Ski & Snowboard FAQs

Welcome to winter. If you’re new to Utah skiing—lured by promises of The Greatest Snow on Earth® and easy access to as many as 15 resorts—consider this a quick introduction to creating a sensational ski experience. Whether planning a family ski trip, a ski week with friends or a solo ski weekend, start here to learn the why, when, where and how.

Plan Your Ski Trip

Why Choose Utah to Ski

There are many reasons why winter enthusiasts travel to Utah to ski and snowboard every year. Thanks to easy access from an international airport hub, a variety of resort options from luxury to affordable, and a friendly workforce of outfitters, resort staff, shuttle drivers, hoteliers and even restaurant servers, Utah welcomes skiers and snowboarders of all ages and levels.

Why is Utah’s snow called The Greatest Snow on Earth®?

It’s science, actually. Atmospheric scientists point to a unique microclimate of frequent, perfectly timed storms. Low-density snow—averaging 500 inches per year—creates the famous “flotation” that allows skiers to glide weightlessly over the deep powder.

How far are Utah’s ski resorts from the Salt Lake City International Airport?

It’s safe to say Utah beats out all ski destinations for the number of ski resorts accessible by an international airport in less than an hour. Ten—yes, 10!—out of Utah's 15 resorts sit within a one-hour drive from SLC, enabling skiers to be on the mountain the same day they arrive.

How expensive is it to ski in Utah compared to Colorado?

Utah is often considered a better bargain, due to the general average lower pricing on lift tickets, lodging and transportation. Utah offers more affordable, smaller resorts, too—Nordic Valley, Sundance Mountain, Eagle Point, Beaver Mountain and Brian Head Resort.

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Timing a Utah Ski Trip—Best Snow, Quiet Slopes

Enjoy early-season deals, mid-season powder, or end-of-season sunshine. Utah's ski season generally runs from November to April (Snowbird often stays open through May). Because open and closing dates depend on snow levels, refer to each resort’s site for the most up-to-date announcements.

When is the best month to ski in Utah?

The best month to ski depends on you. November and December skiers and riders rejoice at getting early turns on quiet runs before the holiday rush. Powder hounds wait until January and February to get more mileage out of their fat skis. March and April bring more sunshine for those fair-weather fans.

When is the least crowded time to ski?

The secret to scoring quieter (and more affordable) ski days is to ski midweek and on non-holidays. If Christmas, New Year's, MLK Day and Presidents' Day are the only getaway options (we get it), be sure to reserve lodging and lessons well in advance.

Does Utah get good early-season snow? What about spring skiing?

Storms circulate throughout the season, and every year brings varying degrees of snow. Chairs start spinning at the end of November when snow levels start to accumulate. Surprisingly, March delivers the highest average at 100 inches, but some swear that February brings the best powder. Spring skiing is getting more popular each year thanks to sunny skies and lively end-of-season parties.

Lift Tickets & Passes—Best Prices Come with Early Booking

What’s the best way to save money on Utah ski passes?

The early bird gets the worm when it comes to pass pricing. Pro tip: If you plan to ski 10+ days, consider buying an Ikon, Epic or season pass when they first go on sale in March for the next season. However, if you miss that deadline, you can still get the best day-ticket pricing by booking online as early as possible.

Which Utah resorts are on the Ikon and Epic Passes?

The Epic Pass gives entry to Park City Mountain Resort. The Ikon Pass grants unlimited access to Solitude, plus 7 days at Snowbird/Alta, Snowbasin and Deer Valley and Brighton, all with no blackout dates. The Ikon Base Pass gives unlimited access to Solitude, plus 5 days to Snowbird and Brighton, with blackout dates.

Is ski resort parking free?

Each ski resort has varying degrees of paid, reserved and free parking. Many require reservations in advance, and even sell out. Confirm parking options directly with each resort upon purchasing passes.

Do Deer Valley and Alta allow snowboarding?

Snowboarders are not allowed at Deer Valley or Alta.

Utah Ski Resorts

Beginner Skiers and Riders—We Welcome You!

Which Utah resorts are best for beginners or families with kids?

All Utah resorts boast beginner-friendly runs, but Nordic Valley, Brian Head and Beaver Mountain boast the most beginner terrain (over 60%). Locals also love Brighton for its affordable, family-friendly vibe and Woodward for its playful inclusivity on gentle slopes. Some resorts offer steep discounts or free access to magic carpets and bunny hills.

What are the best ski schools in Utah?

Brighton, Alta and Snowbasin lay claim as the oldest ski schools. Still, every Utah ski resort takes pride in offering a strong, customizable ski and snowboard education, led by veteran instructors and PSIA- and AASI-certified examiners and coaches. (Ski rental companies are easy to find on- and off-mountain, too.) Note: January, known as Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month, is a great time to book lessons, as many resorts offer discounts.

Are there tubing hills or non-ski activities?

Go snow tubing at Woodward and Soldier Hollow or snowmobiling in the backcountry. Attend a Utah Jazz or Utah Mammoth game. Ice skate at Gallivan Center or see the Nutcracker at Capitol Theatre. Better yet, take a road trip to the Southern Utah desert, where adventurers hike and bike year-round.

Ski and Snowboard Lessons

Photo: Adam Clark

Where Should I Stay—Luxury to Affordable Options, Aplenty

Take your pick of a big city ski vacation, a peaceful mountain escape or both. Our 15 Utah ski resorts offer a variety of affordable vacation rentals, budget hotels, family-friendly resorts, on-mountain lodging, and high-end options.

Is it better to stay in Park City or Salt Lake City for skiing?

Visitors can’t beat either location in terms of ski resort access. Salt Lake City offers more lodging and non-ski entertainment options—think pro sports and the performing arts. Meanwhile, Park City offers more mountain-town vibes, thanks to its luxury resorts and art galleries, alongside old-mining-town throwbacks.

Where’s the best ski-in-ski-out lodging in Utah?

Slopeside access offers undisputed convenience for a ski vacation. Park City, Deer Valley, Solitude, Snowbird and Alta offer the most options for ski-in, ski-out accommodations.

Are there affordable places to stay near the ski resorts?

Vacation rentals and budget, big-name hotels sprinkle the areas around the most popular resorts. But don’t forget our lesser-known (read: secret, under-the-radar, less crowded, more affordable) ski cities and towns: Ogden, Logan, Cedar City, Heber and Midway, and Provo.

Where to Stay

Getting to the Resorts—Powder Day Preparedness

Getting up the mountains safely is the first step to a great day of skiing and snowboarding.

Is ski resort parking free?

Each ski resort has varying degrees of paid, reserved and free parking. Many require reservations in advance, and even sell out. Confirm parking options directly with each resort upon purchasing passes.

Do I need a 4WD vehicle to drive up the canyons?

All-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD)—with good tire tread—provides a significant advantage on snowy and icy roads. Start your day with a full gas tank because snowy days tend to cause traffic delays. (See: Traction laws for Cottonwood Canyons and Wasatch Back)

Is there a ski bus or shuttle to the resorts?

Salt Lake City, Park City, Ogden and Provo offer public ski transportation options. Private shuttle services exist for most resorts.

How do road closures on powder days affect skiers?

Sure, skiers dream of powder days, but big storms can wreak havoc on the commute, especially on busier holiday weekends. Best bet? Download the UDOT Traffic app and check often. Heading up the Cottonwoods? Get up-to-date road updates online or on social media.

High-West-Distillery-Apres-Ski_Kunde-Michael_2021 — Photo: Michael Kunde

Ski-Resorts_Brighton_-Dash-Jay_5705_2020 — Photo: Jay Dash

Food & Après Ski—Liquor Laws Debunked

Skiing aside, let’s dig into Utah’s dining culture at ski resorts and nearby ski towns. And, yes, you can get a drink in Utah.

What’s the après-ski scene like in Utah with the liquor laws?

The scene is vibrant, social and perfectly manageable. Favorite après-ski hot spots include Shooting Star Saloon after a Snowbasin day, High Weat Distillery and Saloon near Park City’s Main Street, Molly Green’s at Brighton, Solitude’s Thirsty Squirrel and Snowbird’s Tram Club.

Are there breweries or distilleries near the ski resorts?

Utah’s craft beer scene and distillery offerings level up, year after year. Whet your whistle at local favorites: Roosters Brewing or Beehive Distillery in Ogden, Wasatch Brew Pub or Red Rock Brewery in Salt Lake City, and Alpine Distilling or Top of Main Brew Pub in Park City.

What are the best restaurants in Park City and Salt Lake City?

Eat inside a Stein Eriksen alpen globe, ride the St. Regis funicular to dine at mid-mountain, or reserve a yurt dining experience at Solitude. Utah winters unleash magical dining, on and off the slopes. Park City and Salt Lake City tout vibrant cafés, farm-to-table eateries, fine dining options and international hot spots (Sushi after skiing? Yes, please). Don’t forget to check out more wintertime dining options in Heber, Ogden, Provo and Logan.

Find more foodie favorites in our Food & Nightlife Guide.

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Utah Resort Roundup: What Kind of Vacation do I Want?

Written By Paula Colman

4 minute read

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.

Planning, Skiing, Ski Resorts