With breathtaking scenery, consistent snowfall and plenty of entertainment options, Utah’s ski resorts can stand toe-to-toe with the best in the world. In particular, the Wasatch Mountains have a snow profile that is perfect for hitting the slopes.
If you’re looking for the ideal place to spend your next winter getaway, then consider adding one of these five Utah ski resorts to your vacation itinerary:
Best Ski Resorts in Utah
Deer Valley
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
There are times when a luxury retreat is exactly what you need to de-stress and recharge. If you want five-star accommodation in a world-famous ski resort, then look no further than Deer Valley.
Deer Valley is one of the few ski resorts that do not allow snowboarding. This is welcomed news for skiers who are looking for un-crowded slopes and plenty of untainted powder.
The north face of Bald Mountain is particularly popular among advanced skiers – especially those who want to experience world-class tree skiing. Deer Valley also has developed a reputation for exciting nightlife and family-friendly activities.
Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort
Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Unlike most ski resorts, Snowbird offers plenty of attractions in all four seasons. In the summer, visitors can explore the mountains by nature hiking and biking several trails.
One of the resort’s most attractive attributes is the famous Snowbird Tram. You’ll be whisked along a 1.6-mile cable, up a 2,900-feet vertical trip to the top of Hidden Peak. The 40-minute round trip will expose you to magnificent views of the resort. The tram is one of 13 lifts at Snowbird.
This powder-lover’s dream is nestled in Little Cottonwood Canyon in the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. It is home to the longest ski season in Utah – with an average yearly snowfall of 500 inches, making the destination a true winter wonderland.
Alta
Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Snowbird’s neighbor, Alta, is one of America’s oldest ski resorts. Several leading publications, including Forbes, rank Alta in the top-10 ski resorts in North America.
As with Deer Valley, Alta is for skiers only and not snowboarders. This resort has 2,200 acres of skiable terrain and plenty of snowfall. In fact, some visitors claim that the dry, light snow gives Alta the best ski slopes on the planet.
If you really want to enjoy the area’s diverse terrain, then consider purchasing the Alta-Snowbird Pass. This will give you access to the neighboring Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort.
Powder Mountain
Photo: powdermountain.com
If you’re more of a budget-minded traveler, then Powder Mountain, or Pow Mow, may be the perfect winter destination. Although the resort doesn’t have the luxurious flare of its neighbors, its diverse array of slopes promises plenty of thrills for avid skiers.
This 5,500-acre resort is the largest in America. Visitors report that it’s not uncommon to be the only skier for 2 acres, so there’s plenty of fresh powder to go around.
If you’re new to the slopes, don’t worry; Powder Mountain offers a free orientation with a ski pro or host. You can also add a guided, backcountry tour to your itinerary for an unforgettable experience.
Park City Mountain
Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
With Park City opening up in a few weeks, you should be planning your next ski trip to the largest ski resort in America soon. Park City has recently gone through a $50 million park improvement project creating 7,300 acres of skiable terrain. 300+ trails, 38 lifts, seven terrain parks, 14 bowls, six natural half pipes, one super pipe and one mini pipe, plus many diverse ski-in/ski-out and village adjacent lodging properties, Park City is an easily accessible, world-class mountain destination located in an authentic & historic western town. New restaurants, cabins, and Gondolas have been created with the improvement project and everything will be ready and accessible by Christmas week. All these improvements make Park City one of the best ski resorts in Utah and all of America.
Park City was also featured in the 2002 Winter Olympics for the Alpine skiing events, Parallel Giant Slalom and Halfpipe snowboarding events. How cool would it be to ski where the actual Olympic games were held?
While the United States is home to dozens of world-class winter destinations, these five Utah ski resorts offer plenty of reasons to add Utah to your vacation itinerary. If cruising some of the country’s best powder is on your to-do list this winter, then the best Utah ski resorts will certainly deliver.
