When winter rolls around, there’s no place in the US quite like Utah, trust me. With snow-clad mountains and plenty of powder, the ski resorts in Utah are the most coveted winter playground.
And rightly so! This state has some of the best skiing and snowboarding slopes in the country. From beginner slopes to more challenging terrains, venturing to Utah will be an unforgettable experience for skiers of all levels. And with over 300 days of sunshine per year, the days are absolutely breathtaking with fresh pow pow and clear skies.
Of course, all that fun and excitement can only be enjoyed if your accommodation matches your adventure level. What better way to end the perfect day on the slopes than by unwinding in front of a fire or soothing your limbs in a hot tub. Fun times indeed.
If you’re looking for the best ski resorts in Utah but don’t know where to start. Don’t worry, because you needn’t look any further. In this guide, I have listed the top options so you can hit the slopes much faster.
So, let’s get started…
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Staying in a Ski Resort in Utah
Whether you’re in the luxury lodges of Deer Valley or prefer the laid-back vibes around Brighton, these ski resorts nail the balance between rugged mountain adventure and luxurious comforts.
Not only is it a convenient day trip for lucky Salt Lake City locals, but it also means you could stay in the city and transit into the ski resort each morning. Accommodations in ski resorts are usually more pricey, so you could find an affordable rental or an extravagant one for a fraction of the price you would otherwise pay on the slopes.
Accommodations here range from slopeside chalets with ski-to-door benefits to budget-friendly inns in nearby towns. Common amenities include fireplaces, ski-locker rooms, and the all-mighty hot tubs North America’s alpine resorts are so famous for.
Photo: @amandaadraper
Many options throw in perks like free ski shuttles, hearty breakfasts, and even on-site ski fittings and rental shops. And don’t get me started on apres-ski. The big lodges and hotels here have cosy lounges, outdoor firepits facing the slopes, and even live music to help you unwind after a day on your feet.
What makes Utah stand out amongst other snow destinations? Well, proximity is key. With most of the best resorts just around the corner from the state’s capital city, you’re never too far from civilization.
Plus, the powder here is dry and fluffy, thanks to the desert climate. It’s a totally different ball game compared to the wetter snow you’d often find in the Alps or the icy terrain in the east. If you’re thinking of hitting the slopes whilst backpacking in the US, then this destination should be right up there.
Carriage House Cabin on the Stream, Sundance
- > $$$
- > 2 Guests
- > Private hot tub and outdoor shower
- > Indoor fireplace and outdoor fire pit
Stylish 2-Bed House in Cedar Village, Brian Head Resort
- > $
- > 6 Guests
- > Washer and dryer
- > Indoor fireplace
Penthouse Suite at The Snowpine Lodge, Alta Ski Area
- > $$$$
- > 2-4 Guests
- > Fitness center and pool
- > Ski-to-door and ski room
Waldorf Astoria Park City, Park City Mountain Resort
- > $$$
- > 2 Guests
- > Spa and wellness center with pool
- > Delicious breakfast served daily
The 10 Top Ski Resorts in Utah
I’ve put together a list of the Beehive State’s top ski resorts, each with an accommodation recommendation. Apologies in advance if these options are so good that they confuse your decision-making process even more.
Hitting the slopes is one of the top things to do in Utah after all!
1. Carriage House Cabin, Sundance | Overall Best Value Ski Resort in Utah
The only problem you’ll have with this Sundance cabin on your ski holiday is that you won’t want to leave it. Yes. It’s that good. Tucked away in a residential part of the resort by the stream, it reminds me a bit of the house that the three bears lived in. Not too small, not too big, but just right!
Places to Visit Nearby
- Steward Falls
- Deer Creek Dam Trailhead
- Eccles Outdoor Stage
Skiing at Sundance is a bit like skiing on a movie set. It’s where gritty mountain vibes meet eco-chic accommodation with a splash of arty glitz and glam, thanks to the Sundance Film Festival held here each January. And a big bonus here: their complimentary hot chocolate served at the end of the day is almost as famous as the slopes themselves.
This creekside cabin is great for two guests, with an open-concept living space. But it’s got some unique features, too, from the covered deck with a firepit to the hot tub and outdoor shower to the bridge passing over the stream.
2. Stylish 2-Bed House in Cedar Village, Brian Head | Best Budget Ski Resort in Utah
Brian Head Resort is perfect for beginners and families. Best of all, it’s one of the more affordable resorts in the state, with stunning red rock backdrops from the slopes. It’s also not too far from Bryce Canyon, in case you also want to hit up a national park on this trip.
It’s an overall impressive option for budget skiers hoping to experience this top Utah ski resort in all its glory – wild views, light snow, and no high price point.
True to that, this little mountain getaway is oversized, can comfortably sleep six guests, and is just a short drive from the ski resort. The entire space has been refurnished with modern interiors, light wooden floors, and the necessary cabin extras like a fireplace and a full kitchen.
3. Penthouse Suite at The Snowpine Lodge, Alta | Most Luxurious Ski Resort in Utah
Alta is a skier’s paradise, with no snowboarders allowed. Whether this excites you or gives you a bad vibe, Alta is just as famous for its legendary powder and challenging terrain.
The Snowpine Lodge is the place to stay in Alta, and it may just be one of the best ski resorts in the US. It’s the closest hotel to the lifts, with ski pass sales and equipment rentals in the building for the ultimate convenience. The most luxurious room is the penthouse suite, which is beautifully designed with warm wooden interiors, contemporary furniture, and stunning mountain views.
4. Waldorf Astoria Park City, Park City | Perfect Utah in Ski Resort for Couples
Located in Northern Utah, this is the biggest ski resort in the U.S. Stretching over 7,300 acres with 41 lifts and eight terrain parks, it’s basically the land of endless trails. Add to that a lively town packed with shops, restaurants, and apres-ski options, and you have yourself a mega ski resort in Utah.
Park City’s Waldorf Astoria is romantic luxury at its finest. The world-class hotel offers incredible service and style just steps from the ski lifts – one named after the hotel itself. The hotel has a pool, a fitness center, and a bar and restaurant. It’s just as popular during summer when the resort turns into a hiking hotspot.
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Grab an eSIM!5. Luxury Studio at Marriott’s Summit Watch, Deer Valley
Known for its luxurious cabins, Deer Valley delivers five-star service, gourmet dining, and perfectly groomed slopes. It’s a little slice of alpine opulence in the U.S., and it absolutely has its place amongst the rich and the famous.
This gorgeous studio is located next to the main street in Park City but is just a quick drive from Deer Valley. And while you’ll have access to your private self-catering condo, you can also use resort facilities, including the pool and hot tub.
6. Charming Dome Home, Huntsville
An Olympic legacy ski destination, Snowbasin Resort combines top-notch facilities with jaw-dropping views and a mix of slopes and terrains to cater to all skier levels. Whether you’re popping off every jump you can find or cruising down the hill at three mph, this resort has a place for everyone.
Set between three separate locations, this unique dome home is ideally located for those who want to check out as many ski resorts in Utah as possible. It’s in a quiet mountain neighborhood where the birds will be your noisiest neighbors. The home is as quirky as Snowbasin Resort itself – the bespoke interiors and antique furniture speak for themselves.
7. 3-Bed Lodge with Hot Tub, Snowbird
Snowbird is famous for its steep runs and unparalleled scenery. And you know what that means: It’s a playground for adventurous adrenaline seekers. But don’t worry – there are, of course, slopes suitable for kids and beginner skiers, made all the more beautiful with panoramic mountain views.
And if you’re visiting with the family (or a group of friends), this large lodge is ideal for eight guests (but could fit ten if you’re willing to sleep on an air mattress). The home is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of comfy couches, a fireplace, and even a deck with a BBQ and hot tub to soak your muscles after a day on the mountain.
8. The Mountain Ski Lodge, Eden
I would go so far as to call Powder Mountain Utah’s hidden gem. With uncrowded slopes and more than 5000 acres of skiing through wide open bowls, it’s the ideal place for powder seekers looking for those crisp first tracks.
Another top affordable option for the broke backpacker, this condo is just minutes from Powder Mountain, Snow Basin, and Nordic Valley. The apartment has one bedroom and a full kitchen and is located right next to the shared pool and hot tub. Not only is it well priced, but it’s also conveniently located, with a shuttle outside the condo that can take you to and from the slopes.
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9. Modern 2-Bed Cabin with Hot Tub, Brighton
This is another one of the more affordable ski resorts in Utah. It’s a no-frills, snowboarder-friendly resort most loved by the locals who visit it season after season. The atmosphere here is laid-back and mellow, and they also offer some incredible night skiing options.
While not the cheapes, this stylish newly renovated Utah cabin is well worth the price. It has two bedrooms with space to sleep six comfortably, a huge living room with contemporary couches, and fun extras like a pool table, a ski equipment room, and a hot tub deck.
10. Comfortable Ski-In/Ski-Out Condo with Balcony, Brighton
Solitude is tucked away in the Big Cottonwood Canyon. It’s smaller than most resorts, which lets it live up to its name. Most of the runs here cater to intermediate to expert skiers, which is just another reason the crowds are thinned out here.
This well-designed home is perfect for families or small groups of six. You could say it’s the ultimate ski lodge, with access to a gym, hot tubs, pool, sauna, and firepits, as well as a legendary ski-in/ski-out location in the heart of the village.
FAQs About Ski Resorts in Utah
If you’ve got some more questions about Utah’s best ski resorts, then hopefully I’ve covered them here.
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Final Thoughts on the Best Ski Resorts in Utah
Utah has long been prized as the ultimate skier destination. It’s not that it doesn’t cater to snowboarders too, but skiing is undoubtedly at the forefront here. With legendary powder, stunning mountains in every direction you look, and ski resorts just outside of the state’s largest city – it’s paradise at its most convenient.
And not only do these resorts offer some of the best snow in the US, but they also have top-notch accommodations. Solitude and Park City stand out as two of the best ski resorts in Utah. If you’re chasing luxury and opulence, Deer Valley’s lodges and spas are second to none.
Wherever you choose to go, Utah’s ski resorts combine convenience, beauty, good vibes, and unbeatable powder.
Photo: @amandaadraper
- Check out our ultimate guide to backpacking in the USA.
- Get yourself covered with trusty travel insurance for the USA.
- Backpackers and frugal travelers can use our budget travel guide.
- Sort your eSIM for the USA to avoid unnecessary hassle.
- Our in-depth backpacking packing list has all the info you’ll need.
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