Utah is certainly one of the world’s top ski vacation destinations. With more than a dozen top-ranking ski resorts, Utah is packed full of ski and snowboarding fun for visitors, regardless of one’s skill level or experience.
Utah is commonly called the home of the “greatest snow on Earth” for good reason, as the snow that falls in Utah is dry and light, making it perfect for snowboarding, skiing, and other winter sports. With an average of 500 feet of the white stuff falling annually in Utah, it makes perfect sense that some of the world’s best ski resorts would call the state home.
With a total of 14 world-class resorts located in the state, Utah offers some of the best skiing in the world and a perfect place for a winter getaway for the whole family. Eleven of these top resorts are located within an hour’s drive of Salt Lake City, making accessibility simple and easy for travelers the world over.
There are both cross country and mountain resorts to be found scattered throughout the state, making Utah not only a winter refuge for those who love downhill skiing and snowboarding but for those who enjoy the beautiful solitude of cross country skiing as well.
Utah’s Mountain Resorts
The mountain ski resorts in Utah range from the busy and exciting to the relaxed and charming. Family-friendly resorts that are smaller and less busy provide your entire family with a fun-filled winter excursion. For those interested in the most popular destinations, Utah’s larger mountain resorts offer hundreds of runs and lots of social activities as well.
Canyons Resort
The state’s largest ski and snowboarding resort, with more than 150 open runs, Canyons Resort is staged to become one of the top four-season resorts in the United States. If you’re looking for big adventure in a busy setting, Canyons has just what the doctor ordered, and will soon offer the best of Utah ski resort activities all year long.
Beaver Mountain Resort
Family-owned and operated since 1939, Beaver Mountain is a relatively small mountain resort, with less than 50 open runs. It offers a more family-oriented and intimate vacation experience. If you’re looking for a little less hustle and bustle in your winter getaway then Beaver Mountain may be just right for you.
Brian Head Resort
Another of the state’s family-oriented smaller resorts, with 65 open runs, Brian Head is located in the southern Utah Mountains and offers a relaxing atmosphere with excellent skiing.
Deer Valley
The top-ranked ski resort by readers of Ski Magazine, Deer Valley offers 100 open runs and more than 20 ski lifts to keep you on the slopes more often.
Powder Mountain
Nicknamed Pow Mow by locals, Powder Mountain is known for its consistent snow quality and excellent courses. This mountain resort is home to more than 130 open runs.
Solitude
With more than 1,200 acres and 65 runs to its name, Solitude’s mountain terrain park offers some of the most exciting of Utah skiing and provides visitors with quaintly European village-like lodging.
Wolf Mountain
Among the smallest of Utah’s mountain resorts, Wolf Mountain provides a family-friendly atmosphere, including children’s skiing and snowboarding lessons, 22 runs, and four lifts. The resort is a quieter way for a family to enjoy a winter getaway and considered one of the friendliest and safest of all the mountain resorts in the state.
Utah’s Cross Country Ski Resorts
If you’re interested in cross country skiing, Utah is definitely the place to plan your next winter vacation. Offering eight of the country’s finest cross country courses, Utah’s ski resorts can’t be beaten.
Alta Ski Area – Nordic
The Alta Ski Area Resort offers both mountain and cross country skiing, making it a perfect destination for families who love both. With a five-kilometer groomed track, appropriate for both traditional and skate skiing, Alta’s cross country skiing is some of the best Utah has to offer.
Ruby’s Inn
Not technically a resort but still certainly worth a mention, Ruby’s Inn at Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the most beautiful and impressive winter destinations in the state for cross country skiing. The Ruby’s Inn Nordic Center offers comfortable and affordable guest rooms and easy access to more than 50 kilometers of cross country skiing in the park. There are no trail fees, making this particular venue one of the most budget-friendly Utah ski vacations to be had.