Welcoming Ski Season 2019: A Guide to the Slopes of Utah

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. We 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 

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

Latin for “elevated,” Alta’s steep slopes and varied terrain let 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. Take a look at their website here.

Brighton

From mid-November to early April, 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

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

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

Slackcountry, 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

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

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.

And if for some reason you’re looking for some added fun in the Mountain Resort region, just a day trip away (about a 30 minute drive), there’s the added attraction of a naturally-heated geothermal crater. So there is tons to explore, and even more to love. Check everything they have to offer here.

Deer Valley

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 wintersport 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.

We hope this list is helpful to you, and we’d love to know – is there anything we missed? If you’ve got a favorite winter getaway, tell us about it in the comments! We wish you a healthy, active and enjoyable ski season. Keep checking back here at the blog for the latest Windermere Utah content, and don’t forget to like and follow on Facebook and Instagram.