Red Rock, Rock ’n’ Roll and Ribs
Life is funny sometimes. I mean, who would think that a rugged-but-approachable ski mountain resort in Southern Utah would be one of the best places in the country for great Kansas City–style BBQ? And that the guy cooking it would own the whole joint and, then, on top of all that, not even really be much of a skier?
No one.
Certainly not John Grissinger, the retired Kansas City industrialist who bought Brian Head Resort sight unseen(!) in 2010. Back then, he didn’t know that owning a ski resort would turn into the most fun he’d ever had in his life.
Life is funny sometimes. I mean, who would think “It basically sounded like a good opportunity,” Grissinger chuckles. “I’m not even a good skier. I’m a terrible skier, actually.”
Serving up Kansas City–style BBQ at the Last Chair Saloon.
Photo: Hage Photo
“It’s just a great way for me to get to know people and share something I love,” Grissinger says.
Ticket sales are up and the joint is jumping with locals from St. George and Cedar City, Utah and a whole bunch of Southern Californians and Nevadans who make the drive to play in the snow and stay for the fun. (The drive from Los Angeles is easier than the traffic-stymied drive to Mammoth Mountain, FYI.)
"Because Brian Head feels like such a small place, a weekend getaway there makes you feel like a local, even like maybe you’d want to be one. That’s by design."
The kind of place that you might find yourself singing along with strangers to the likes of Billy Joel’s “Piano Man."
Three-hours of driving from Las Vegas or under four hours from Salt Lake, deliver you Brian Head's spectacular terrain and 360 annual inches of annual snowfall in the winter.
Because Brian Head feels like such a small place, a weekend there makes you feel like a local, even like maybe you’d want to be one.
And, because Brian Head feels like such a small place (the mountain resort around the town is actually upwards of 650 acres with 71 runs and 1,300 feet of vertical), a weekend getaway there makes you feel like a local, even like maybe you’d want to be one. That’s by design.
“Business is 99 percent about taking care of people,” Grissinger says. “It’s trying to spoil your guests and taking care of your employees and treating them with respect and dignity. It makes a place special. We’ve got California people coming up here and falling in love with the place and buying a condo. They weren’t planning to move here.”
“I know exactly how they feel,” he says with a grin. “Because the same thing happened to me.”
A Quick and Dirty Guide to Brian Head Area Mountain Biking
Whether you’re visiting the area for Brian Head’s seemingly endless bike options or making it part of a multi-stop Southern Utah adventure (Cedar Breaks National Monument is just five miles away), it’s a must-see for bikers of all abilities. Here’s what you need to know to get started.
What's Nearby?
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Brian Head
The comfortable mountain climate at 9,800 feet above sea level makes Brian Head the perfect destination for an active summer get away (full of annual events and festivals) or a winter ski vacation.
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Bryce Canyon National Park
An alpine forest with as many red rock hoodoos as trees. At dawn and dusk, mule deer graze the forested plateau along the road into Bryce Canyon.
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Cedar Breaks National Monument
Hidden within the mountains above Cedar City is the brilliant geology and vibrant environment of Cedar Breaks National Monument. The geologic amphitheater and surrounding environs are home to cool hiking trails, ancient trees, high elevation camping, and over-the-top views along the “Circle of Painted Cliffs.”
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Ice and rock, snow and splendor: Winter in Southern Utah
For an extraordinary adventure, plan winter hikes in Utah’s Zion National Park. Winter rewards hikers with stunning sights of stalactites and snow covered mountains.
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8 Elevated Ski Experiences That are Uniquely Utah
If you dream of the possibility of hitting six resorts in one day or carving your own lines from snow-covered summits served by helicopters, then this listicle is made for you.
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8 Reasons Why Ski School Is Cool
Ski school is cool, and it’s where beginners to experts find the secrets to skiing (and Utah’s secret powder stashes). Learn to ski the entire resort.
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11 Classy Ski Experiences That are Uniquely Utah
From sheer proximity and the biggest mountains to a ski-in distillery and a celebrity-owned resort, these are the reasons to ski Utah now.
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A Utah Ski Vacation (or Two) for Less
Shop for ski gear like a local. Get discounts on lift tickets. Learn everything you need to know for a cheap luxury ski trip.
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The Best Skiing in Utah
Out of 15 ski resorts, here's where families, friends groups, experts, luxury seekers and even night owls find their groove in Utah.
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Utah's Kid Ski Culture
Utah is happy to help you support your future skier or rider, and make things fun for parents, too. Read our guide to teaching kids to ski and plan a trip.
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Utah Resort Roundup: What Kind of Vacation do I Want?
Wondering where to ski in Utah? The real question is, “What kind of experience do you want?” Get helpful information on ski areas, resorts, activities and more.
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Endless Utah Ski Options for Families: Four Itineraries to Get You Started
Here are some pointers for planning your Utah family ski vacation, including where to make homebase and why.
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Top Ski Towns in Utah
The best ski towns in Utah tout easy access to The Greatest Snow on Earth®, along with lively culture, fine dining and off-mountain activities.
