Skiing in Utah.
Utah is a dream destination for skiers and snowboarders. It’s famous for its stunning mountain scenery and diverse ski resorts – and of course “The Greatest Snow on Earth.” From challenging alpine terrain at Snowbird to family-friendly slopes at Brighton and the red rock landscapes near Brian Head, Utah has something for every kind of winter adventurer.
We’ve put together a list of some of the best ski destinations in Utah. Check out our picks and discuss your choices in the comments below.
Our List of the Best Skiing Resorts in Utah.
Snowbird.
Where? Northern Utah
Base elevation: 7,760 feet
Annual snowfall: Approx. 500 inches
Ski level: 8% beginner, 26% intermediate, 42% advanced, 25% expert runs
Snowbird is located in the Little Cottonwood Canyon north of Salt Lake City. It’s a standout Utah’s destination for skiers who like steep runs and deep snow. The resort covers 2,500 acres of skiable terrain and is particularly popular with advanced skiers thanks to its steep chutes, open bowls and challenging alpine runs.
Alta.
Where? Northern Utah
Base elevation: 8,525 feet
Annual snowfall: Approx. 540 inches
Ski level: 15% beginner, 30% intermediate, 55% advanced runs
Alta sits high in Little Cottonwood Canyon in the Wasatch Mountains north of Salt Lake City. It’s close to other popular resorts, including Snowbird, Park City and Deer Valley. Alta has more than 2,600 acres of skiable terrain and an impressive amount of annual snowfall. It’s a favorite among powder enthusiasts looking for deep snow and challenging mountain runs.
Alta is a ski-only resort. Snowboarding isn’t permitted.
Snowbasin.
Where? Northern Utah
Base elevation: 6,450 feet
Annual snowfall: Approx. 325 inches
Ski level: 10% beginner, 60% intermediate, 30% advanced and expert runs
Snowbasin is another resort located in the Wasatch Mountains near Ogden, north of Salt Lake City. It’s known for its wide groomed runs, scenic mountain views and varied terrain and offers plenty of options for intermediate skiers as well as challenging slopes for more experienced riders. Snowbasin is also well known for hosting the alpine skiing events during the 2002 Winter Olympics.
Brighton Resort.
Where? Northern Utah
Base elevation: 8,755 feet
Annual snowfall: Approx. 500 inches
Ski level: 22% beginner, 40% intermediate, 38% advanced runs
Brighton Resort sits at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon a short drive from Salt Lake City and is known for its laid-back atmosphere and welcoming snowboarding culture. The resort was Utah’s first ski resort, and it’s still a favorite among locals and visitors. Brighton’s 1,050 acres of skiable terrain are for everyone – from first-time skiers to experienced riders. It also offers terrain parks and night skiing so you can keep enjoying the mountain after the sun goes down.
Deer Valley Resort.
Where? Park City, northern Utah
Base elevation: 6,450 feet
Annual snowfall: Approx. 300 inches
Ski level: 31% beginner, 40% intermediate, 29% advanced runs
Deer Valley Resort is located in Park City in Utah’s Wasatch Mountain. It’s known for its upscale mountain experience, beautiful slopes and attentive guest service. Deer Valley has expanded to around 4,300 acres of skiable terrain for the 2025–26 season. The resort offers runs for different ability levels, seven bowls and a renowned ski school – so beginners are in great hands.
Deer Valley is a ski-only resort. Snowboarding isn’t permitted.
Park City.
Where? Northern Utah
Base elevation: 6,800 feet
Annual snowfall: Approx. 350 inches
Ski level: 8% beginner, 42% intermediate, 50% advanced and expert terrain
Park City Mountain is one of Utah’s biggest draws for skiers and snowboarders. You’ll find 7,300 acres of skiable terrain, more than 330 trails and two main base areas: Mountain Village, close to historic Main Street, and Canyons Village, with its modern resort atmosphere. The terrain variety makes Park City appealing to different ability levels – and after a day on the slopes there’s plenty to enjoy in the town itself.
If you’re planning a ski trip, the best hotels for skiing in Park City, Utah include slope-side stays like Pendry Park City, Hyatt Centric Park City and Grand Summit Hotel, all in Canyons Village, as well as Marriott’s MountainSide near the Mountain Village lifts.
Solitude Mountain Resort.
Where? Northern Utah
Base elevation: 7,994 feet
Annual snowfall: Approx. 500 inches
Ski level: 10% beginner, 40% intermediate, 50% advanced and expert runs
Solitude Mountain Resort is a quieter alternative to some of Utah’s busier ski destinations. The resort spans 1,200 acres of skiable terrain and offers a mix of groomed trails and challenging off-piste terrain. Despite its name, in Solitude you’ll also find a welcoming village with slopeside lodging, restaurants and places to unwind after a day on the mountain.
Powder Mountain.
Where? Eden, Northern Utah
Base elevation: 6,903 feet
Annual snowfall: Approx. 360 inches
Ski level: 23% beginner, 43% intermediate, 34% advanced runs
Powder Mountain sits near Eden, about an hour north of Salt Lake City. It’s one of the largest ski areas in North America, with more than 5,000 acres of skiable terrain. The resort is extra appealing to powder enthusiasts, with lift-accessed terrain, bus-serviced areas and guided excursions for those who want to to go further into the mountains. Powder Mountain has a very relaxed feel and is a great choice for skiers and snowboarders who want to escape the crowds.
Brian Head Resort.
Where? Southern Utah
Base elevation: 9,600 feet
Annual snowfall: Approx. 360 inches
Ski level: 35% beginner, 35% intermediate, 30% advanced and expert runs
With Brian Head Resort, we’re moving away from the ski areas around Salt Lake City. The resort sits in the mountains of Southern Utah about three hours from Las Vegas and combines high-altitude skiing with amazing views of the region’s red rock landscapes. The resort spans two connected mountains – Giant Steps and Navajo – with more than 650 acres of skiable terrain and a mix of beginner-friendly slopes, more challenging runs, terrain parks and night skiing.
Sundance Mountain Resort.
Where? Northern Utah
Base elevation: 6,100 feet
Annual snowfall: Approx. 250 inches
Ski level: 20% beginner, 40% intermediate, 40% advanced runs
Sundance Mountain Resort is located in Provo Canyon about an hour from Salt Lake City. It’s known for its intimate atmosphere, forested slopes and strong connection to art and nature. Its ski area offers more than 600 acres of terrain, with everything from gentle groomed runs to steep tree-lined trails and powder bowls. It has fewer crowds than some of Utah’s larger resorts, so it’s a good option if you’re looking for a more relaxed mountain experience.
Utah Backcountry Skiing.
Utah’s legendary powder extends well beyond its ski resorts. Backcountry skiing and snowboarding are growing in popularity among those seeking untouched snow, quieter slopes and a greater sense of adventure.
From the Wasatch Mountains to the Uinta range, there’s plenty of terrain to explore – but venturing beyond resort boundaries comes with serious avalanche risks.
Before heading out, check the Utah Avalanche Center for daily avalanche forecasts, regional conditions and safety education. Make sure you have the right equipment, know how to use it and have the necessary avalanche training before entering the backcountry.
Tip: Check out professional freeskier Addison Rafford’s favorite Db gear.
Utah vs. Colorado Skiing – Which Is Better?
Utah and Colorado are two of the most popular ski destinations in the US. Both offer spectacular mountain scenery, world-class resorts and plenty of powder.
The better choice depends on your skiing style, budget and travel plans.
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Snow quality: Utah is famous for its light, dry powder, earning the nickname “The Greatest Snow on Earth.” Colorado also gets excellent powder, particularly at higher elevations.
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Terrain and variety: Colorado has many well-known mountain destinations spread across the Rockies, while Utah makes it easy to visit several resorts near Salt Lake City.
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Accessibility: Utah has an advantage if you want to spend less time traveling to the slopes from the airport. Colorado’s Denver airport is farther from its best-known resorts.
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Crowds and cost: Utah can offer convenient resort-hopping, while Colorado’s lodging and transport costs can add up – especially in popular mountain towns.
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Après-ski and atmosphere: Colorado’s resort towns, such as Breckenridge and Aspen, are known for their lively après-ski scenes. Utah offers everything from Park City’s historic Main Street to quieter mountain villages and a more laid-back atmosphere.
If you’re after light powder, easy airport access and the chance to ski several resorts in one trip, Utah is a great choice. If you want a wider selection of mountain towns and resort experiences, Colorado may be the better fit. Both deliver excellent skiing, so you can’t really go wrong.
Planning your trip? We’ll help you decide where to go, what to pack and what to take.
Explore Ski Resorts across the U.S.
Would you like to learn more about skiing in the U.S.? Get inspired for your journey with our list of the best ski resorts in the U.S.