The 10 best ski resorts in Utah

Colorado. California. Vermont. These are probably the three states that leap to the top of the US ski resort hit list. But, if you’re skipping Utah, you’re overlooking one of the best places to ride – especially if you’re into unreal terrain and snow so deep they often have to close the resorts while they dig the lifts out. 

Utah has 14 resorts, and we’ve rounded up our top 10 to get you stoked for this season. With all these resorts falling within a stone’s throw of Salt Lake City, they’re some of the most accessible powder paradises in the US. So if you’re ready for some steeps, deeps, and epic après, Utah is waiting. 

The only question now is: which resort do you aim for first? Luckily, they’re pretty close to each other, so you don’t have to choose. Hit them all, and experience Utah in all its glory. Just remember to bring your snorkel!

Top 10 ski resorts in Utah

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Snowbird

The toss-up for the number one spot could have gone a number of ways. Honestly, there’s no outright ‘best’ resort in Utah. Several resorts put up stellar numbers and snowfall records, so you’ll never find a ‘bad’ resort. However, let’s focus on the good stuff, shall we? Snowbird excellently uses its dual faces, putting up an 11,000 feet lift elevation and an 11,489 feet hikeable elevation thanks to the American Fork Twin Peaks. These offer some of the best high altitude, white-knuckle chute skiing in the state!

Snowbird is a tale of two mountains, leaning more heavily towards its expert terrain. However, that’s not to say there’s nothing for beginners here. In fact, you’ll discover tons of long greens zig-zagging through the Easy Thunder family area. A designated ‘easy way down’ from the Hidden Peak summit also connects you to the Mountain School Learning Area and the Middle Emma Learner Zone. 

But it’s the blacks that hold the excitement. On the main side of the mountain, aiming for the Knucklehead traverse will take you under the Pipeline and Baldy’s Bowls (reachable via hiking), giving you access to powder descents. Tour up from the end of the traverse to hit the resort boundary and unlock Temptation Chutes, Boundary Bowl, and Defiance Ledge – three amazing, tightly packed, and super steep zones only shredded by those in the know. With 42 feet of annual snowfall, you’ll find plenty of fresh hidden away here.

If you’re into mellower powder fields, the Mineral Basin off the back of Hidden Peak will be a real treat. The Bookends Bowl is great for the really steep stuff. Blue By You below the summit will serve up a long, open pow descent and connect you to Hamilton Cliffs and some fun natural features. Down at the base, you’ll find a small selection of accommodation and après options, but there isn’t a resort to speak of. You don’t really need one, though, with Salt Lake City just 28 miles away by road.

Alta Ski Area

Alta Ski Area, the twinned resort to Snowbird, lies just around the corner (literally on the same road) and goes toe to toe with Snowbird on all its stats. With three peaks across its sprawling face, Alta is much like Snowbird – but perhaps even better suited to those looking to earn their turns and shred some gnarly off-piste terrain. However, there’s plenty for learners to enjoy off the Albion and Sunnyside lifts, especially in the Patsey Marley Area, which features some of the most mellow off-piste. Those finding their feet will love Alta for its wide-open runs and varied terrain.

The powder hounds will get their absolute money’s worth, though. If you’re lining up an epic day, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got your hiking legs ready. Off the Supreme lift, you can shoot for East Castle and Castle Apron, hiking up and then dropping into some insane chutes and tree runs. From the Sugarloaf Lift, you can hike left into Devil’s Castle proper, and pick your line down through the maze of natural features, linking into Cecret Chutes at the bottom. Yellow Trail and East Greeley are well trafficked but still have a good stash. However, the best untouched snow awaits those willing to hike Mt Baldy to access the Baldy Chutes and Baldy Shoulder below — the most inaccessible and exciting zones on the mountain.

Not in the mood to hike? Hit Main Street off the Collins Chair, hop over the spine above Blitz and Taint, and aim for Stimulation. You can keep cutting skier’s left down to Punch Bowl before ripping down into the Wildcat Bowl, a pretty epic zone with lots to ride. This side connects to Snowbird, though, so it can get busy. On the other end, charging out of the Supreme Bowl above Catherine’s Out Run for the ultimate party lap is always a fun way to end the day. 

In the resort, it’s much the same story as Snowbird – the party is back in Salt Lake City. However, if you want to ensure you make first lifts, there is some accommodation on the mountain.

Deer Valley Resort

A little smaller than the last two, Deer Valley Resort clocks in at a healthy 2,026 acres of rideable area. But, with 25 feet of annual snowfall, it’s no slouch and slides into number three on our list. 

As a year-round resort destination, Deer Valley has a beautiful, sprawling Alpine-inspired base with plenty of lodging, dining, and après. Plus, on the mountain, you’ve got a whole host of riding to choose from. It’s also close to Park City, which, split into five separate ski areas, truly has something for everyone. However, Deer Valley will appeal particularly to families for its myriad options for skiers (and party animals) of all levels.

Thanks to its proximity to Park City, Deer Valley is very easy to get to, even if you’re not staying on the mountain. The main parking lot for commuters is at the Snow Park Lodge, where you’ll also find the dedicated learner area and the surface lifts. Above the parking lot, you’ll discover Little Baldy Peak, which has some good runs to progress on, and some short blacks. You can also enter this zone from the Jordanelle Ticket Office just off Highway 40. Once you’re up at Little Baldy, you’ll need to take Deer Hollow into Little Stick to gain access to the Silver Lake Express to link you into the resort.

The main resort base is at the Silver Lake Lodge, where you can take one of three chairs in three directions. Bald Mountain has beautifully long green and blue runs and designated slow areas, perfect for those finding their feet. There are also some great blacks below the Mayflower lift, along with some interesting chutes and bowls to explore if you’re after a challenge. Flagstaff Mountain is well suited to intermediates with more sweeping blues under the Northside Express. From here, you can graduate to Empire, which has some trickier black runs, as well as the Empire, Lady Morgan, and Daly Bowls for some open powder riding. Lower down, you’ll meet a few testing black runs and tight tree skiing to link back into the Lady Morgan Express. And, those on the hunt for the hardest riding will be happy with the Centennial double-black zone, skier’s right off that same lift.

Park City Mountain Resort

If you’re wondering where the heck Park City Mountain Resort was, well, here it is. This hulking behemoth of a resort clocks in at over 7,000 acres of rideable terrain and has 330 marked trails! For comparison, France’s Three Valleys, the largest interconnected ski area, has 335 trails. But that’s across eight separate resorts! So, yeah, Park City is a bit of a beast. The resort center itself is bustling and friendly, full of great bars, restaurants, and hotels for all budgets and tastes. And at just 45 minutes' drive from Salt Lake Airport, it’s super accessible.

Now, on to the mountain. Park City has plenty of terrain for beginners and intermediates, with a big learner area right at the Park City Mountain Village resort base. You can take the Crescent Express, Eagle, or Silver Star chairs up to target some great blue trails, too, which run under the King Con Express chair. For the best nearby beginner-intermediate terrain, Deer Valley is the better choice just across the valley. 

For advanced riders, the entire mountain is your playground. The bowl under Crescent Express has many swooping blacks, but it’s higher up that you’ll find the real treasure. The McConkey’s Express and Jupiter lifts give access to Jupiter Peak and all the double-black unmarked trails coming down into the valley — steep and deep. That’s all you need to know. However, you’ll find more space and untouched powder if you head skier’s right off the Jupiter lift and traverse above Scott’s Bowl. You can take your pick down Pine Cone Ridgeline. Homelite is epic for some open skiing, while Sam’s Knob has some of the best lines on this side of the mountain.

And ‘this side of the mountain’ is putting it lightly. On the other side, you’ll discover lots to tackle, including the famous swooping blues that go under and over the winding mountain roads and take you to the slopeside housing. Above this network of blues, you’ll find the Ninety-Nine 90 Express, which opens up some stellar high terrain, including the legendary 94 Turns and the Red Pine Chutes. It’s not to be missed. Be sure to hit Murdock Peak, too. You’ll need to hike from the Super Condor Express to get to the Murdock Bowl, but once you’re up there, you’ll find the best pow on the mountain. The longer the walk, the fresher the tracks. So if you make it to One Hundred Turns, untouched lines await.

Brighton Resort

Brighton Resort is one of the snowiest in Utah. Plus, it’s the perfect winter playground, making its home right in the middle of Alta, Solitude, and Park City. It has a small base with several lodging options and a few bars and restaurants, but the focus is on riding – of which they have plenty! 

Tailored more to intermediate and advanced riders, there are several easy-going green and blue trails coming down off Preston Peak. However, those with a nose for gnarlier terrain and deep powder will have the most fun in Brighton.

In terms of lift-accessed terrain, there’s always lots of fun off the Great Western Express. However, if you’re hunting for the most easily accessible pow, the Snake Creek Express will get you to Snake Bowl. Hike skier’s right off the lift, and you’ll have no trouble finding it. This will also set you up for Brighton’s legendary freestyle parks, which begin just off Thunder Road under the Crest Express, and end at the base. Brighton’s freestyle terrain is varied and extensive, claiming to be the best in the region. It’s probably why the place is a hit with pro riders looking to hone their skills. Of course, if freestyle is your bag, you need to hit Woodward at Park City, a dedicated freestyle mecca. If the crowds are a little much, though, Brighton is a stellar choice to get those park laps in.

In the mood to earn some turns? Brighton has that, too. Head right off the Crest Express to traverse under Pioneer Ridge, where some excellent terrain awaits. Just watch out for the cliffs! They’re pretty monstrous. Or, you can take the Milly Express, and aim for Mt Millicent, taking the hike trail up to the fabled Elevator chute (for true experts only!). If you want to test your mettle, Scree Slope is a great choice – though every route down from here is excellent fun. If you find Exhibition, hang a left as it opens up so you catch Spaghetti and the double-black chutes below it. Hop the groomer there, continue down the face to link into Evergreen, and head back to the lift. Then do it all over again!

Brian Head Resort

Brian Head Resort may be a ‘small’ resort among the giants on this list, but it bills itself as the premier ski resort in Utah. So it must be pretty good, right? First, it’s about four hours by car to Salt Lake City. This means it’s far less trafficked than the big resorts. And with 30 feet of snow annually, you can expect more untouched pow. 

Brian Head Resort has a good selection of lodging, as well as some great restaurants and bars. But as always, the hill is why you’re going! And thankfully, Brian Head has that part covered. Split into two mountains, Navajo Peak is perfect for learners, with lots of greens and blues to get to grips on. Plus, the perfect low-angled gradient is ideal for getting lots of turns in while finding your snow legs.

They also have a Navajo Lodge Learning Center, which features a dedicated lift and tubing park if you prefer to ride your snow a different way. The Navajo Express lift opens up the whole mountain, and even first-timers will progress quickly on the wide, expertly groomed runs. It also offers a brilliant intro to tree and powder riding, making it popular with those beginning their ski journey. However, it’s not just for learners, as Brian Head Peak features lots of challenging terrain for experts to sink their teeth into. The Giant Steps Express gets you to the 10,920-foot lift summit and gives you access to every run on the mountain. Some personal favorites include straight-lining it down Giant Steps or making the big traverse out to Wild Ride and picking your way through the trees from here.

Brian Head also has an 11,307-foot peak, which is hikeable. Many riders will take the chair and follow the trail up to target the cliffs, chutes, and other burly features that can only be reached by touring or hiking. You can either drop right back into the center of the resort or head skier’s right off the top and aim for Devo’s Pitch. This drops you into a narrow gully before spitting you back onto Wild Ride. However, this is a big day out and shouldn’t be taken lightly!

Snowbasin Resort

Snowbasin Resort is big and has lots to offer riders of all levels. North of Salt Lake City, many riders overlook Snowbasin. However, with 25 feet of snow annually, there’s plenty to make it a worthwhile trip. And with a stellar mix of intermediate and expert terrain, there’s more to ride here than many realize. Plus, thanks to Snowbasin’s two fast gondolas whisking riders up the mountain in groups, it’s never a long wait to get extra laps in.

Beginners won’t find much to ride here, but there are several slow and family zones for those progressing. The Becker lift offers a long green in the form of Bear Hollow, and the John Paul Express lift gives access to the designated slow trail of Mt Ogden Bowl Road. Plenty of blues are dotted throughout the mountain, so after a few lessons, you should discover more than enough to ride. 

However, those with more experience will have loads to explore and should look to the Allen Peak Tram or the Strawberry Gondola for the easiest access to the best terrain. From the gondola, you can head left to discover Sister’s Bowl, an absolute must-hit for anyone wanting to slay some wide-open powder fields. Or, for more technical riding, head skier’s right along Lone Tree, hopping off to explore the chutes or Middle Bowl Cirque for some gnarly steeps.

Further out, you can get to Needles Cirque, which requires a hike from Needles Gondola, but is worth the effort. You can also discover Porky Cirque by hiking up from the Porcupine lift. However, the Mt Ogden Bowl has some of the best terrain, accessible by heading left off the Allen Peak Tram. This is serious riding, though, so beware. The same goes for the area beyond Easter Bowl. You’ll find Shooting Star and No Name, which drop into Lower Pyramids. These are three of the most technical areas on the mountain, accessible only through a restricted gate. But, if you know that’s what you’re after, you’ll find insane pow and the most challenging lines around.

Powder Mountain

Head north from Snowbasin, and you’ll discover Powder Mountain, another hidden gem in the Utah wilderness. And we call it a ‘hidden gem’ because it puts up some big numbers, and few people have ever heard of it. A 42-foot annual snowfall pairs with the largest in-bounds ski area in the country, coming in at 8,464 acres! At the base, there’s little in the way of a resort, but heck, with stats like these, you’re here to drop pow lines and rip up the mountain. So let’s get to it.

With a 9,422-foot summit, all the terrain at Powder Mountain is below the alpine level, so tree riding is what you’ll find most. There are plenty of low-angled green trails and blues, especially around the Summit Village and the Hidden Lake Express. This is where to head if you’re just getting to grips with skiing or snowboarding. 

There are also some great marked pow runs (graded blue) in Cobabe Canyon, making the perfect intro to off-piste and pow riding for those progressing. You’ll notice a trend here: short runs filter into ski-ways, which means there are always fresh lines to be found, with endless options to ride in every direction.

For some fun off-piste, grab the Paradise lift and head skier’s left or right. The same goes for the Hidden Lake Express. Just aim for Woody’s World to link into some great pow runs there. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, ride the Lightning Ridge Snowcat to get onto Lightning Ridge for some of the longest blacks on the mountain. Alternatively, take it right up to James Peak to hit Carpe Diem and straight-line from peak to base for the longest run on the mountain. If that’s not doable, take Cat Walk down into Sanctuary above Cobabe Canyon and then ride one of the off-piste trails from there.

Solitude Mountain Resort

We return to the melee for number nine: Solitude Mountain Resort, a big mountain with a single face, a small resort base with some lodging and après options, and some of the burliest terrain in the state. Let’s get this out of the way: Solitude is not the best beginner resort. Okay, there’s a sizable beginner area above the base with a dedicated four-person chair, and there are a few blue runs to sink your teeth into. However, this mountain is built for advanced riders, and one quick look at the trail map will reassure you of that. Above the halfway point, there’s barely a marked run, and you’ve probably never seen so many single and double-black diamonds before.

But what to shred first? Well, the best warmup lap on the mountain is Woodlawn. This insane black runs from the top of the Summit Express all the way to the base, encapsulating the mountain’s entire vertical. After you’ve warmed up, take the Summit Express again. This time, hook left along Solbright, which gives you access to Headwall Forest, Evergreen Chutes (after a short hike), Barrett’s Glade, and Dead Tree, a collection of epic double-black zones that serve up some of the most technical riding on the hill. You can also drop over the ridge into Brighton from here. But before you do, be sure to ride everything on offer! If you go right off the Summit Express but stay rider’s right of Woodlawn as you descend, you’ll hit Buckeye Junior and the Black Forest – two epic areas with open trees.

After something more thrilling? Traverse over the ridge to catch Cathedral Cirque under the cliffs and then thread the needle through the pillow fields and chutes, following the Summit Express to the lift base. For big lines, you can boot pack Fantasy Ridge and hit the Black Bees Chutes or keep going all the way along to Honeycomb Chutes. 

However, better bang for your buck can be found by traversing under the headwall until you reach Voltaire, Prince of Wales, and Boundary Chutes, where some of the best pow riding on the mountain hides. All the way along will drop you into No Man’s Land, a rarely visited double-black zone with pillows and cliffs aplenty. Just make sure you’re using the buddy system because it’s no joke over here!

Sundance Resort

South of Salt Lake City and pretty close to Provo, Sundance Resort snags our number ten spot. This is an understated, upmarket ski resort that lacks the sheer scale of other entries on this list. However, it more than makes up for it with charm and luxury. 

Owned by Robert Redford and built from the ground up as the perfect balance of art, nature, and community, Sundance is a special place to visit. You can stay right at the base, and there are some beautiful eateries to try, including The Tree Room, a chic and romantic restaurant built around a tree. Oh, and this one’s owned by Robert Redford, too! If you’re looking for a couples’ getaway to an epic ski spot, Sundance is probably the resort you’ve been searching for.

On the mountain, you’ll find a mix of terrain – most of which caters to beginner and intermediate riders. The entire lower section of the mountain is marked for slow riding, so if cruising down expertly manicured groomers is your thing, you’ll discover it here. Off the Wildwood Lift, there are no slow zones, but you’ll have greens and blues to whisk you back down to the base. If you’re looking for more thrills, hit Red’s Lift. From the top, you have two choices. To the right, you’ll traverse the ridge and find a few nice long blues to ride down, or you can dip off onto the handful of blacks here.

You’ll also discover some blacks if you head left off the lift. Bishop’s bowl is a sweeping black trail with some great powder stashes. Want to have a go at the toughest riding on the mountain? Bypass Bishop’s Bowl and follow the trail along the ridgeline. You can drop into Shaun’s Secret and the trees in between or stick it out along the ridge until you reach Wonderboy and Vertigo, the only two double-blacks on the hill. Then, head down to the base for a very well-deserved drink – and keep your eyes peeled for celebrities! If the stars ride anywhere in Utah, it’ll be at Sundance.

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Wrapping up

Well, there you have it. We had to miss out on four great resorts, but this is our top ten, and we stand by our choices! 

Riding anywhere in Utah is sure to be an adventure. And with our hard-earned insider knowledge, you can wring out just a little more than the average rider for your next trip. So, if you’re ready to gear up for a Utah-arian winter vacation unlike any other, raise your hands in prayer to the Snow Gods for pow — and lots of it.

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