The Best Utah Ski Resorts for Wow-Worthy Powder Skiing
Utah's ski resorts, in the Rocky Mountains' Wasatch Range, are renowned for their powdery snow - some areas are blessed with up to 500 inches annually, making them true skiers' paradises. And with ski resorts that run the gamut from swanky to rustic, you'll have plenty of choices. And the best part? Many of Utah's ski resorts are less than an hour's drive from the capital of Salt Lake City, which is currently experiencing a major boom, so buckle up those ski boots and hit the slopes!
Deer Valley
The exclusive Utah ski resort of Deer Valley, near Park City, is known for its beautifully groomed ski trails (no snowboarding is allowed), heated walkways, and ski-in, ski-out hotels like the St. Regis and the recently renovated Stein Eriksen Lodge, named one of Travel & Leisure's top resort hotels in the American west.
More: The Best Ski Resorts in the U.S. for an Epic Winter Getaway
Alta Ski Area
Alta, in Little Cottonwood Canyon, is Utah's oldest ski resort and still retains an old-fashioned charm. Due to the resort's ultra light snow - and plenty of it - Alta attracts serious powder hounds (it's definitely a favorite of locals). Stay in a rustic lodge and sip margaritas at the Sitzmark Club, but be sure to wake early for first tracks.
Park City - Utah
Not the beach type? Head to Park City to spend your spring break skiing or snowboarding - there's typically snow in Utah's Wasatch Mountains even in April! After your runs, the ski lift will drop you off right on Main Street, which makes it that much easier to kick off après ski at hotspots like the High West Distillery & Saloon.
Where to Stay: Hotel Park City, Waldorf Astoria Park City
Solitude Mountain Resort
Solitude's name says it all, as the crowds at this Utah ski resort are pretty minimal. A quick drive from Salt Lake City gives you access to an annual average of 500 inches of dry powder. Dine fireside on dishes like wild boar tenderloin at St. Bernard's, which overlooks Solitude Mountain, and catch up on sleep at the Inn at Solitude.
Sundance Mountain Resort
When you hear "Sundance," you likely think of the Park City film festival, but the film institute, festival, and TV channel all got their start at Sundance Mountain Resort, founded by Robert Redford in 1969. This eco-resort has rustic cabins, 450 skiable acres, the cozy, wood-lined Owl Bar, and a Native American-inspired spa.
Snowbasin Ski Resort
Another Utah ski resort with top-tier powder skiing is Snowbasin - expert skiers can brave the famed Grizzly and Wildflower downhill runs, used in the 2002 Winter Olympics. Break for hot chocolate in one of the day lodges with grand stone fireplaces - but with no on-mountain hotels, you'll have to stay in Ogden, which is 30 minutes away.
Snowbird Ski Resort
At Snowbird, also in Little Cottonwood Canyon, you can schuss across 2,500 acres of terrain, with plenty of challenging runs, many of which are accessed via a 125-passenger aerial tram. While you're at the top of Hidden Peak, break for lunch at The Summit (elevation: 11,000 feet) and stay at the ski-in, ski-out Cliff Lodge.
Powder hounds, get ready. ??