It’s difficult to pick just five of Utah’s superior resorts as Utah is one of the most popular ski destinations in North America. The spots we’ve suggested have the best snow, terrain parks, and family atmosphere. We promise vacationers will never have to settle on a great Utah ski getaway.
1. Alta
Alta makes the top of our list because it's not only the best ski resort in Utah but arguably also one of the best in the U.S. Opened in 1938, the resort has an annual snowfall of 517 inches and all of its ultra-light powder is reserved for skiing. No snowboarding, snowshoeing or tubing in the entire 2,200 acres of ski area. Alta is also only 45 minutes from Salt Lake City Airport and is known for its low crowds and unfussy technology. The resort has no ski-in/ski-out lodging and the town has very little night life, so visitors will only encounter other serious skiers here. 55% of Alta’s runs are black diamond and the resort has some of the toughest slopes in the country, namely Alf’s high rustler and Gunsight. High Rustler starts off at a 45 degree angle and travels 1,000 vertical feet toward its base, while Gunsight’s narrow, twisty roads offer just as many thrills.
2. Park City Mountain
In 2012, Park City Mountain Resort was named the “No.1 resort for families in North America” by SKI magazine and this resort still lives up to its reputation. The resort is 7,300 acres and has 341 trails, but favorites such as the 22 inch Eagle Superpipe have been used for many Olympic and Grand Prix events like the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Enthusiastic snowboarders should try the Triple Park Freestyle Zone, with rails, jibs and mini half pipes for whatever mood you’re in. The best family resort on this list, Park City also just built the new “High Meadow Park”, a learner’s arena dedicated to beginners and children with safe, well groomed terrain. When vacationers aren’t skiing, they can learn about the town of Park City, which was originally a silver mining town and has 64 buildings on the national registry of historic places. Not into history? Take a hot air balloon ride and catch some amazing mountain views!
3. Snowbird
Snowbird Resort is situated in the Wasatch Valley in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Snowbird has a long and snow filled season because of its high elevation and dry climate, so you’ll find families here all day, every day, every season. In the winter some of the best runs to ski are Chip’s run, which rings in at 2.5 miles, or Gad Valley which is a 3.5 mile descent. Visitors can ride the famous Aerial Tram to the top of 11,000 foot Hidden Peak, the highest mountain at Snowbird. The beauty of Snowbird and the surrounding canyons are truly breathtaking and the Ski Utah Interconnect Adventure tour offers a guided trek through the Wasatch mountains. Allow trained guides to lead you across six different ski resorts, including lunch and lift access.
4. Deer Valley
Deer Valley is by far the most luxurious resort on our top five list. Here you’ll find the most well groomed mountains and gourmet food. Need a place to store your skis overnight? Hand them over to the the ski valet’s “Ski Barn." Not to be discounted are the 2,026 acres of dry, powdery Utah snow where children can glide down the Adventure Tour cruisers and experienced powderhounds can fly down one of Bald Mountain’s advanced courses, like the double black diamond Mayflower. Deer Valley also hosted the 2019 FIS Freestyle, Snowboard and Freeski World Championships in February. The resort invited over 1,300 competitors from 40 countries, elevating skiing from a recreational activity to an athletic trail of endurance.
5. Snowbasin
A less crowded version of Snowbird, Snowbasin is also weighed more heavily towards advanced skiers. Only 11% of its runs are beginner and 43% are intermediate. There are also 26 kilometers of Nordic ski trails and terrain parks. The basin has six separate peaks and the highest is Mount Ogden, coming in at 9,570 feet. Mount Ogden’s “The Flank” is double black diamond and visitors can catch a ride up on the Porcupine lift, with a vertical incline of 1,501 feet. Although there aren’t any hotels on the mountains, Snowbasin does have amazing day lodging. When you’re not cruising the slopes, hang out at Snowbasin’s day lodges, equipped with stone fireplaces, chandeliers and lavish sundecks.