Utah is famous for its amazing skiing and snowboarding, thanks to what they call “The Greatest Snow on Earth®.” People from all over the world come to Utah to hit the slopes.
Planning a ski trip to Utah? This guide gives you the lowdown on Utah’s many ski resorts and where to find them. We’ll break down the different areas and what makes each one special.
A Utah ski resorts map is key to seeing how close everything is to Salt Lake City International Airport and other important spots. Let’s get started!
Utah’s Ski Resort Regions: A Quick Overview
One of the best things about skiing in Utah is how close the resorts are to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). This makes getting to the slopes easy and fast.
- Ten Utah resorts are less than an hour from the airport.
- SLC has 98 non-stop flights every day.
Less travel time means more time for skiing!
Utah has ski areas for every taste. Do you want a family-friendly resort? Something high-end? Or maybe you’re looking for a place without crowds?
Each area has its own feel:
- Park City: luxury accommodations
- Salt Lake City: big city plus skiing
- Ogden: powder
- Heber Valley: family-friendly
- Southern Utah: crowd-free
- Northern Utah: family-owned resorts
- Provo: romantic getaways and dining
A closer look at Utah’s ski resort areas
Utah’s ski resorts are clustered in several key areas, each offering a different vibe. Here’s a quick tour:
Park City area
The Park City area is home to three well-known resorts: Park City Mountain, Deer Valley Resort, and Woodward Park City. Park City Mountain is one of the largest ski resorts in the U.S. Deer Valley is all about the luxury experience, and they limit the number of lift tickets they sell each day to keep the crowds down. Woodward Park City offers training in a variety of action sports year-round.
Park City is a pretty quick trip from the Salt Lake City airport — about 35 minutes.
Salt Lake City area
Staying in Salt Lake City gives you easy access to Solitude, Brighton, Alta, and Snowbird. Alta and Snowbird are known for their challenging terrain and lots of snow. Solitude and Brighton are more relaxed, with lots of family-friendly options.
Salt Lake City has a wide array of dining and entertainment choices for those days when you’re not on the slopes.
Ogden area
The Ogden area boasts Powder Mountain, Snowbasin, and Nordic Valley. Powder Mountain is known for its wide-open, uncrowded terrain. Snowbasin offers a luxurious experience and was the site of some events during the 2002 Winter Olympics. Nordic Valley is smaller and more affordable, which makes it great for beginners and families.
Ogden is about half an hour from the resorts in that area.
Other notable areas
- Heber Valley: You’ll find Sundance Resort and Deer Valley here, along with the Midway Ice Castles. The Heber Valley is about 45 minutes from the Salt Lake City airport.
- Southern Utah: Brian Head and Eagle Point are about 4 hours from Salt Lake City and 3 hours from Las Vegas.
- Northern Utah: Beaver Mountain and Cherry Creek are about 30 minutes from Logan.
- Provo area: Sundance Mountain Resort is about 20 minutes from Provo.
Choosing the right resort for your trip
Picking the right resort can make or break your Utah ski vacation. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Skill Level: Some resorts cater to beginners, while others are better for experts.
- Budget and Amenities: Options range from budget-friendly to super luxurious.
- Travel Time: How close is the resort to the airport?
- Snow Conditions: Utah’s snow is “the greatest,” but conditions vary. Check the forecast!
- Use a Map: A Utah ski resort map can help you visualize locations and plan your route. Consider maps created by Jim Niehues. His maps offer a unique perspective.
In Closing
Utah is home to an amazing collection of ski resorts, each with its own personality. From the upscale experience you’ll find at Park City to the incredible powder stashes near Ogden, there truly is something for every skier and snowboarder.
Planning your trip using a Utah ski resort map, and knowing what you’re looking for, is key to a memorable vacation. Think about how far you want to travel from the airport, and what type of terrain you prefer.
So, wax up your skis or board, pull up a map of Utah’s ski resorts, and get ready to experience “The Greatest Snow on Earth®!”