Alta Ski Resort

Alta is the oldest resort in Utah operating, since 1938. Renowned for its abundant, dry, “cold smoke” powder snow. Alta offers 2,614 skiable acres, 119 designated runs, 10 lifts, 547″ of annual snowfall (748″ was the record, in 1981-82 season), and many off-piste areas to explore. There is also plenty of terrain for all ability levels, so whether you are planning on learning how to ski, fine-tuning techniques, or an avid powder hound, Alta is the place to ski!

The resort is also one of Utah’s skiing only resorts (snowboarders not permitted), in addition to Deer Valley. Alta is known for its unique geographical location at the back of Little Cottonwood Canyon that traps snowstorms until they dry up, boasting the deepest annual average of snowfall in Utah.

Brighton Ski Resort

Brighton Ski Resort is renowned for its laid-back, local-friendly atmosphere and abundant, high-quality snow. It is a “no-frills” resort that focuses on providing excellent terrain for all skill levels, making it particularly popular with families and snowboarders. Brighton also has a community of amazing snowboarders and free-ride skiers, which is not surprising, considering the great backcountry access.

Snowbird Ski Resort

Snowbird Ski Resort, located in Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon, is renowned for its exceptional, dry powder snow and challenging terrain. It also has wonderful terrain for beginners and intermediates. It is a premier year-round resort known for its stunning mountain views, luxury facilities, and convenient access, being only a 45-minute drive from the Salt Lake City International Airport.

Snowbird Resort has 2,500 acres of skiable terrain, 140 runs, numerous bowls and chutes to explore, 14 lifts, a 3,240 ft vertical drop, a terrain park, and 500″ of annual powder!

Snowbird also hosts the World Extreme Skiing Championships and North Face Snowboarding Masters each season. Snowbird’s iconic tram runs 125 people to the top of Hidden Peak every 7 minutes, allowing a 360 degree descent from the top.

Solitude Mountain Ski Resort

Solitude Mountain Ski Resort is a relaxed, family-friendly mountain in Utah’s Big Cottonwood Canyon, known for abundant snowfall and uncrowded slopes. It offers a low-key atmosphere and a variety of terrain that appeals to all ability levels, from beginners to advanced skiers.The name says it all, a great mountain to get out and escape the crowds! Solitude Resort is located a few miles down canyon from Brighton Resort and can be skied with the same pass the same day. Both resorts are connected via the Sol Bright trail, so you can start your day at one resort and end up at the other to enjoy some well deserved apres-ski.

THE MOUNTAINS

Alta features 2,614 acres of skiable terrain, with a vertical drop of over 2,500 feet and offers a full range of experiences for all ski levels. The Albion base is ideal for beginners and families, with gentle groomers, intermediate pistes and the more challenging, iconic runs like Alf’s High Rustler and the Baldy Chutes. Brighton sits high in the Wasatch Mountains, with a base elevation of 8,755 feet and a summit of 10,500 feet, which helps it catch over 500 inches of the famous Utah powder annually. The terrain is well-distributed and includes wide groomers, exceptional glade (tree) skiing, open bowls, and diverse terrain parks and numerous off-piste bowls/chutes/glades begging to be shredded! It also offers extensive backcountry access. Snowbird is primarily celebrated as a haven for advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders, with a high concentration of challenging runs, steep chutes, and extensive off-piste opportunities. Solitude features over 1,200 acres of skiable terrain, a vertical drop of 2,494 feet, and an impressive annual snowfall of around 500 inches. The mountain provides 82 named runs, two terrain parks, and three bowls. In the infamous Honeycomb Canyon on the backside of the resort, there is plenty of advanced terrain and powder to keep you busy for weeks on end. If this still is not enough, then try heading out-of-bounds via the Highway to Heaven to explore the infinite number of backcountry bowls, chutes, faces, and glades that abound! The trail difficulty is evenly distributed, with half the runs being beginner or intermediate-level, and the other half catering to advanced and expert skiers.

ACCOMMODATIONS & CUISINE

We can arrange wonderful lodging close-by in the Salt Lake valley, which provide a well-round trip experience. This allows you to enjoy your days on the slopes and a vibrant city in the evenings. Salt Lake City has a very diverse restaurant scene and great nightlife, which covers all music genres and venue types. Lodging options range from hotel guest rooms to studios and suites. Many hotels include a delicious breakfast and feature wonderful amenities, such as a heated pool, hot tubs, sauna, and fitness center.  On-mountain lunch options while skiing range from casual cafeterias to upscale grills.

NIGHTLIFE

Nightlife at Alta is generally low-key and centered around the bars and lounges within the lodges, such as the Sitzmark Club at Alta Lodge or the Gulch Pub at Snowpine Lodge. The atmosphere is more about relaxing by the fire and swapping ski stories than late-night partying. The primary “nightlife” activity at Brighton is actually the resort’s extensive night skiing, which illuminates over 200 acres and 32 runs six nights a week, allowing guests to ride well into the evening. Snowbird’s nightlife is generally relaxed, focusing more on quality dining and casual lounges rather than a rambunctious party scene. Popular spots for après-ski and evening entertainment include the Tram Club, which often has live music on weekends and a lively pub atmosphere, and the lounges at The Aerie and the Wildflower, which offer a cozier setting with fireplaces and billiards. Nightlife at Solitude is generally subdued compared to larger resorts, with the focus remaining on a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. The main hub for après-ski and evening activity is The Thirsty Squirrel, which hosts live music and karaoke nights on weekends and holidays.

For those seeking more vibrant options, staying in nearby Salt Lake City and utilizing the public ski bus is a common alternative.

PERKS

The primary perks are the legendary snow quality and quantity, the challenging and diverse terrain, and the uncrowded, old-school atmosphere. The proximity to Salt Lake City International Airport (a mere 45-minute drive) makes for highly accessible quick ski trips. Other benefits include an acclaimed ski school for all ages, licensed onsite childcare at Alta, and a free town shuttle service. A Nordic Center at Solitude with nearly 20 kilometers of cross-country and snowshoe trails, a full-service spa, and a generally less crowded mountain experience where fresh powder often lasts for days.