Ski resorts in Utah rank among the best in the world. This guide breaks down your options, and offers hotel recommendations where applicable — plus essential tips. Whether you live to ski or care more about the après scene, Utah’s ski resorts deliver.
“Utah is one of the easiest mountain destinations to get to from almost anywhere and has the best snow on Earth,” Fora Advisor and ski expert Alli Widman said.
If you’re looking for expert help planning your next grand ski trip, connect with a Fora Advisor. In addition to helping you decide which resort matches your Utah vacation plans, they’ll find you the right hotel, arrange transportation and can offer additional itinerary ideas if you’re looking for things to do beyond the slopes.
Why travel to Utah for skiing?
Utah’s snow quality is exceptional. Many Utah ski resorts make the bold claim that the state has the “greatest snow on Earth.” Snow here is consistently light, powdery and dry — premium conditions for skiing and snowboarding.
There’s also plenty of variety among Utah ski resorts: There are slopes for pros and beginners alike. Plus, most options are within an hour’s drive from Salt Lake City, home to the state’s only major international airport (SLC). If you’re flying to Utah, chances are you’ll land here before heading to your chosen resort.
Read on for a breakdown of Utah’s 15 ski resorts, as well as recommendations for places to stay at the larger mountain resorts.
Park City, Utah ski resorts: Deer Valley, Park City Mountain & Woodward
Image courtesy of Pendry Park City
Topping many lists of fun places to go in Utah, Park City and its surrounding peaks are a skier’s dream. Varied terrain, quality snow and convenient access from Salt Lake City’s airport make this Utah ski resort a top choice.
Park City offers slopes suitable for all skill levels; it’s renowned for its light, dry powder. Beyond skiing, Park City's historic and charming downtown area has a variety of shops, restaurants, art galleries and nightlife venues. Visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities such as snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the winter, and hiking, mountain biking and outdoor concerts in the summer. In other words, there’s plenty to do for non-skiers (especially ideal if you’re traveling in a group).
Park City hosts three ski resorts: Deer Valley, Park City Mountain and Woodward. Deer Valley is renowned for its luxe amenities, impeccable service and skier-only slopes (there’s no snowboarding).
“Deer Valley Ski Resort offers skiers the best possible conditions,” Fora Advisor Alli Widman said. “[It’s] ideal for families and those just starting to experience their first ski season. The ski school here is top-notch.”
Plus, she said this ski resort has the best food: Don’t miss their turkey chili.
Park City Mountain Resort — the largest ski resort in the United States, with over 340 trails — has extensive terrain for all skill levels, a vibrant après-ski scene and direct access to downtown Park City.
“The terrain variety is excellent, with plenty to entertain everyone, from those just learning to seasoned experts,” Alli said. “From the mountain, you can ski directly into the town of Park City, an authentic town with a vibrant community, assortment of restaurants, artwork, nightlight and events.”
Alli also pointed out that Park City is part of Epic Pass.
Woodward Park City Resort is a family-friendly, year-round sports hub known for its innovative terrain parks and indoor training facilities. Notably, Woodward is friendly to skiers and snowboarders, and focuses on freestyle and progression. But if you’re visiting Park City for more of a low-key, fun-first ski experience, you may prefer the former two resorts.
Where to stay in Park City for skiing
Park City has the best of both worlds: amazing ski slopes and world-class hotels. If you book your trip with a Fora Advisor, our advisors will matchmake you to a mountain, hotel and room that best suits your taste and budget.
Here are a few options recommended by Fora Advisors, split between the two major Park City ski resorts.
Park City Mountain Resort: Pendry, Waldorf Astoria & Washington School House Hotel
Image courtesy of Washington School House Hotel
Alli loves Park City’s array of ski-in/ski-out options. The Pendry Park City, which opened in early 2022 and is right in Canyons Village, is one of her go-to choices.
“[It’s] an amazing addition to the area,” she said.
It’s modern and luxe, with a spa, a ski valet, several restaurants, a gym and a rooftop pool and bar to boot. Alli added that the hotel’s two-bedroom residences — complete with bunkrooms — make it a great choice for families.
Waldorf Astoria Park City provides similarly luxurious accommodations, a full-service spa and convenient access to Canyons Village. For a more boutique choice, head to Washington School House Hotel. It’s a restored 19th-century schoolhouse, and offers intimate luxury and historic charm inspired by Park City’s frontier past.
Fora Perks at Pendry Park City:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Waldorf Astoria Park City:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily & upgrade whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Washington School House Hotel:
Breakfast daily & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Deer Valley Resort: Goldener Hirsch, Montage & The St. Regis
Image courtesy of The Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Resorts Collection
The Goldener Hirsch, an Auberge Resorts Collection and Fora Reserve property, blends European alpine charm with modern elegance, featuring personalized service and easy access to Deer Valley's slopes. The Montage is an elegant mountain retreat known for its ski-in/ski-out access and stunning views. And The St. Regis offers direct ski access, butler service and a 13,000-bottle wine cellar.
Fora Perks at The Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Resorts Collection:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Montage Deer Valley:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at The St. Regis Deer Valley:
$100 hotel / resort credit, welcome amenity, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Related article: The 5 Best Places to Stay in Park City, Utah
Bonus: The Lodge at Blue Sky
Image courtesy of The Lodge at Blue Sky
Another Auberge Resorts Collection property, The Lodge at Blue Sky is one of the best places to stay in Utah, full stop. If you don’t mind staying slightly removed from the ski resorts — about 30 minutes away — this 46-room retreat in Wanship, Utah, promises privacy, hyper-personalized service and 3,500 acres of natural beauty to explore.
There are over 300 activities to try: snowshoeing to a private yurt, guided trail hikes, breathwork sessions, Pilates… And in typical Auberge fashion, the cliffside spa is pretty incredible, with a range of esoteric treatments, many of which incorporate a spiritual element. If you’re visiting explicitly for skiing, The Goldener Hirsch — The Lodge at Blue Sky’s sister resort — makes more sense, but if you’re looking for more variety, the Lodge is amazing.
Fora Perks at The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection:
$100 hotel / resort credit, welcome amenity, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Ski resorts in Salt Lake City’s Cottonwood Canyons: Alta Ski Area, Brighton, Snowbird & Solitude Mountain Resort
The Cottonwood Canyons are home to world-class ski resorts — Brighton and Solitude in Big Cottonwood Canyon, and Alta and Snowbird in Little Cottonwood Canyon — offering some of the best skiing and snowboarding conditions in the country. They’re also easily accessible from Salt Lake City, making them a convenient destination for both locals and visitors seeking outdoor adventure and natural beauty.
Alta Ski Area and Snowbird are geared toward more experienced skiers, with steep, challenging terrain and the best powder. Brighton and Solitude Mountain Resort have a more family-friendly vibe and slopes for all skill levels. Both feature diverse terrain and a more casual experience than what you’ll find at Alta or Snowbird.
“If there is one resort in Utah I return to every year when I leave, it is Alta,” Alli Widman — who also operates Avant Ski — said. “Alta is a skier’s paradise — snowboarding is not allowed — with no end of hidden nooks and crannies to explore.”
Alli also explained that the après-ski scene is more laid-back than in Park City or Deer Valley: “The scene is social, more focused on board games than live music, with most skiers keen to recount their days on the slopes and turn in early for fresh tracks in the morning.”
Where to stay in Salt Lake City
Image courtesy of Kimpton Hotel Monaco
Cottonwood Canyons’ ski resorts don’t have the same hotel presence as those in Park City. For the best access to the slopes — without sacrificing on quality accommodations — we recommend staying in either Salt Lake City proper or, if you don’t mind a longer drive, Park City. The former is around 45 minutes away, while the latter ranges from 60–90 minutes.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Salt Lake City is a stylish, boutique stay with vibrant design and exceptional service, right in the heart of downtown. Our guide to the top hotels in Salt Lake City has more recommendations. For feel free to reach out to an advisor directly for tailored suggestions.
Fora Perks at Kimpton Hotel Monaco:
Welcome amenities, upgrade & extended check-out whenever possible.
Ogden, Utah ski resorts: Nordic Valley, Powder Mountain & Snowbasin Resort
Ogden is the gateway to three Utah ski resorts. Nordic Valley has a welcoming atmosphere and diverse terrain, making it a great choice for families. Remote Powder Mountain boasts vast, uncrowded slopes and extensive backcountry options. Snowbasin Resort — the most famous of the three, as it hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics — offers groomed runs and terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
There’s not as much going on in Ogden as, say, Park City, but it still has historic charm. As for where to stay, all three ski resorts are fairly light on options. If you’re interested in visiting, a Fora Advisor can help you find a nearby property that meets your travel preferences.
More Utah ski resorts: Beaver Mountain, Cherry Peak, Eagle Point & Brian Head
These last few Utah ski resorts are found in different corners of the state. Located in the Bear River Mountains near Logan, Beaver Mountain has a family-friendly atmosphere with varied terrain and a rich history as one of the oldest family-owned resorts in the United States. Nearby Cherry Peak is a newer resort known for its affordable prices and modern facilities.
Far to the south, Eagle Point provides a serene, uncrowded skiing experience with challenging runs and stunning scenery. Brian Head boasts the highest base elevation in the state, offering red-rock views, excellent snow conditions and a welcoming, family-friendly environment. Of the four, Brian Head is by far the most popular.
Plan your Utah ski resort trip with a Fora Advisor
Utah’s ski resorts have options for all budgets and experience levels. Whether you’re looking for an amenity-filled sojourn in Deer Valley or a casual stop at Brian Head, a Fora Advisor can help you plan as much or as little as you prefer. Plus, if you choose to stay at one of our travel partners’ properties, you can enjoy complimentary VIP perks like spa credits — perfect after a day hitting the slopes — room upgrades and more. Reach out to an Advisor to get started.
Utah ski resort FAQs
Below, you’ll find answers to a few common questions Fora Advisors get about Utah ski resorts. As always, you can chat with an advisor for intel specific to your vacation plans.
How many ski resorts are in Utah? What’s the most popular?
In total, there are 15 Utah ski resorts. As mentioned above, Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort are the most popular.
When is Utah’s ski season?
Generally, Utah’s ski season lasts from late November through early April, with some variation across resorts. Most resorts aim to open by Thanksgiving, depending on their snowmaking capabilities and/or how much snow has fallen.
Related article: The Best Time to Visit Utah: Full Guide
What are the best months to ski in Utah? What are the snowiest months in Utah?
January through March are the peak months for skiing, with the first two months offering the most annual snowfall.
Does Utah have better snow than Colorado for skiing?
Colorado’s snowfall is slightly wetter than Utah’s, leading some skiers to prefer the latter. But many enthusiasts regularly visit resorts in both states. Ultimately, this is subjective.
Related articles: Where to stay in Telluride: Your Full Guide & Where to Stay in Vail, Colorado: Luxury Hotels & Boutique Ski Resorts
Can beginners ski in Utah?
Certainly. Many of Utah’s ski resorts cater to skiers of all levels; some even offer lessons. A Fora Advisor can point you in the right direction and help you arrange any lessons.
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