Salt Lake City's Best Ski Resorts

The 2002 Winter Olympics put the Wasatch Mountains near Salt Lake City, Utah, on the map as one of the world’s foremost ski destinations. The mountains above the city boast four ski resorts (Solitude, Brighton, Snowbird and Alta), and there are plenty more slightly further afield.

1. Solitude

Resort

A local favorite, Solitude Mountain Resort is a small, secluded ski resort that accommodates beginners and intermediates especially well, although it also has expert slopes. It has a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere due to its small size. the variety of slopes and the lovely, alpine-themed lodging village – perfect for cozy nights in.

Season: November-April.

2. Brighton

Ski Resort

Brighton is the cheapest of the nearby resorts. Although it caters to a more advanced crowd than Solitude, it still has plenty to offer beginners. One of Brighton’s distinctive features is the night-skiing, with slopes being open until 9pm and the fact that, unlike most of the other resorts, Brighton also attracts snowboarders. With an 80-year teaching history and a roster of seasoned instructors, it’s also a great place to learn new skills or brush up on old ones.

Season: November-April

3. Snowbird

Resort

A modern hotel building sits in a snow-covered canyon with trees in front and mountains behind it at Snowbird, Utah

Considered Salt Lake City’s top resort, Snowbird amply caters to everyone – and has the longest ski season in Utah, starting from November and lasting well into May. Conveniently, it is also the closest to the airport. However, larger than Solitude and Brighton combined, Snowbird is also the most expensive for a day on the slopes. While it is served by 10 lifts, Snowbird’s Tram is a particularly special way to scale heights that are well beyond the reach of most ordinary ski lifts (with the bonus of gorgeous views of the mountains).

Season: November-May

5. Park City Mountain Resort

Ski Resort

Aerial view of snow-covered downtown Park City, Utah, with slopes behind it

Park City is a ski town about 30mi (48km) east of Salt Lake. It is particularly well known for having hosted the Winter Olympics events of downhill, jumping and sledding. The US ski team also makes its home here. In the 19th century, Park City was home to the silver-mining community, and retains some of the quaint old-world charm. An ideal place to enjoy après-ski, the town is filled with boutiques, bars and art galleries – there’s something for everyone. The skiing includes four terrain parks and two halfpipes, catering to a variety of ability levels, and there are over 3,300 acres (1,335ha) allocated to skiing.

Season: November-April

6. Deer Valley

Resort

Deer Valley is a luxury resort, known for its exceptional service. The number of lift tickets is restricted in order to ensure secluded and optimal skiing conditions. It amply accommodates family-friendly needs, too – childcare is available for those who are too little to ski, and skiing lessons arranged for children who are a little older. However, the ski season opens a little later than the other resorts.

Season: December-April

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