Blessed with among the best snow quality in the world, Utah is a top winter destination for travelers. The light, dry snow can be found on more than a dozen ski resorts around the state. With plenty of skiable terrain and vertical, you’ll have an epic time skiing the western powder.
6 Closest Ski Resorts by Las Vegas, NV
While Las Vegas is a year-round warm destination in the desert, there are a handful of ski resorts within an hour to three hours’ drive from the city. Whether venturing into California or Utah or staying close to ride Lee Canyon, there’s enough downhill action to keep residents of Sin City satisfied. Leaving Las Vegas …
Utah Ski Areas by City
From Salt Lake City you can be at nine different ski resorts within an hour’s drive; all world-class! If you’d like to be in one of the state’s top ski towns, base yourself in Park City. Here you’ll have access to known phenomenal winter playgrounds, Park City Mountain Resort, and Deer Valley Resort.
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Guide to Utah’s 10 Ski Resorts
It’s no secret that Utah is an outdoor paradise. Utah is consistently ranked as one of the happiest states in the US, and the fact that it’s a 4-season adventure wonderland sure doesn’t hurt. If you want to get out this winter and explore the Beehive State (seriously, that’s the state nickname), these are the 15 places to go.
Powder Mountain – Eden
If you want some room to breathe, there’s no better pick on this list than Powder Mountain, the largest ski resort in North America, with 8,484 skiable acres. It’s open from mid-December and mid-April.
There are 154 available runs, including 38 beginner runs, 62 intermediate run, and 54 advanced runs. Nine lifts service these runs with 4 quads, 3 surface lifts, 1 triple, and 1 high-speed quad. If you’re looking to do some freestyling, Powder Mountain offers a pair of terrain parks, as well.
On the mountain you can get up to 9,422 feet from a base of 6,900 feet, giving you a vertical drop of 2,519 feet. If the lack of sun won’t stop you from skiing, night skiing runs until 9:00 pm. There are no snowmaking capabilities at Powder Mountain, something they’re quite proud of.
Powder Mountain has an in-depth snow school, ranging from 2-hour private lessons to 11-week immersive programs in all types of snow. If you’re looking to rent gear, you can get everything except goggles and gloves.
6965 E Powder Mountain Rd, Eden, UT 84310 | 801-745-3772 | powdermountain.com
Park City Mountain – Park City
This is the third-largest ski area (about 800 acres smaller than Whistler Blackcomb) in North America, coming in at 7,300 skiable acres. Park City Mountain is conveniently located just over half an hour from Salt Lake City Airport. If you’re planning a trip, expect it to open in late November and close in mid-April.
Park City holds 341 runs, but only 27 of them (8%) are for beginners. Aimed at more advanced skiers, 140 runs are for intermediate skiers, and advanced skiers have 174 runs to choose from. These runs are serviced by 42 lifts, including 10 high-speed quads, 6 high-speed six-packs, and 4 gondolas. Snowmaking is available in the High Meadows and Red Pine Road sections of the resort, and more than 120 trails are groomed per night.
The base at Park City starts at 6,800 feet, and you can go up to 10,000 feet in elevation, giving you a 3,200-foot vertical drop. Night skiing is not available here. Daily hours are from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
1345 Lowell Ave, Park City, UT 84060 | 435-649-8111 | parkcitymountain.com
Snowbasin Resort – Huntsville
Located in the tiny town of Huntsville, Utah, is a wide-open skiing paradise. At 3,000 skiable acres, you’ll have ample room to move and a season that runs from early December through early April. As a place for relaxation, Snowbasin continually receives top marks in both hospitality and quality of runs, previously hosting the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.
Snowbasin has 107 runs with 21 beginner runs, 53 intermediate runs, and 33 advanced runs. These are served by 12 lifts, including three triples, two gondolas, and two high-speed quads. 625 acres of the 3,000 total have snowmaking capabilities.
The base of Snowbasin is at 6,400 feet, and the summit is at 9,350 feet, giving you 2,950 feet of vertical drop. Night skiing is not available, but it’s open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
3925 Snowbasin Rd, Huntsville, UT 84317 | 801-620-1000 | snowbasin.com
Alta Ski Area – Alta
Alta Ski Resort has been family-owned since 1938! They consider themselves a ski area, not a ski resort, and are quite proud of that fact. The season here typically runs from late November to mid-April.
With 118 runs and 2,614 skiable acres, family-run doesn’t mean small at Alta. The ski area leans more toward advanced skiers with only 18 beginner-rated runs, 37 runs intermediate-rated runs, and 63 advanced runs. There are 6 total lifts on site with 2 doubles, 1 high-speed triple, and 3 high-speed quads.
The base of Alta is at 8,530 feet and its summit is at a whopping 11,068 feet, good for 2,538 feet of vertical drop, making it one of the highest on this list. Night skiing is not available, as Alta is open from 9:15 am to 4:30 pm, daily.
10010 Little Cottonwood Canyon Rd, Alta, UT 84092 | 801-359-1078 | alta.com
Snowbird – Huntsville
Snowbird prides itself on having Utah’s longest season, usually starting in mid-November and ending sometime in May. This 2,500-acre resort achieves this through a natural abundance of high-quality snow and snowmaking capabilities in the Gad Valley, Peruvian Gulch, and Mineral Basin areas of the park, mainly used early in the season.
Snowbird boasts 141 runs serviced by 14 lifts. Of those 14, there are 6 high-speed quads, 4 doubles, 3 surface lifts, and 1 tram. Those 141 runs break down fairly evenly at 38 beginner runs, 54 intermediate runs, and 49 advanced runs.
The base at Snowbird is 7,760 feet, and you can get up to 3,240 feet of vertical drop from the 11,000-foot summit. Night skiing is not available at Snowbird, though it’s open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
3925 Snowbasin Rd, Huntsville, UT 84317 | 801-620-1000 | snowbird.com
Deer Valley Resort – Park City
Just because it shares a city with Park City Resort doesn’t mean Deer Valley should be overlooked. Coming in at 2,026 skiable acres, Deer Valley still holds its own against the larger Park City Resort. Deer Valley tends to open in early December and close in mid-April. Like many of the resorts on this list, it’s within driving distance of Salt Lake City airport.
There are 103 runs to choose from at Deer Valley, and they’re serviced by 21 lifts, including 13 high-speed quads and five triples. Of those 103 runs, there are 26 beginner runs, 44 intermediate runs, and 33 advanced runs.
The base at Deer Valley is at an elevation of 6,570 feet and peaks at 9,570 feet, giving you an even 3,000 feet of vertical drop. Sundown brings an end to skiing here, with daily hours from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
2250 Deer Valley Dr. S, Park City, UT 84060 | 435-649-1000 | deervalley.com
Solitude Mountain Resort – Solitude
You won’t be alone at this well-loved resort, but you’ll still have plenty of opportunity for solitude when laying tracks from the first chair of the day. This 1,200-acre resort features one of the snowiest canyons in North America and is a favorite for those looking to chase fresh powder. Solitude usually opens around the end of November and closes in mid to late April.
While beautiful, Solitude Mountain isn’t aimed at beginners. Of the 82 runs here, only five are rated for new skiers. 35 runs are intermediate, and the remaining 42 are advanced. There are eight lifts here with four high-speed quads, two regular quads, one double, and one triple.
The base of Solitude Mountain is at 7,994 feet with a peak of 10,488 feet, good for a vertical drop of 2,494 feet. There are no night skiing options here with a traditional daily schedule of 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
12000 S Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd, Solitude, UT 84121 | 801-534-1400 | solitudemountain.com
Brighton Resort – Brighton
If you’re looking for a place to learn to ski, Brighton makes a strong case. This resort in the city of the same name is consistently ranked at the top of affordability indexes and holds a beginner-friendly atmosphere. Whatever your skill level, you have 1,050 acres of skiing to enjoy.
There are 66 runs here and 15 are fit for beginners. The remaining ones break down evenly at 26 intermediate runs and 25 advanced ones. There are 7 lifts for the 66 runs with 4 high-speed quads, 1 regular quad, 1 triple, and 1 surface lift.
You’ll find 1,875 feet of vertical drop at Brighton with a peak of 10,500 feet and a base of 8,755 feet. Brighton does offer night skiing, with the resort staying open until 9:00 pm, Monday through Saturday.
8302 S Brighton Loop Rd, Brighton, UT 84121 | 801-532-4731 | brightonresort.com
Beaver Mountain – Garden City
While Brighton Resort is great for skiing, Beaver Mountain wins in being family-oriented. Known as “The Beav,” this resort offers 828 skiable acres with ample natural snowfall. Due to its snowfall, the resort currently has no snowmaking capabilities and opens a few weeks later than many Utah ski resorts, usually toward the end of December.
There are 48 runs at The Beav, with a reasonably even split. There are 17 beginner runs, 19 intermediate runs, and 12 advanced runs. These runs can be accessed by 1 double lift, 3 triples, and a pair of surface lifts.
With a base of 7,100 feet and a summit at 8,800 feet, you’ll find 1,700 feet of vertical drop to enjoy on the mountain. Night skiing here is mainly a private party affair, though you can check their website for public night skiing dates.
40000 East, US-89, Garden City, UT 84028 | 435-946-3610 | skithebeav.com
Brian Head Ski Resort – Brian Head
Only 3 hours from Las Vegas, this is a convenient weekend destination for Nevada residents looking for Utah snow! With 650 skiable acres, locals and Nevada residents (also popular with Arizona and California travelers) can enjoy the wide-open slopes of Southern Utah. The resort mainly relies on natural snowfall, though it does employ partial snowmaking capabilities.
The resort has 71 runs available, and they’re almost evenly split: 23 beginner runs, 25 intermediate runs, and 23 advanced runs. To get you to the summit, Brian Head offers 5 triples, 3 surface lifts, 2 high-speed quads, and 1 double.
Brian Head has a base of 9,600 feet and a summit of 10,920 feet, good for 1,320 feet of vertical drop. Night skiing is available until 9:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
329 UT-143, Brian Head, UT 84719 | 435-677-2035 | brianhead.com
Eagle Point – Beaver
Though it’s located in Beaver, Utah, don’t confuse it with Beaver Mount Resort in Garden City. This 650-acre resort is friendly to all ages and has terrain parks and runs that suit levels from first-timers to highly advanced skiers. With snowmaking tools introduced in 2020, you’ll be sure to have fresh powder when you show up.
Eagle Point offers 39 runs, leaning more toward intermediate and advanced skiers. There are 17 advanced runs and 14 intermediate runs. Beginners will still have their share of options with 8 runs. Servicing these runs, Eagle Point offers 2 double lifts, 1 triple, 1 quad, and 1 surface lift.
The base of Eagle Point is at 9,100 feet with a summit of 10,500 feet, good for 1,500 feet of vertical drop. Eagle Point is open 9:30 am to 4:20 pm Friday through Sunday to the public. Weekdays are for private parties and night skiing is unavailable.
150 S W Village Cir, Beaver, UT 84713 | 435-438-3700 | eaglepointresort.com
Nordic Valley – Eden
Night skiing is the thing to do at this 500-acre resort, as 100% of it is lit up at night. While it was a training ground for the 2002 Winter Olympics, you don’t have to be a pro to have an enjoyable time. Lights aren’t the only thing covering the grounds, as the resort also boasts 80% snowmaking capacity.
There are 40 runs at Nordic Valley, with the vast majority being in blue square territory. Twenty-eight of the 40 runs are intermediate to go along with 8 beginner runs and 4 advanced ones. Two doubles, 1 triple, 1 high-speed six-pack, and 1 surface lift are there to get you around.
You’ll find a lower base than many here at just 5,400 feet. The summit comes in at 7,060 feet for a vertical drop of 1,700 feet. With night skiing being so popular here, it’s available from 3:00 to 8:00 pm, Monday through Saturday.
3567 Nordic Valley Way, Eden, UT 84310 | 801-745-3511 | nordicvalley.ski
Sundance Mountain Resort – Sundance
While there are 5,000 acres of protected wilderness surrounding Sundance Mountain Resort, only 450 of them are skiable. Don’t worry, though, you’ll still have plenty of room to enjoy your time on the mountain. When Robert Redford (yeah, that Robert Redford) sold Sundance (Yeah, he owned it. Wild, I know.) in 2021, the new owners put in some upgrades, including a snowmaking reservoir, so expect better snow earlier in the season.
There are 50 runs to enjoy here, with 18 for beginners, 22 rated for intermediates, and 10 designated as advanced. There are 8 lifts here: 3 quads and 3 surface lifts are aided by a triple and a high-speed quad.
The base at Sundance is at 6,100 feet, with the summit at 8,250 feet, giving you 2,150 feet of vertical drop. Night skiing is here until 9:00 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
8841 Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, Sundance, UT 84604 | 801-225-4107 | sundanceresort.com
Cherry Peak – Richmond
You can call this the cherry on top of Utah skiing. Cherry Peak is the newest Utah ski resort, at 8 years old, and it’s here to be taken seriously. This 200-acre resort features a state-of-the-art snowmaking system that was recently doubled in capacity, as well as extensive night skiing.
Cherry Peak operates 20 runs. There are 6 beginner runs, 9 intermediate runs, and 5 advanced runs. Cherry Peak uses 3 triple lifts and 1 surface lift to move skiers around. Cherry Peak is an excellent choice for beginners, as it features a 500-foot magic carpet aimed at new skiers.
With a base elevation just above Nordic Valley, this isn’t the smallest mountain on this list. The base comes in at 5,775 feet with a summit of 7,050 feet, giving you a 1,265-foot vertical drop, not the smallest on this list either. Night skiing is available every day of the week until 9:00 pm.
3200 E 11000 N, Richmond, UT 84333 | 435-200-5050 | skicpr.com
Woodward Park City – Park City
Last but not least (though technically the smallest) is Woodward Park City at 60 skiable acres. How does it get by on only 60 skiable acres, you ask? Well, because it has a 66,000-square-foot action sports hub. This is the perfect destination for year-round outdoor fun. Take your skis up the lifts in winter and your bike up them in summer.
There are 11 runs here, including 4 beginner runs, 5 intermediate runs, and 2 advanced runs. There are 4 lifts to get you around, with 3 of them being surface lifts and the other a quad.
Woodward Park City has easily the shortest vertical drop on this list, though not the lowest elevation. With 349 feet of vertical drop available, you go from a peak of 6,812 feet to a base elevation of 6,463 feet. Night skiing is plentiful, with daily night skiing until 8:00 pm.
3863 Kilby Rd, Park City, UT 84098 | 435-658-2648 | woodwardparkcity.com
With 15 resorts to choose from, Utah is a veritable playground for winter sports enthusiasts. If you can’t find a resort you like in the state of Utah, it just might not exist!
