2020-21 SKi Utah-Outside-Onsert

SkiUtah THE GREATEST SNOW ON EARTH

®

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REASONS TO HIT ROAD UTAH THE

FOR

WINTER 2020–21

The Canyon art installation by Gordon Huether

WE’RE READY TO FLY WHEN YOU ARE. Now that the first phase of the brand new Salt Lake City International Airport is open, there’s a lot for you to enjoy—the views, the technology, the efficiency, the variety of shops and restaurants. And one of the things we think you’ll also like is our commitment to your safety— employing the absolute best practices in sanitization throughout the airport. As the world re-opens to travel, it’s not going to be the same. But when it comes to flying in and out of The New SLC, we think it will be even better.

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OH, HOW WE’VE MISSED SKIING. After what turned out to be the longest off-season EVER, we’re beyond excited for the return of sliding on snow, from first chair to last call.

And we know you are, too.

This is Utah. Let's go!

A Scott Markewitz

Cover A Lee Cohen | Athlete-Tyler Peterson

Each of Utah’s 15 fantastic winter resorts are ready for the 2020–21 season. Granted, a day on the mountain in the “new normal” will look and feel a little different than it has in the past—to keep both guests and staff as safe as possible, each resort is adhering to CDC and local-health department protocols, including mask wearing, social distancing and more frequent cleaning. (For details visit skiutah.com/covid19.) But, we submit that there’s gratefully never been anything “normal” about a winter getaway in Utah. The reasons are as plentiful as the winter storms that grace our state’s awe-inspiring Wasatch Mountain Range.

For the sake of convenience, however, on the following pages we break it down to FIVE INDISPUTABLE TRUTHS about why, this winter, you need to pack up your gear, set your email to auto-reply and get yourself to Utah.

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FIVE REASONS TO VISIT UTAH THIS WINTER

NO. 01

SNOW In Utah, six feet isn’t just about social distancing.

Once you ski or ride Utah’s sublimely deep snow, experiencing the whispery-light feeling of floating through space, you’ll realize how it earned the moniker, The Greatest Snow on Earth®.

M

uch has been said and written about Utah’s famous snow. Dry, fluffy, bottomless,

ethereal and addictive are just a few of the adjectives those who know use to describe Utah powder.

But once you make your first soundless turn through the mythical stuff, you’ll understand that all the hype is, in fact, true.

What makes Utah snow so universally coveted is the right amount of snow falling at the right time at perfect temperatures—a weather phenomenon known as the Goldilocks Effect. Here’s how it works: during a typical Utah winter storm, warmer, denser snow falls first followed by colder, lighter snow. The resulting blanket of snow provides a “just right” buoyancy for that weightless skiing or riding experience so many wax poetic about.

Storm frequency and the amount of snow that falls with each storm are other factors of Utah’s Goldilocks Effect. Alta and Snowbird’s home, Little Cottonwood Canyon—which, because of how much snow falls there, is also known as the Catcher’s Mitt—averages one foot of snow every five days during the peak of winter. These consistent and not-too-deep

storms keep the snowpack soft but rarely overwhelmingly deep, and stack up over the season, on average, to a whopping 500+ inches.

(During the 2018–2019 ski season, however, both Alta and Snowbird recorded more than 600 inches of glorious Wasatch pow, including more

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QUICK FACTS

19*

UTAH POWDER

DAYS

WITH AT LEAST

12 INCHES OF SNOW

34*

UTAH POWDER

DAYS

WITH AT LEAST

A Chris Pearson

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INCHES OF SNOW

*annual average

Get real-time information about snowfall totals at all 15 Utah resorts, road conditions, five-day forecasts, trail maps, powder alerts and more with the Ski Utah app or at skiutah.com/snowreport. Curious about what lies beyond the lift line? Know before you go into the backcountry by visiting utahavalanchecenter.org.

One of Utah’s most-followed powder-storm prognosticators is Michael Ruzek, aka @PowderBuoy. Read about how Ruzek helps dedicated snow sliders worldwide time the perfect Utah getaway at skiutah.com/attabuoy.

than 100 inches each month during January, February and March.)

A corollary of the Goldilocks Effect is a snowpack so resilient that it’s not uncommon for winter in Utah to last well into spring. In “normal” years, Snowbird typically stays open for skiing and riding through at least Memorial Day, earning it bragging rights as home to one of the longest ski seasons in the Lower 48. But then in 2011 and 2019, record-breaking snowfall allowed die-hard skiers and riders to ski and ride

A Chris Pearson

the ’Bird on the Fourth of July.

Cleverly named weather patterns aside, what all this means is that whether you decide to visit Utah’s skidom in December or February or April, you’ll arrive to a deep and wintry backdrop, perfect for making turns, memories and sloughing away the stress of this crazy time we live in. Want more Utah snow beta? Visit skiutah.com/explore/snow.

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NO. 02

ACCESS

The unrivaled proximity between Salt Lake City International Airport and the resorts delivers you to that “vacation state-ofmind” quicker than any other winter destination.

A Louis Arevalo

You’ll realize it when you glance out the airplane window as your flight makes its final approach into the SLC Airport. There, framing Salt Lake City’s glittery urban core, is the mighty Wasatch Mountain Range. Just 45-minutes from the airport you’ll find seven of Utah’s 15 mountain resorts; three more can be found by going just 15 minutes farther for a total of 10 resorts within an hour’s drive.

Shuttle and ride-share companies abound in Utah, meaning once you arrive at your slopeside destination—or even if you decide on a more urban basecamp in Salt Lake City or Ogden—having a car is really not necessary. For a list of options based at the airport, in town and at the resorts, visit skiutah.com/transportation.

From TRAX lightrail and the Ski Bus (skiutah.com/skibus) to Park City’s free bus system (visitparkcity.com/explore/free-bus-system), there is no shortage of economical options for getting around town and to the slopes in Utah.

Are you hatching plans for an Epic, Ikon or Mountain Collective

multi-resort passes. Check out the full summary of which passes can take you where at skiutah.com/passes.

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A Scott Markewitz

multi-resort road trip? Utah is a convenient central location to dozens of the Western winter resorts included on those and other

P

icture this: you board a plane at your home airport at 7 a.m. By noon, you’re standing at the top of a snowy Utah slope, ready for takeoff. No, this is not a dream.

It’s the norm for skiers and riders visiting Utah, where at the SLC Airport, more than 300 nonstop flights arrive from 67 destinations across the U.S. every day.

Speaking of the airport, prepare to be wowed when you deplane in SLC. A beautiful, spacious and brand new main terminal opened at the SLC Airport in September 2020.

There, multiple art installations pay homage to Utah’s stunning natural beauty, including the 362-foot-long The Canyon and the Whimsy Walls Art Project, which adorns a place almost every passenger visits at an airport. But The New SLC is as much about substance as it is about beauty. A few of the new terminal’s thoughtful passenger amenities include on-site car rentals, improved WiFi, charger plug-ins at every gate-area seat and several new shops and restaurants. What’s more, the new terminal’s linear design allows aircraft of all sizes much easier jetway access, meaning less time waiting on the runway and more time on the slopes.

The unparalleled proximity of Utah’s resorts allows skiers and riders to easily visit multiple mountains, even on a quick weekend getaway. Seven resorts—Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude, Park City Mountain, Deer Valley and Woodward

Park City—are all located within 45 minutes of the airport, and each other. Powder Mountain, Snowbasin, Nordic Valley and Sundance are about an hour's drive from the SLC Airport.

Those with an itch to go off the beaten path can head north A Louis Arevalo

about 90 minutes to Beaver Mountain and Cherry Peak or a few hours south to Eagle Point and Brian Head.

If you arrive in Utah by car, make sure you’re prepared for the state’s sometimes tricky winter driving conditions by visiting skiutah.com/winterdrivingtips.

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RESORTS WITHIN

60

MINUTES OF

SALT LAKE CITY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

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Make memories, with elbow room to spare, on a Utah family ski vacation.

Collectively, Utah’s 15 resorts span more than 31,000 snowcovered, lift-served acres; a gigantic multigenerational playground filled with opportunities for giggles, accomplishments and high altitude-fueled quality time.

FAMILY

A Sean Ryan

NO. 03

You’ll find tons of kid-specific, slow-skiing and riding runs at the Utah resorts, including Deer Valley’s Children’s Adventure Areas, Snowbird’s Mini Miner’s Camp trails, Park City Mountain’s High Meadow Park and Brighton’s Pee Wee Terrain Park, to name just a few.

Hot chocolate breaks, games and simply getting to slide around the mountain with a group of other kids are just a few of the ways the resorts keep the focus of ski and snowboard lessons on fun.

Mix it up by spending an afternoon or day of your visit touring the Utah Olympic Park, snow tubing

to do, visit skiutah.com/activities.

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A Scott Markewitz

at Soldier Hollow or ice skating at the Gallivan Center. For more family-friendly, off-slope things

I

t could be all the fresh mountain air, or sunny skies warming cold cheeks. Or maybe it’s the fairytale-like quality of snow-covered peaks. Whatever the reason,

there’s something inimitably delightful and authentic

NO. 04

about a family ski vacation. It’s in those moments

spent following your kids over the whoop-de-dos, an impromptu chairlift cuddle or taking the time to catch up

ADVENTURE

and reconnect. And the joy of a winter vacation doesn’t end once those little kids get older. Parents who take their teens skiing get to revel in the satisfaction that they are doing something their kids actually think is cool.

Utah’s resorts offer a variety of backdrops for fostering that family connection. Interested in the quintessential ski town-based holiday? Deer Valley and Park City Mountain have you covered. Or maybe a getaway focused squarely on the mountain is more your family’s speed? Alta, Mountain are all known far and wide for both terrain and snow. Looking to learn some new tricks? Head to Woodward Park City’s action-sports playground (hint: you don’t have to be a kid to play there). For a Western mountain skiing experience that’s a little more intimate and a little less-intimidating, we suggest Sundance, Cherry Peak, Eagle Point, Brian Head and Nordic Valley.

What do all 15 Utah resorts have in common?

Excellent ski and snowboard school instruction, kid-

friendly areas on and off the mountain, and plenty of

fresh air, big views and elbow room. After just one visit you’ll see why Utah is the perfect place for getting away from it all while getting everyone all together.

Go to skiutah.com/family to plan a Utah winter getaway that they’ll remember long after they are no longer kids.

A Chris Pearson

Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude, Snowbasin and Powder

Looking to tick off your winter adventure bucket list? Look no further.

While the lift-served skiing and snowboarding in Utah is, in a word, stellar, it’s also just the beginning of the outdoor wintertime fun waiting to be had here.

H

ave you ever been blasted by a helicopterfueled snow squall at the top of a pristine, powder-covered slope? Or glided along

an expertly groomed Nordic track at sunset? Or steered a snowmobile through acres of untouched backcountry? Utah is the place to indulge in all of these unforgettable winter adventures, and many more. Visit skiutah.com/signatureutahadventures.

Some of the beyond-the-lift sojourns offered by the Utah resorts include helicopter and snowcat skiing,

classic and skate cross-country skiing, snow tubing, snowmobiling and zip-lining. For more details, visit

skiutah.com/activities. Or, amp up your resort skiing adventure by hiring a ski instructor for the day.

You’ll improve your skills while being led to the offthe-beaten path spots only the locals know about.

A Chris Pearson

For those who gaze wistfully beyond the resort boundary, the Ski Utah Interconnect Tour guides skiers through six resorts—and the backcountry in between—all in a single day. Visit skiutah.com/interconnect to book.

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When you’re ready for dinner,

NO. 05

the dining options at or nearby the resorts rival any of the country’s most well-

APRÈS

known foodie destinations.

Be advised to call ahead, as most require reservations. For

From sipping a single malt to roasting s’mores, the possibilities for post-slope decompression in Utah are many.

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restaurants, from grab-andgo to white tablecloth, visit skiutah.com/dining.

Who says après-ski needs to be limited to eating and drinking?

Ice skating, escape rooms, shopping, gallery hopping, cooking classes—even yoga in a geothermal crater—are some of the ways you can burn off any remaining energy you may have left after spending a day on the slopes. Find out about these and more non-skiing diversions at A Louis Arevalo

The memories you make in those nowhere-to-be hours between stepping off the slopes and dinner can be the sweetest of any ski vacation. At Utah’s resorts, all kinds of après-ski experiences are waiting, just steps from the lifts.

a glance at dozens of Utah

skiutah.com/activities.

aybe your après-ski fantasies involve a gritty watering hole with peanut shells on the floor and chalkboard-scrawled drink specials. Or perhaps you

dream of tucking in by a wood-burning fireplace in a rustically, elegant lounge with fur-clad seating and a sommelier-curated wine list? Or maybe the cocktail scene just isn’t your jam, and your idea of post-slope decompression is roasting s’mores or cuddling in a horse-drawn sleigh. Whatever your après-ski speed may be, you’ll find its sweet spot in Utah.

For those who like to end their day in the time-honored après-ski fashion, find a complete list of all the watering holes at, and nearby, the Utah resorts at skiutah.com/apresski.

Looking for a more family-friendly way to après? Many lodging properties have outdoor firepits and offer s’moresmaking kits. And there’s nothing more dreamy than gliding around an ice rink under the stars. For more ideas, visit skiutah.com/family.

Lastly, nothing wraps up a ski day more appropriately than from sushi and steaks to pho and farm-to-table specialties.

Most restaurants across the state are open for in-house dining, curbside pick-up and delivery. Be sure to call ahead to check the restaurant’s latest operations information.

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A Chris Pearson

sitting down to a well-prepared meal. Chefs offer everything

Perfect, Legendary Experiences.

Stein Collection offers four distinct Deer Valley hotels to suit your style. Providing the finest luxury lodging, award-winning dining, and Five-Star spa services, we’ll ensure your stay is a truly personalized experience.

For those who seek the best, there's only Stein.

D EER V ALLEY

D E E R VA L L E Y

855.441.2367 | www.steincollection.com | reservations@steincollection.com park city, utah

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UTAH RESORTS MAP

N

SUNDANCE HEBER

MIDWAY

ALTA

BRIGHTON

SNOWBIRD

DEER VALLEY SOLITUDE

PARK CITY MOUNTAIN

PARK CITY UTAH OLYMPIC PARK

KIMBALL JUNCTION

INTERSTATE

80

WOODWARD PARK CITY

INTERSTATE

80

SNOWBASIN INTERSTATE

84

HUNTSVILLE OGDEN VALLEY

POWDER MOUNTAIN

BEAVER MOUNTAIN

CHERRY PEAK

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EDEN

NORDIC VALLEY

BRIGHAM CITY

LOGAN

BRIAN HEAD EAGLE POINT BEAVER INTERSTATE

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UTAH LAKE

PROVO

SANDY

TRAVEL TIMES

Touring Utah’s Powder Paradise When you consider the unmatched proximity of Utah’s 15 mountain resorts, the multi-mountain itineraries you can cook up during just a week-long visit are virtually endless. Better yet, why not pack up your car and hit all 15—the Ultimate Ski Utah Road Trip? To help map out your powder pilgrimage, find a list of drive times below between Utah cities and the resorts, resort to resort and more.

Make sure you are prepared to navigate Utah’s often snowy roads by reading up on skiutah.com/winterdrivingtips. Have the Ikon pass? Check out the dreamy three- to five-day Utah itinerary at skiutah.com/ikonicutah.

FROM SALT LAKE CITY INTERSTATE

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SALT LAKE CITY

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v

BOUNTIFUL

INTERSTATE

SLC AIRPORT

Woodward Park City: 26 minutes Snowbird/Alta: 35 minutes Solitude/Brighton: 40 minutes Park City Mountain/Deer Valley: 40 minutes Snowbasin: 45 minutes Sundance: 55 minutes Nordic Valley: 60 minutes Powder Mountain: 1 hour 10 minutes Cherry Peak: 1 hour 45 minutes Beaver Mountain: 2 hours Eagle Point: 3 hours Brian Head: 3 hours 30 minutes FROM PARK CITY

DAVIS COUNTY

OGDEN INTERSTATE

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GREAT SALT LAKE

Woodward Park City: 15 minutes Sundance: 45 minutes Snowbird/Alta: 50 minutes Solitude/Brighton: 56 minutes Snowbasin: 60 minutes Powder Mountain: 1 hour 30 minutes FROM OGDEN Snowbasin and Nordic Valley: 30 minutes Salt Lake City: 35 minutes Powder Mountain: 38 minutes Beaver Mountain: 1 hour 30 minutes Park City Mountain/Deer Valley, Snowbird/Alta and Solitude/Brighton: 60 minutes OUT-OF-STATE DRIVE TIMES TO SLC Denver, CO: 8 hours Los Angeles, CA: 10 hours San Francisco, CA: 11 hours Portland, OR: 11.5 hours Seattle, WA: 12.5 hours

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15 UTAH’S

RESORTS

When Utah became a state in 1896, it adopted the beehive— which represents cooperation—as the state symbol. We think that the hive is also an apt representation of Utah’s 15 resorts: each has a unique, unforgettable vibe, but all work together to provide some of the best, snowy fun in the U.S.

SNOWBASIN

PARK CITY MOUNTAIN

Plenty of ink has been dedicated to Snowbasin’s luxe day lodges, replete with crystal chandeliers, enormous furniture and regal fireplaces. But the true hallmark of Snowbasin is its well-planned lift system. There are two gondolas, a tram and six chairlifts servicing dozens of long, flowy cruisers, gladed steeps and open bowls. Take in the dizzying westerly views of the Great Salt Lake (and get to the top of the attention-demanding 2002 Olympic Winter Games men’s downhill run) with a ride on Allen Peak Tram.

On sunny days, a long lunch on the deck of the John Paul Lodge is a must.

Park City Mountain is one of those precious few places in the U.S. where, with just a few turns through powdery-soft snow, you can transport yourself from a pristine mountain slope to the center of a delightfully historic little town. Better yet, Park City Mountain’s 7,300 acres—giving it the distinction of being the largest mountain resort in the U.S.—is just waiting to be explored. Local’s tip: to manageably tour all of the resort in one day, take your time getting from one end to the other and then ride Park City’s free citywide bus back to where you began.

snowbasin.com MULTI-RESORT PASSES: Epic Pass

3,000 acres | 3,000’ vertical 355” average snow/year

ALTA Though the “soul of skiing” and “old school” are phrases often used to describe Alta, there’s nothing passé about this skiers-only mountain— unless an unadulterated passion for skiing is considered outmoded to you. There, long steeps like High Rustler, Eagle’s Nest and Yellow Trail funnel into tamer, intermediate runs such as Mambo and Devil’s Elbow.

Albion Basin is a sweeping beginners playground surrounded by highaltitude views reminiscent of the Swiss Alps. Lodging options reflect Alta’s keen focus on snow-sliding; all of the hotels there, even the luxurious Snowpine Lodge, offer dorm rooms for the ski-eat-sleep-repeat crowd.

parkcitymountain.com MULTI-RESORT PASSES: Epic Pass

7,300 acres | 3,200’ vertical 355” average snow/year

alta.com MULTI-RESORT PASSES: Alta-Bird Pass, Ikon Pass, Mountain Collective, Ski City Super Pass

For more about Utah’s 15 ski and snowboard resorts visit: skiutah.com/skiresorts

2,614 acres | 2,538’ vertical 547” average snow/year

SNOWBIRD Sure, the ’Bird’s wide open cruisers, legendary steeps, hidden chutes and powder-kissed bowls are certainly more than enough to earn it the stellar reputation this resort enjoys among serious skiers and riders from around the globe. But Snowbird checks all the other boxes, too, with sophisticated, modern lodging; the 30,000-square-foot Cliff Spa, complete with a rooftop pool; plenty of on-site après-ski and dining options (or downtown Salt Lake City is just a 30-minute Uber/Lyft ride away); a friendly, capable ski school (ladies from across the country swear by Snowbird’s Women’s Ski Camps); and an intimate, Bauhaus-inspired base village.

snowbird.com MULTI-RESORT PASSES: Alta-Bird Pass, Ikon Pass, Mountain Collective, Ski City Super Pass 2,500 acres | 3,240’ vertical 500” average snow/year

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POWDER MOUNTAIN

BEAVER MOUNTAIN

First and foremost, Powder Mountain is big; 3,000 acres of lift-served runs are complemented by 5,000+ more acres of snowcat-served and hike-to terrain. Five hundred inches of snow descends on Powder Mountain’s mostly intermediate slopes every winter—no snowmaking required. And lift ticket sales are capped at 1,500 per day, meaning you’ll find freshies there even days after a storm. When you go, Powder Mountain’s Adventure Center guides offer personalized tours of both on-piste runs and the sidecountry.

Nestled just off the Logan Canyon Scenic Byway is the small but übercharming Beaver Mountain, owned and operated by the Seelholzer Family since it opened in 1939. What the “Beav” lacks in vert and acreage is more than made up for by its pristine scenery, ample snowfall and a rare mom-and-pop intimacy.

powdermountain.com 3,125 lift-served acres 5,754 additional “adventure” acres 3,240’ vertical | 500” average snow/year

WOODWARD PC Utah’s newest resort just might be its most rad. Situated just northwest of Park City along I-80, this worldclass, action-sports hub encompasses lift-served skiing, riding and snow tubing outside, and a 66,000-square foot indoor facility, housing a pump track, parkour zone, Olympic-grade trampolines, foam pits, a digital media lab and more.

woodwardparkcity.com 80 acres | 349’ vertical 150” average snow/year

skithebeav.com MULTI-RESORT PASSES: Indy Pass

828 acres | 1,700’ vertical 400” average snow/year

DEER VALLEY There’s a reason—or rather many— why Deer Valley has been named the U.S.’s best ski resort by the World Ski Awards an unprecedented seven times (and was favored to win again as of this publication’s press time), and it’s not all about the food. A few of the ways Deer Valley has become the resort by which all others are measured: its stellar ski school; miles and miles of perfectly groomed slopes, regardless of the weather (Deer Valley boasts one of the most extensive snowmaking systems in the U.S.); multiple high-end slopeside lodging options; and a diverse après-ski and nightlife scene.

SOLITUDE

SUNDANCE

Though “something for everyone” sounds like non-committal marketingspeak, at Solitude that phrase actually rings true. Solitude’s lower front face is riddled with beginner and intermediate terrain, best accessed from the Moonbeam Base, while the resort’s higher reaches offer the experts-only challenge of Honeycomb Canyon and the hike-to Fantasy Ridge.

A Euro-inspired village features the personality-heavy Thirsty Squirrel for après-ski, the Wine Spectator Award-winning St. Bernard’s, the Stone Haus Pizzeria & Creamery and much more.

Dreamy retreat may be the best way to describe Sundance Resort, Robert Redford’s rustic getaway at the top of North Fork Canyon. This resort’s combination of no-frills affordability and obvious international cachet attracts a diverse following: don’t be surprised if on the chairlift you’re flanked on one side by an aspiring filmmaker from Brooklyn and a lifelong Provo resident on the other.

Destination-worthy skiing and riding (including cross-country skiing), award-winning cuisine, diverse off-slope activities and its fairytalelike cottages complete Sundance’s incomparable gestalt.

solitudemountain.com MULTI-RESORT PASSES: Ikon Pass, Big Cottonwood Pass, Ski City Super Pass 1,200 acres | 2,494’ vertical 500” average snow/year

400 acres | 1,296’ vertical 300” average snow/year

450 acres | 2,050’ vertical 300” average snow/year

1,050 acres | 1,745’ vertical 500” average snow/year

2,026 acres | 3,000’ vertical 300” average snow/year

skicherrypeak.com

MULTI-RESORT PASSES: Power Pass

MULTI-RESORT PASSES: Ikon Pass, Big Cottonwood Pass, Ski City Super Pass

MULTI-RESORT PASSES: Ikon Pass

If you’re looking for a family-friendly, off-the-beaten path adventure, consider heading up to Cherry Peak, a small but mighty resort in northern Utah’s bucolic Cache Valley. There, the mostly beginner and intermediate runs all lead to the base lodge—and all are lit for night skiing and riding.

And giggles are guaranteed on Cherry Peak’s tubing hill.

sundanceresort.com

brightonresort.com

deervalley.com

CHERRY PEAK

BRIGHTON Brighton is one of the U.S.’s oldest mountain resorts, and arriving there feels a little like stepping back in time. That being said, there’s nothing stodgy about Brighton. The resort’s meandering topography, tons of natural snowfall, terrain parks and come-as-you-are vibe have earned Brighton a strong multigenerational following among purists from both near and far. Lodging is, in a word, basic. But once you spend a day there, followed by tap beers and nachos at Molly Green’s (a throw-back A-frame après-ski bar, complete with taxidermy décor) we’re guessing you’ll forgive Brighton for its lack of ski valets and 500-thread-count sheets.

NORDIC VALLEY

BRIAN HEAD

A red-roofed, white barn at the resort base intimates Nordic Valley’s wholesome, family-focused persona.

This year, however, Nordic Valley has upped the ante in a big way with the installation of a new sixperson, high-speed chairlift, opening up an additional 50 acres of skiing and riding this winter, with plans for access to much more terrain in subsequent seasons. Nordic keeps the fun going after sundown by lighting 100 percent of the mountain for night skiing and riding.

If you’ve glimpsed a photo of a skier or rider carving a deep turn on a snowcovered slope with red rock spires in the background, then you’re familiar with Brian Head. Located at 9,600 feet (Utah’s highest resort base elevation) and within a literal stone’s throw of Cedar Breaks National Monument, this resort offers the matchless combination of skiing in Utah’s red rock desert. Brian Head’s runs funnel down from two peaks into its quaint, namesake town where you can spa, indulge in authentic barbecue, snow tube, snowmobile and much more.

nordicvalley.ski MULTI-RESORT PASSES: Power Pass

200 acres | 1,000’ vertical 300” average snow/year

EAGLE POINT Fabulous snow, affordable ski-in/skiout lodging and zero crowds are what you’ll find at Eagle Point, unexpectedly located in southern Utah’s wild and rugged Tushar Mountains. And since this resort is closed weekdays (when it’s available for private rental), Fridays there are almost always powder days.

eaglepointresort.com 650 acres | 1,500’ vertical 350” average snow/year

brianhead.com MULTI-RESORT PASSES: Power Pass

650 acres | 1,320’ vertical 360” average snow/year

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Below the slopes, the opportunities peak.

Winter in Salt Lake City is full of excitement. Spend a day at the Olympic Oval where you can skate on the “fastest ice on Earth�. Take in the millions of lights at Temple Square while sipping on gourmet hot cocoa. Enjoy the expansive ethnic dining scene, or shop the temperature-controlled streets of City Creek below a magical glass ceiling.

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