You may have heard of Salt Lake City being called “Ski City,” or you may have heard that The Greatest Snow On Earth® falls in Utah. Either way, if you’re looking for a guide to Salt Lake City ski resorts, you’ve come to the right place.
Colorado is probably more known as a skiing destination, but as it turns out, the ski resorts in Salt Lake City get more snow on average per year than Colorado.
Plus, of Utah’s 15 ski resorts, 11 of them are within an hour’s drive of Salt Lake City International Airport.
Here is your guide to these ski resorts close to Salt Lake City.
Salt Lake City Ski Resorts
These 4 ski resorts are the closest ones to Salt Lake City International Airport and are in the area known as Cottonwood Canyons. Alta and Snowbird are on Little Cottonwood Canyon, while Brighton and Solitude are on Big Cottonwood Canyon.
1. Alta Ski Area
Known for: Being an old-school skiers-only park
Open since 1938, Alta is one of the oldest ski areas in the country, known for its deep powder (averaging over 540 inches of snow per ski season) and spectacular scenery.
The terrain is challenging, and only 15% of the runs are for beginners, so this resort is more favored by advanced to expert skiers.
As this is a skiers-only park, there’s no snowboarding allowed on the slopes, though the area has access to guided out-of-bounds adventures, such as snowcat skiing and helicopter skiing.
Other Information
Distance from Salt Lake City International Airport: 32 miles
Skiable acres: 2,614 acres
Vertical Rise: 2,538 feet
Number of Trails: 119
Number of Lifts: 7
Other Winter Activities: None; skiers-only resort
Challenge Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
2. Snowbird
Known for: Having the longest ski season in Utah
The Snowbird is located just one mile down the canyon from Alta and is a favorite of advanced to expert skiers and snowboarders who like it fast, steep, and deep.
It’s also known for its Aerial Tram. Open year-round, it offers a spectacular 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains and the Salt Lake Valley as it takes guests to Hidden Peak, the highest point of the resort at 11,000 feet.
Other Information
Distance from Salt Lake City International Airport: 29 miles
Skiable acres: 2,500 acres
Vertical Rise: 3,240 feet
Number of Trails: 145
Number of Lifts: 13
Other Winter Activities: Snowboarding, night skiing, heliskiing, snowcat skiing, snowshoe trails
Challenge Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert
3. Brighton
Known as: A family-friendly ski resort with a variety of terrain
Brighton was the first ski resort in Utah and continues to be a local favorite.
Families like this resort because it’s less crowded than other resorts, ski lessons are affordable, and kids below 6 ski for free.
Its trails are distributed among four distinct parts of the mountain with a wide variety of difficulty, which skiers and snowboarders of different levels appreciate.
They also offer night skiing over 200 acres, one of the most extensive in the country.
Other Information
Distance from Salt Lake City International Airport: 35 miles
Skiable acres: 1,050 acres
Vertical Rise: 1,875
Number of Trails: 66
Number of Lifts: 6
Other Winter Activities: Snowboarding, night skiing; 5 terrain parks
Challenge Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert
4. Solitude Mountain Resort
Known for: Being the least crowded among the four Cottonwood Canyon ski resorts
“Solitude” is actually the perfect name for this Salt Lake City ski resort, as it is the quietest in the area.
Beginner- and Intermediate-level skiers will love the variety of runs that allow them to challenge themselves to go up a level or two.
Plus, the Solitude Nordic Center, nestled between the Solitude and Brighton ski areas, offers miles of snowshoeing, skating, and classic cross-country skiing.
Other Information
Distance from Salt Lake City International Airport: 34 miles
Skiable acres: 1,200 acres
Vertical Rise: 2,494 feet
Number of Trails: 82
Number of Lifts: 8
Other Winter Activities: Snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing; 2 terrain parks
Challenge Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert
Park City Ski Resorts
Park City is a charming tourist town just 32 miles southeast of downtown Salt Lake City that seamlessly blends its silver mining history and its winter sports legacy; the town was the site of ski and snowboard events during the 2002 Winter Olympics.
Park City is also home to three excellent ski resorts less than an hour away from Salt Lake City.
5. Park City Mountain
Known as: The largest lift-served ski resort in the US in terms of slope length
Park City Mountain merged with the adjacent Canyons Resort and made the largest ski resort in the country, with 348 trails and 43 lifts.
Around 92% of the trails are for intermediate- to expert-level skiers, but with several trails for beginners, the slopes won’t disappoint.
Plus, there are plenty of other winter activities to do in the area aside from skiing and snowboarding. Ride the Mountain Coaster, the zipline, or a horse-drawn sleigh to the Snowed Inn Lodge.
Other Information
Distance from Salt Lake City International Airport: 37 miles
Skiable acres: 7,300 acres
Vertical Rise: 3,226 feet
Number of Trails: 348
Number of Lifts: 43
Other Winter Activities: Snowboarding, heliskiing, snowcat skiing, cross-country, snowshoe trails, snow tubing; 7 terrain parks
Challenge Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert
6. Woodward Park City
Known as: The country’s first all-in-one action sports and ski resort
The newest addition to Salt Lake City ski resorts, Woodward Park City is the first of its kind: an action sports complex and ski resort completely integrated with a state-of-the-art campus with elite instructors.
Winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing are available during the ski season, while mountain biking is available for the rest of the year.
There are also indoor and outdoor facilities for skateboarding, BMX, scooters, parkour, and cheer.
Recently, US Ski & Snowboard has named this ski resort one of two Official Training Centers in preparation for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
Other Information
Distance from Salt Lake City International Airport: 27 miles
Skiable acres: 60 acres
Vertical Rise: 349 feet
Number of Trails: 11
Number of Lifts: 4
Other Winter Activities: Snowboarding, snow tubing, night skiing; 9 terrain parks
Challenge Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
7. Deer Valley Resort
Known as: The best luxury ski resort in Utah
If you want to experience the fanciest ski trip of your life, Deer Valley Resort is ready to oblige.
This skiers-only resort restricts the number of skiers on all six of their mountains and meticulously grooms their ski trails to ensure everyone has a first-rate experience.
Even the resorts, lodges, and restaurants surrounding Deer Valley feature luxurious amenities and gourmet food.
During the 2002 Winter Olympics, Deer Valley hosted a few of the events. Even today, it regularly hosts events for the International Ski Federation.
Other Information
Distance from Salt Lake City International Airport: 36 miles
Skiable acres: 2,026 acres
Vertical Rise: 3,000 feet
Number of Trails: 107
Number of Lifts: 21
Other Winter Activities: None; skiers-only resort
Challenge Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert
Ogden and Provo Ski Resorts
Yup, we’re venturing further, but even these seemingly distant ski resorts are an hour away from Salt Lake City.
Ogden was the first permanent European settlement in Utah. Now, aside from being the gateway to three ski areas, this mountain town has a vibrant arts culture and delectable dining.
Provo is the second-largest metro area after Salt Lake City and is constantly on lists of the best cities to live and work in the country.
8. Snowbasin Resort
Known for: Being a consistently top-rated all-season recreational park
Located on Mount Ogden on the back side of the Wasatch Mountains, Snowbasin Resort can easily be overlooked for the more famous ski resorts in Salt Lake City and Park City.
But its wide-open bowls, gladed runs, and short lift lines are enough to keep visitors of all skill levels coming.
When Snowbasin Resort hosted the alpine skiing races during the 2002 Winter Olympics, the lifts and other amenities were upgraded in preparation.
Other Information
Distance from Salt Lake City International Airport: 45 miles
Skiable acres: 3,000 acres
Vertical Rise: 3,000 feet
Number of Trails: 111
Number of Lifts: 12
Other Winter Activities: Snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snow tubing; 3 terrain parks
Challenge Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert
9. Nordic Valley Ski Resort
Known for: The best night skiing in the state
Formerly Wolf Mountain, Nordic Valley deep within the heart of the Wasatch Mountains is one of the most affordable and family-friendly ski resorts in Utah.
The trails vary in difficulty, which means skiers of all skill levels will find their own adventure.
Nordic Valley lights up 80% of the resort for night skiing, making this the best and largest night skiing in Utah.
Other Information
Distance from Salt Lake City International Airport: 52 miles
Skiable acres: 300 acres
Vertical Rise: 1,000 feet
Number of Trails: 40
Number of Lifts: 5
Other Winter Activities: Snowboarding, night skiing; terrain park
Challenge Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert
10. Powder Mountain
Known for: Having the most skiable acres of any ski resort in the US
While Park City Mountain is recognized as the largest ski resort in the US in terms of slope length, Powder Mountain (or “Pow Mow” to the locals) has the most skiable acres.
And they make sure to limit season passes and daily lift tickets so that everyone can enjoy the space and the powder stashes that gave Powder Mountain its name.
Admittedly, it’s a no-frills resort compared to others in the area. It doesn’t have dining options or shops on the mountain, so it’s really more for the visitors who come for the skiing.
Other Information
Distance from Salt Lake City International Airport: 57 miles
Skiable acres: 8,464 acres
Vertical Rise: 3,346 feet
Number of Trails: 154
Number of Lifts: 9
Other Winter Activities: Snowboarding, night skiing, helicopter skiing, snowcat skiing; 2 terrain parks
Challenge Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert
11. Sundance Mountain Resort
Known as: The luxury ski resort owned by Robert Redford for a half-century
Nestled in Provo Canyon at the base of Mt Timpanogos, Sundance Mountain Resort is a luxury year-round resort known as the birthplace of the Sundance Film Festival.
Its ski slopes have something to offer everyone, from beginners to experts, as well as cross-country skiers and night skiers.
But it’s not only a ski and snowboarding resort; it is also dedicated to land conservation and environmentally conscious living. Guests in the resort are highly encouraged to recycle and their accommodations are cleaned with non-toxic products.
It’s also known for its year-round art studio classes in painting, pottery, drawing, and more.
In 2020, the resort was sold to Broadreach Capital Partners and Cedar Capital Partners, under the condition that land preservation and sustainable development be continued.
Other Information
Distance from Salt Lake City International Airport: 55 miles
Skiable acres: 500
Vertical Rise: 2,150 feet
Number of Trails: 50
Number of Lifts: 7
Other Winter Activities: Snowboarding, night skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing; 2 terrain parks
Challenge Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert
Tips When Planning Your Salt Lake City Ski Vacation
Before you travel to Salt Lake City for your winter getaway, here are some of our tips to help you make the most of your experience.
Getting To Salt Lake City Ski Resorts
If you’re flying into Salt Lake City, you’ll be landing at the Salt Lake City International Airport.
From here, you can either rent a car, book a shuttle, hail a taxi, hire an Uber or Lyft, or take a UTA TRAX light rail to the nearest Utah Ski Bus Stop (services Alta, Brighton, Snowbird, and Solitude only).
If you’re planning to drive to the ski resorts on snow days, make sure you’re driving a vehicle with a four-wheel drive or with snow tires or chains. Drive slowly and keep your distance from other vehicles.
Best Time Of Year To Visit
The typical ski season for Salt Lake City resorts ranges from late November/early December to late April/early May.
However, the exact opening and closing dates vary depending on the amount of snowfall, weather, and various other factors. So it’s a good idea to check the resorts you’re visiting beforehand.
Best Way To Avoid Crowds
If you can, try to avoid booking your Salt Lake City ski trip in the week from Christmas to New Year’s Day, as well as Martin Luther King Day and President’s Day.
The best days and times for ski day are typically non-holiday weekdays after lunchtime.
Should You Get a Multi-Mountain Ski Pass?
If you’re a skiing or snowboarding enthusiast and you want to spend more than a few days on the slope, you may want to buy a ski season multi-mountain pass to save money and get great perks.
If you’re going to ski in many other states, passes such as the Epic Pass, Mountain Collective, Indy Pass, and many others can give you access to multiple ski resorts, including a few in Utah.
However, if you’re planning to just visit Salt Lake City ski resorts, the Salt Lake Ski Super Pass gets you 28% off regular lift ticket prices at Alta, Solitude, Brighton, and Snowbird, plus public transit fare and rental shop discounts, for up to 14 days in the current ski season.
If you want to visit Utah ski resorts aside from the ones near Salt Lake City, there’s the Yeti Pass that allows you access to all 15 of Utah’s ski resorts for the ski season.
Another option is the Ikon Pass, which gives you unlimited access to Solitude and limited access to Brighton, Deer Valley, Snowbird, Alta, and Snowbasin. It also allows you unlimited access to 13 other destinations and limited access to 34 other destinations around the world.
Start Planning Your Salt Lake City Ski Vacation Today!
Utah’s Mighty 5 may get more attention, but hopefully, you now see it as a skiing destination as well.
Aside from being “America’s Ski City,” there are plenty of things to do in Salt Lake City.
Need more skiing destinations? Check out our picks for the best places to ski in the US this winter!
