10 Best Ski Resorts Near Salt Lake City

If you’ve never visited Park City Mountain Resort, chances are you’ve at least seen it on TV as the host of multiple slalom and halfpipe events in the 2002 Winter Olympics. All that to say – it’s got famously good powder. The large ski resort has more than 3,200 vertical feet to explore.

As a full-service resort visitors have access to premium lodging (check out the Viking Yurt for something truly unique), restaurants, equipment rentals, and top-notch ski and snowboard instruction. Other winter activities onsite include a toboggan-style roller coaster, snowmobile tours, sleigh rides, and ziplining (that’s right, it’s not just a summer activity).

Deer Valley is known for its meticulously groomed terrain – 2,000 acres worth. Located in Park City, Utah, the resort resides within the Wasatch Mountain Range and is a short drive from Salt Lake International Airport.

Whether you’re brand new to the slopes or just looking to level up your skills, it’s worth it to get a lesson at Deer Valley. The instructors are some of the best in the business and are known for their personalized approach. The resort accommodations are also excellent. Don’t miss the Alps-inspired Fireside Dining for cocktails and small bites.

Snowbird Ski Resort is a high-elevation locale that can have a long season (typically November to May) due to the extra snowfall it receives. Salt Lake City locals love playing at “The Bird,” exploring the more than 2,500 acres of terrain. Out-of-towners have the option to stay at 1 of 4 resort properties.

If you’re looking for a ripping good challenge, you’ll love your time on the Snowbird slopes. While they do offer beginner packages and lessons, Snowbird draws a large crowd of advanced skiers and boarders. Expect a lot of challenging runs. Don’t end your trip without a stop into the Cliff Spa for a treatment, a soak in the hot tub, or a swim in the rooftop pool.

Brighton Ski Resort is located at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, benefitting from an annual 500 inches of light, fluffy snow. A smaller resort, it has fewer frills than others in the area but is still booming with variety. Think groomed trails, chutes, mellow tree skiing, and natural terrain parks. You won’t want to miss the night skiing, offered throughout the majority of the season.

Other amenities include cozy slope-side lodging, casual dining, and skilled instructors on hand to make your day on the slopes the best.

Solitude Mountain Resort has a reputation of being a welcoming, family-friendly destination because of its mix of gentle and challenging terrain. Ski and board the resort’s 1,200 acres, race on a giant slalom course, or try Nordic skiing and snowshoeing.

Mountain casual best describes the resort lodging and dining. If you’re looking for an elevated experience, check out the Solitude Mountain Spa and The Yurt – an exclusive multi-course dinner that requires snowshoeing through a moonlit forest to get there.

Powder Mountain is North America’s largest ski resort (approximately 8,400 acres) and is full of amenities to make your day on the slopes exactly what you want. Of the 154 runs, there are near equal numbers of beginner, intermediate, and advanced routes.

Snowsport enthusiasts also love the depth of unique offerings: extended lessons through the ski school, backcountry skinning, snowmobile tours, steep terrain-guided skiing, or a complimentary tour of the groomed trails with a resort guide. Resort lodging and dining options are trendy, making Powder Mountain the place to be.

At the end of a long ski day at Snowbasin Resort, you have options for where you want to unwind and rest your head. Snowbasin is less than an hour from Salt Lake City, but it is also very close to the historic and trendy town of Ogden. If you don’t want to leave the mountain at all, the slope-side lodging is worth the stay.

Snowbasin is known for its incredible views along its 3,000 acres of terrain and 3,000 vertical feet. Speedy 6-person lifts translate to shorter wait times and more time on your skis or board. Don’t miss the terrain parks for an opportunity to sharpen your skills.

Sundance Resort is a delightful mix of artsy lodging and heart-pounding snow sports. It’s a place where you can catch some air at the terrain park and then catch some live music at Owl Bar. Or take a ski lesson and a pottery lesson on the same day.

Chic lodge-style rooms are the standard accommodations and feel oh-so-cozy, with the option to book a single room, suite, or entire cabin. Expect a 5-star culinary experience at Sundance, as well. Each restaurant has a curated aesthetic. The Foundry Grill, in particular, is worth dining at to experience a Western settler-inspired meal.

True extreme-sport thrill seekers flock to Woodward in Park City, Utah. An easy 20 miles from Salt Lake City, Woodward is accessible and diverse in its offerings. Ski and board all afternoon, of course, but don’t sleep on the snow tubing or shredding at the indoor skate park. Think of Woodward as a playground. Not sure where to start? Sign up for a lesson or multi-day camp.

Unlike traditional resorts, don’t expect onsite lodging. Do expect cafes and cafeterias to keep you and the family fueled for fun and shopping to commemorate the trip (or grab any necessary gear).

Located in southwestern Utah, Brian Head is approximately 4 hours from Salt Lake City. Though on the smaller side of Utah ski resorts, Brian Head has a lot to offer. Note the stats: 650 acres of terrain, 71 runs, 3 terrain parks, and 2 tubing hills.

The Brian Head Lodge has a quaint atmosphere, while still offering stunning views of Brian Head Peak. The resort’s most unique offering is a night of free lodging with the purchase of the “Free Lodging Lift Ticket.” The free night applies to the night before your ski day, so you can be one of the first to the lift in the morning.