Ultimate Ski Guide!

Ski season in Utah is an experience unlike any other. The planners of the 2002 Winter Olympics knew it, and we at Windermere Utah know it, too. And, when it comes to choosing where you want to go for your winter adventures, avid skiers, mountain enthusiasts, and snowboarders aren’t without options. I put together this helpful guide for you to use while planning your next Utah winter escape.

Salt Lake City – Packed with culture and access to easy international travel, enjoying Salt Lake’s host of resort areas means you really can have it all.

Snowbird
Skiable Acres: 2,500
Opening Day: November 29th
Terrain Distribution: Green- 8%, Blue- 22%, Black/Double Black- 70%

Known for it’s fantastic off-piste terrain, Snowbird offers you premier powder, and an apres experience that you can savor well into the evening hours. Snowbird also has an extra long season, and accommodates all levels, so whether you’re looking to take the kids on their first bunny slope, or are in the mood for some pro-level heli skiing, Snowbird is a fabulous choice. Be sure to check out their website to find their list of events.

Alta
Skiable Acres: 2,614
Opening Day: November 29th
Terrain Distribution: Green- 15%, Blue- 30%, Black/Double Black- 55%

Latin for “elevated,” Alta’s steep slopes and varied terrain lets you explore all that the mountain has to offer. Recently voted as having some of the best extreme terrain, you’ll find three things in Alta: fresh powder, incredible vistas and pure adrenaline. As the first ski area of Utah to install a lift (1938) Alta is rife with historic significance and keeps you close to Salt Lake’s downtown district, so even while you’re off the slopes, the adventures don’t stop. But, don’t forget, Alta is for skiers only. Take a look at their website here.

Brighton
Skiable Acres: 1,050
Opening Day: November 19th
Terrain Distribution: Green- 21%, Blue- 39%, Black/Double Black- 40%

Kids 10 and under are allowed to ski for FREE making Brighton a family favorite. The slopes of Brighton welcome guests with ample powder and short lift lines. Known for being well-rounded in all areas – terrain and hospitality – this resort area has been a SLC staple since the 1930’s. While resort areas like Alta are known for being ski-only, Brighton attracts many snowboarders and backcountry enthusiasts. You can renew and purchase your Brighton passes online at their website.

Solitude
Skiable Acres: 1,200
Opening Day: November 29th
Terrain Distribution: Green- 10%, Blue- 40%, Black/Double Black- 50%

If you’re looking for premier powder but don’t want the crowds, Solitude is aptly named for exactly what it offers. 77 named runs give skiers of every level the variety you want, and with tons of lodging options in a village-like setting, everything you need is right on hand. For the full Solitude experience, be sure to check out their most well-known trails: Dynamite, Honeycomb Canyon, and Challenger. You can learn more about Solitude on their website.

Layton – Tucked along the Wasatch Front, Layton has three fantastic ski resorts that keep you close to home while on the slopes.

Snowbasin
Skiable Acres: 3,000
Opening Day: November 30th
Terrain Distribution: Green- 10%, Blue- 50%, Black/Double Black- 40%

Best-in-class advanced piste terrain is calling, as well as endless adventures off the beaten path, and you’ll find it all at Snowbasin! This is one of the sites that hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics, so if you’re in the mood for some history and luxury treatment, you’ll want to check out all of the amenities Snowbasin Resort offers.

Powder Mountain
Skiable Acres: 8,464
Opening Day: December 1st
Terrain Distribution: Green- 25%, Blue- 40%, Black/Double Black- 35%

Slack country, off-piste, and tree skiing – for the winter enthusiast, anything and everything can be found on Powder Mountain.  Because Powder Mountain also takes great strides towards preserving its natural surroundings, ticket sales are limited. This means that your experience is not only so much more exclusive, but it also means shorter lift lines, and lighter crowds on your favorite runs. Take advantage of this incredible resort by checking out their website.

Nordic Valley Resort
Opening Day: December 7th
Skiable Acres: 140
Terrain Distribution: Green- 35%, Blue- 45%, Black/Double Black- 20%

For the winter sportsman on a budget, Nordic Valley offers you a value that can’t be beat. It’s also incredibly community oriented, with after school programs and nightly specials that ensure easy and affordable access to incredible slopes for participants of all ages and levels. Take a look at their season pass page to get great offers on what you love to do most.

Park City – The place where mountain lifestyle meets luxury accommodations. The only time you’ll lift a finger is to raise the lift rail. 

Park City Mountain Resort
Skiable Acres: 7,300
Opening Day: November 22nd
Terrain Distribution: Green- 8%, Blue- 42%, Black/Double Black- 50%

For the first time visitor, as well as the regulars, you can expect great things from Park City’s Mountain Resort. Their elevated learning areas, enhanced snowmaking and grooming, and reimagined on-mountain dining experiences are all new for the 2019-20 winter season. With the added attraction of a naturally-heated geothermal crater, there is tons to explore, and even more to love. Check everything they have to offer here.

Luxury Ski-In/ Ski-Out Neighborhood- The Colony at White Pine Canyon

Deer Valley
Skiable Acres: 2,026
Opening Day: December 7th
Terrain Distribution: Green- 24%, Blue- 40%, Black/Double Black- 36%

Last, but certainly not least on our list, is the immaculate Deer Valley Resort. Ski in/ski out takes on a life of its own in this luxurious mountain setting. Their daytime restaurants has garnered attention from the most selective winter sport lovers, and their lift infrastructure gives you a streamlined experience. While it is classified as “skier only,” the resort itself offers amenities and views beyond belief. Take a look for yourself, here.

Luxury Ski-In/ Ski-Out Neighborhood- Red Cloud at Empire Pass

Sundance
Skiable Acres: 450
Opening Day: December 6th
Terrain Distribution: Green- 35%, Blue- 45%, Black/Double Black- 20%

Although it’s a relatively small resort in comparison to Deer Valley and Park City, this resort has the most gorgeous views of Mount Timpanogos! Great ski pass prices, few lifts, and rarely any lines!

I hope this list is helpful to you, and I’d love to know – is there anything I missed? If you’ve got a favorite winter getaway, tell me about it in the comments! I wish you a healthy, active and enjoyable ski season.