Downhill skiing areas & resorts

Utah is known for its “Greatest Snow on Earth,” and it’s easy to see why it’s one of the premier skiing destinations in the world. With towering mountain ranges, famous powder, and numerous resorts to choose from, there’s a perfect place for every type of skier. Here are Utah’s best downhill skiing areas and resorts, along with helpful links for maps and guides to plan your trip.

Park City Mountain Resort

Park City Mountain Resort is the largest ski resort in the U.S., offering over 7,300 acres of skiable terrain with a great mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs. The resort has two base areas with easy access from Park City and Canyons Village, offering something for everyone.

  • Features: 41 lifts, terrain parks, numerous trails, and year-round dining and shopping
  • Maps & Guides: Park City Mountain Resort Trail Map
  • Link: Park City Mountain Resort

Snowbird

Known for its challenging terrain, Snowbird offers stunning alpine scenery, deep powder, and one of the longest seasons in Utah. With steep chutes and open bowls, Snowbird is ideal for advanced and expert skiers, although it also offers beginner trails.

  • Location: Little Cottonwood Canyon, UT
  • Features: 11 lifts, 2,500 skiable acres, world-renowned tram
  • Maps & Guides: Snowbird Trail Map
  • Link: Snowbird Resort

Alta Ski Area

Alta is a historic ski area that only allows skiing (no snowboarding), known for its high snowfall and incredible powder. It’s a favorite among locals and advanced skiers looking for steep terrain and deep snow. Alta’s unique vibe and amazing scenery make it one of Utah’s iconic skiing spots.

  • Location: Little Cottonwood Canyon, UT
  • Features: Ski-only, excellent powder conditions, family-friendly areas
  • Maps & Guides: Alta Ski Area Trail Map
  • Link: Alta Ski Area

Deer Valley Resort

Deer Valley is known for luxurious amenities and meticulously groomed trails. This ski-only resort offers high-end dining, ski valets, and limited daily tickets for less crowded slopes. Ideal for families, Deer Valley provides a range of slopes for all skill levels.

  • Location: Park City, UT
  • Features: 21 lifts, family-friendly, renowned dining options, groomed trails
  • Maps & Guides: Deer Valley Trail Map
  • Link: Deer Valley Resort

Brighton Resort

Brighton is family-friendly, affordable, and known for its laid-back vibe. It offers diverse terrain with a balance of beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails, and it’s one of the few resorts that allow night skiing.

  • Location: Big Cottonwood Canyon, UT
  • Features: 1,050 acres of skiable terrain, night skiing, family passes
  • Maps & Guides: Brighton Trail Map
  • Link: Brighton Resort

Solitude Mountain Resort

Solitude is known for its powder-filled bowls, quiet atmosphere, and uncrowded slopes. It’s a perfect place for skiers looking to avoid large crowds while still experiencing a great variety of trails, from gentle groomers to challenging runs.

  • Location: Big Cottonwood Canyon, UT
  • Features: 1,200 acres, plenty of intermediate and advanced terrain, charming mountain village
  • Maps & Guides: Solitude Trail Map
  • Link: Solitude Mountain Resort

Powder Mountain

Powder Mountain is Utah’s best-kept secret, boasting the most skiable acreage in the U.S. Its unique terrain offers plenty of powder-filled areas, and the resort limits ticket sales to avoid overcrowding. It’s ideal for those seeking a true backcountry experience without the crowds.

  • Location: Eden, UT
  • Features: 8,464 acres, limited ticket sales, plenty of backcountry options
  • Maps & Guides: Powder Mountain Trail Map
  • Link: Powder Mountain

Sundance Mountain Resort

Sundance, owned by the famous Sundance Institute, offers a peaceful skiing experience with incredible mountain views. Located near Provo, Sundance provides a variety of trails and is known for its commitment to environmental conservation.

  • Location: Provo Canyon, UT
  • Features: 450 acres, scenic trails, environmentally conscious resort
  • Maps & Guides: Sundance Trail Map
  • Link: Sundance Mountain Resort

Brian Head Resort

Brian Head is a smaller, family-friendly resort in southern Utah with great terrain and fewer crowds. It’s one of the few resorts located within a national forest, offering unique scenic views and varied trails for all skill levels.

  • Location: Brian Head, UT
  • Features: 71 runs, tubing, high elevation for southern Utah skiing
  • Maps & Guides: Brian Head Trail Map
  • Link: Brian Head Resort

Snowbasin Resort

Snowbasin offers world-class skiing, luxury facilities, and incredible mountain views. Known for hosting the 2002 Winter Olympics, Snowbasin has both challenging and easy runs, with spacious lodges, groomed trails, and backcountry skiing options.

  • Location: Huntsville, UT
  • Features: Olympic runs, luxurious lodges, 3,000 acres of terrain
  • Maps & Guides: Snowbasin Trail Map
  • Link: Snowbasin Resort