Once one of America’s best-kept skiing secrets, Utah has become a go-to snow sports destination. Although ski resorts like Vail and Aspen in Colorado tend to draw the big crowds, Utah’s quantity and quality of snow is legendary. The powder is so good that the state has trademarked the slogan ‘The Greatest Snow on Earth®’. Skiing in Utah means heading into the Rocky Mountains, high above the iconic red sandstone deserts. Here we share the best ski resorts in Utah.
Park City
Park City Mountain Resort became the USA’s largest linked ski area when it merged with its neighbour, Canyons, in 2015. Although nearby Powder Mountain claimed the title in 2016, Park City remains one of the best ski resorts in Utah. It has an impressive 324 runs across 7,300 acres. The majority of trails at Park City fall into the blue and black categories. There are a few green trails, mainly along the valleys and ridges. It’s easy to while away your ski holiday on the 15 Signature Runs. These are advanced trails which are groomed on a rotating basis, so you can cover more of the mountain on the freshly groomed snow.
Snowboarders will also find plenty to keep them entertained in the ski resort’s seven terrain parks, while the Adventure Alleys are ideal for younger skiers. Choosing a hotel in Park City’s base town gives you easy access to the resort’s sprawling ski area. However, just in case that’s not enough variety it’s also within easy striking distance of Deer Valley, Alta and Snowbird.
Don’t miss a visit to the Utah Olympic Park which is located in Park City. The 400-acre venue was built for the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games. It’s home to Nordic ski jumps, a Winter Games museum and a range of adventure activities, such as extreme tubing, bobsled and rope courses.
It’s also within road-tripping distance of Las Vegas. Driving to Park City from Sin City gives you the chance to pass through incredibly diverse scenery including Dixie National Forest and Zion National Park. You can even take a detour to the Grand Canyon. With our Las Vegas and Park City tour, we handle all of the logistics so you can relax and enjoy your city and ski break.
Deer Valley
Voted the best resort in North America by readers of SKI Magazine, Deer Valley is right next door to Park City. The ski resort has a luxurious reputation, with nightly grooming keeping the slopes smooth and pristine. If you visit during the Sundance Film Festival there’s a high chance you’ll spot a few A-listers. This is one of the best ski resorts in Utah if you’re looking for uncrowded runs as lift tickets are limited.
Advanced skiers will find plenty to keep them occupied in Deer Valley. There’s ungroomed gladed trails on the north side of Bald Mountain and challenging runs off the Empire Express which start in open terrain before sweeping into the tree line. Hop on the Lady Morgan Express lift for easy access to more than 200 acres of black-diamonds.
Alta & Snowbird
Less than an hour from Park City, Alta and Snowbird are two connected resorts with 4,700 acres of skiable terrain. Alta is best-known for its lightly wooded trails and is beloved by expert skiers for its chutes and steep slopes. There’s plenty for beginner skiers too, with half-hour-long ranger tours every Sunday and holiday. The ranger tells you all about local geology, history and wildlife as you ski down at Cottonwoods Canyon.
Over on Snowbird, you’ll find the appropriately named Mach Schnell; German for ‘do it fast’. It’s a speedy run that goes straight down through the tree line. A ride on the Aerial Tram to the top of Hidden Peak takes just ten minutes and covers 2,900 vertical feet. At the top, you can eat at The Summit restaurant while taking in the rugged peaks.
As well as the pistes and bowls of Alta and Snowbird, the resort is perfectly placed for thrilling off-piste skiing in the Wasatch backcountry. Snowcat and helicopter tours are available so you can reach some seriously out-of-the-way trails. This really is one of the best ski resorts in Utah for off-piste fanatics.
That concludes our list of best Utah ski resorts. To find out more about skiing in Utah, please speak to our experts on 0207 471 7700.
