoy riding down the mountain through a connecting top access from Snowbird.

Lift tickets start at $130 per day for Snowbird, while Alta tickets run approximately $120 per day; both resorts guarantee a thrilling powder experience.

Getting to Little Cottonwood Canyon: Similar to Big Cottonwood, driving, public buses, or rideshare options are available along Little Cottonwood Road to either Snowbird or Alta.

3. Park City Mountain Resort

Best for families, nightlife, and the most terrain

There’s a compelling reason why so many out-of-staters flock to ski here. For the largest, most popular, and second-most expensive resort in Utah, head 45 minutes to Park City Mountain Resort. After its merger with the expansive Canyons Resort, the new Park City boasts an impressive 341 total runs and 35 lifts.

Although the skiing is commendable (and the terrain park outstanding) at Park City Mountain Resort, the nightlife and amenities significantly enhance the visitor experience. Lift tickets are upward of $150 per day, but staying at Canyons can help to avoid crowds.

Getting to Park City Mountain Resort: You can drive or rideshare east via I-80, then south on 189 to famous Park City, which includes two resorts.

4. Deer Valley

Best resort for luxury

Situated on the east side of Park City, Deer Valley Resort offers a luxurious experience characterized by premium lift ticket, restaurant, and accommodation prices. It’s renowned for having the finest groomed runs that are corduroy, comfortably wide, and staffed by attendees ready to assist you.

For those prioritizing budget, thrilling terrain, and snowboarding, Deer Valley may not be the ideal choice given that lift tickets exceed $199 per day, with overnight rates climbing even higher. Yet, it remains an excellent choice for skiing, conveniently located near the vibrant après-ski nightlife available at Park City Mountain Resort.

Getting to Deer Valley Resort: Travel east via I-80, then south on 189 to Park City, where Deer Valley is situated.

5. Sundance Mountain Resort

Best for scenic views

If you don’t mind traveling more than an hour from Salt Lake airport, there are wonderful resorts waiting for you. Notably, Sundance Mountain Resort in Provo Canyon, previously owned by Robert Redford, is regarded as one of the most scenic resorts in the state, appealing to families and expert riders alike.

Getting to Sundance Mountain Resort: Located about an hour’s drive south from Salt Lake International airport, it provides tailored experiences for all winter sports enthusiasts.

6. Snowbasin Resort and Powder Mountain

Best for avid skiers who want to avoid the crowds

In Ogden, just north of Salt Lake, you’ll discover the stunning but much larger Snowbasin Resort with its Olympic downhill runs and three terrain parks. Much like Sundance, it boasts an average of 300 inches of snow per year. Additionally, just a tad further lies Powder Mountain, which receives around 500 inches of snow, rivaling Little Cottonwood’s totals. With lift tickets priced at just $90, this resort has become a sought-after haven for avid skiers.

Getting to Ogden: Snowbasin is approximately an hour north of Salt Lake airport, while Powder Mountain is about 75 minutes away.

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