Skiing in Southern Utah

• Emerald Pools Trail

The beauty of Springdale is, well, its beauty. The splendor within Zion National Park doesn’t stop at the park boundary and the town at its gateway is a beneficiary of the spillover beauty. The main thoroughfare wends toward the park entrance passing a collection of small art galleries, bed and breakfasts, restaurants and bars. You’ll also find outfitters who can gear you up for a wintertime exploration of the famed Narrows within Zion. For this unique expedition, you’ll need special dry suits or high waders to stay warm and dry as you walk up the Virgin River beneath the giant cliff walls covered in ice and snow.

• Angel's Landing

Angels Landing is a bucket-list excursion in Zion National Park packed with hikers in the high seasons of spring, summer and fall. In winter, however, the hike (while still popular) is much less crowded but no less challenging, and as of 2022, requires a permit to climb. Be sure to check with park rangers about snow and ice on the trail before attempting the final imposing “chain route” to the very top. Take the morning for this spectacular hike and then drive to Brian Head Resort, which is surrounded by Brian Head Town, a friendly village at the base of this Southern Utah skiing destination.

• Cedar Breaks National Monument

Spend the morning exploring the varied ski terrain around Brian Head. Be sure to admire the unique views from Brian Head Peak of the red rock in the distance. After lunch, take a guided snowmobile excursion to an overlook above Cedar Breaks National Monument to view the sandstone spires all covered in snow. By night, the town of Brian Head’s various watering holes host live music and good food. Take a break from the action and enjoy a guided tour of the plentiful stars in the Southern Utah sky led by Cedar Breaks’ Dark Sky Rangers. Watch the Red Rock, Rock 'n' Roll and Ribs video about Brian Head Resort.

Don’t just drive through Bryce Canyon National Park. Instead, unlock the secret to Bryce’s wonders with a winter trek to the canyon floor where you will stroll below the impossibly slender hoodoos towering above — and have the area all to yourself. There are many outstanding scenic byways to choose from charting your course to the park, and there are two great ways to explore the park once you get there. The first is to access the Nordic trail system on the canyon’s rim just outside the park, and the second is to equip yourself with traction assistance, from crampons to snowshoes (depending on conditions) and poles, to hike down into the canyon. Outfitters, including, Ruby’s Inn, are just outside the park.

Eagle Point is a modest hill in the Tushar Mountain Range atop a stunningly scenic winding mountain road. The resort is only open Friday through Monday which means powder dropped from storms that hit mid-week are still waiting for you on the weekend (Read: Eagle Point: Your Own Private Ski Resort). A variety of condo-style rentals, including its Canyonside Collection in the heart of the village, make Eagle Point perfect for an intimate family or friends getaway. The ski area holds a variety of terrain for all skill levels including some of the steepest pitches in Utah. A secret gem among Utah’s famed ski resorts, Eagle Point is the perfect punctuation point on your five-day sojourn.