If you’re planning a ski trip to Salt Lake City, Utah or Park City, there’s a lot of information out there that can make a trip like this daunting.
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, skiing in a new place can be challenging. I recently went on a ski trip to Utah for the first time, so I’ve gathered all the information to help you find the best resorts to ski at, the best things to do off the slopes, and so much more.
Choose your base
First off, you may not be familiar with the area in Utah to begin with. Most people first will choose whether to stay in one of the two major cities– Salt Lake City or Park City.
What’s the difference? Salt Lake City is the larger city, where you’ll most likely fly into and can stay at various hotels and airbnbs. Or you can stay in Park City which is a smaller city about 30 minutes from SLC but is closer to resorts with ski on and off options.
Why stay in Salt Lake City over Park City?
There’s definitely pros and cons to both, but you may want to consider staying in Salt Lake City if you need to stay within a certain budget, want to get access to local events [see a basketball game or show while in town], or you simply want to be close to the airport to get in and out for a short turnaround trip.
Another thing to note is that staying in Salt Lake City, can give you access to really nice restaurants, breweries, and you can comfortably stay at a variety of different quality hotels and airbnbs.
The main issue with staying in Salt Lake City instead of Park City is the morning traffic to the ski resorts. Additionally, there are limited ski on/ski off options available. However if the pros outweigh the cons, I’d highly recommend staying in Salt Lake City.
On the other hand, staying in Park City, Utah is also an available and amazing option to consider. If you want to be right in the center of everything, have a walkable main street with a very quintessential après-ski vibe, there’s nothing quite like this.
Some of the other pros as mentioned above is that you can do ski on/ski off resorts, you don’t need to rent a car if you want to stay in the local area, and you have a variety of luxury stays at your fingertips.
However, staying in Park City is a noticeable difference in pricing from the ski resorts to the lodging. There’s also less options for restaurants making it much more competitive to get a reservation at peak times. If that doesn’t sway you, staying in Park City may be the way to go.
![Brighton Utah Ski Resort](https://www.sarahdutra.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/ashton-morris-cEn0ztKTjes-unsplash-1024x768.jpg)
Top Utah Ski Resorts and Terrain
Top Ski Resorts in the Salt Lake City Area
If you’re skiing in Utah for the very first time, most people will highlight the following resorts as must-haves: Alta, Brighton, Snowbird, and Solitude. Each of these mountains have a bit different terrain and cater to different audiences. In my opinion, here are the most important things to know about each one.
First off, Alta is a skiers only resort. If you are in a group or interested in going snowboarding, this automatically is not a location for you. However, many experienced skiers enjoy this option and may want to check it out.
Brighton and Solitude were next on my list, both of which I did visit. The terrain at both offer a variety of different levels including greens, blues, and of course thrilling black diamonds. Also, both resorts were open to both skiers and snowboarders, and were family friendly. We spent one day at each, and luckily the weather and conditions were great.
I highly recommend getting there early to get close parking, and find lockers to put your stuff in if you prefer renting a locker. Keep in mind, if you’re in a small group [less than 4] you may have to pay for parking if you’re driving in. We had a group of 5 so we didn’t have to pay.
Snowbird is by far one of the most amazing resorts to see and experience. It is a bit more catered to intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders, so keep in mind that the majority of slopes may be more challenging than what Brighton or Solitude have to offer.
We also noticed that it is much busier compared to the other resorts. After coming down a trail, we often waited more than 30 minutes to get on a chairlift. However, this could have been due to it being a weekend [Saturdays and Sundays are the busiest], and they just had a snowstorm with over 6 inches of fresh powder.
This likely made that day busier than usual, but it is important to note. Overall, it was still one of the most beautiful and challenging days I had, that made it worthwhile.
Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley
Finally, if you’re considering all your resort options, you’ll want to consider Park City Mountain Resort and also Deer Valley. Park City Mountain Resort is the largest ski resort in North America, and offers so much from the historic ski town to the 100’s of trails for all ski levels. It’s also family friendly, has a down to earth vibe, and much more affordable than Deer Valley, though it’s still a bit more expensive than the four mentioned above.
Deer Valley is also technically in Park City, but is located just a further bit down the road. The major difference here is the experience. While Park City offers that ski town charm, Deer Valley offers a luxury ski experience like no other. If you truly want the lodge experience with great food, comfortable seating areas, and pampering, Deer Valley is worth the trip.
Plan your ski trip itinerary
Booking your tickets
Once you know where you’d like to stay, whether it be Salt Lake City or Park City, you’ll want to start planning your activities for the time you have there. Considering how many days you plan on skiing and how often you may return, there’s a variety of options for purchasing tickets. Every day resorts sell day passes, however sometimes those passes can average $200 per day [yes, per person] or more.
Skiers and snowboarders that plan to ski a few times over a season often purchase season passes such as the IKON pass or Epic pass. Keep in mind these are released at the beginning of the season and often sell out, so if you’re serious about getting one, set a reminder. You’ll also want to ensure the pass you get covers the locations you want to attend.
If you’re just going to ski for a few days, you may want to consider getting a multi-day pass. These can easily be purchased the day of at your resort or when you visit a rental place.
Book a ski lesson
If you’re new to skiing, taking a class is a good choice for your first day on the slopes. It is also a good option if you want to improve as a beginner. It’s great to have an expert teach you how to control your skis, improve stopping and turning, and learn basic techniques. We had a group lesson with four people at Solitude and had a great experience.
Rent or buy?
Another factor to consider is whether to buy or rent your gear.
If your skiing for the first time, you’ll need the skis, ski boots, poles, a helmet, goggles, and of course outer wear such as a shell jacket, snow pants, base layers and more. To be frank, the gear is not cheap so if you are not sold yet on this sport, it’s probably best to rent the main gear [skis, boots, helmet, etc] and buy your basic clothing such as the snow pants, base layers, gloves, etc.
Where to rent?
If you’re going to rent ski gear while in Salt Lake City, then Canyon Sports is a great option. We were also able to purchase our day passes there. The pick up and drop off are very easy and the staff was very helpful and kind.
If you don’t want to lug around your ski gear to different resorts, you can also just rent there. If you do choose to rent at resorts, you’ll most likely want to get there early to get the best options of the day before it gets busy.
Once you know you are committed to this sport, then maybe you’ll want to invest in your own gear. I highly recommend waiting a couple of seasons though, because even intermediate and advanced skiers have shared that renting is still a great option for convenience when traveling to Utah for a ski trip.
Exploring Off-Piste Adventures: Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling, and More
If you’re traveling with a group, you may have some folks who don’t want to ski or snowboard. No worries! There are plenty of other exhilarating outdoor activities beyond skiing, such as snowshoeing through scenic trails, snowmobiling across snowy landscapes, and ice skating in picturesque settings. These activities provide a different perspective of the winter wonderland in Utah and are perfect for those looking for a break from the slopes. Snowshoeing allows you to explore the untouched snow-covered areas and enjoy the peacefulness of the winter landscape. Snowmobiling offers an adrenaline rush as you zip through the snow, and ice skating provides a charming and romantic experience for couples or families. Be sure to check with local tour operators or resorts for options and availability, as these activities are popular and may require advance booking during peak seasons. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just looking for a change of pace, these off-piste adventures are a great addition to your Utah winter getaway.
Dining and Après-Ski
After a long day on the slopes, you’ll want to relax and enjoy some good food and drinks. Salt Lake City offers a variety of dining options, from casual to fine dining, so you can find the perfect spot to unwind. Make sure to make reservations in advance, especially if you have a larger group, to ensure you have a great dining experience without any wait. Additionally, don’t miss out on the après-ski scene, where you can socialize with other skiers and enjoy some live music or entertainment.
Depending on what you’re looking for quick bties or fine dining– here is my Google list of Utah Restaurants to check out in Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah.
Savoring Utah’s Craft Beer Scene: Brewery Tours and Tastings
Explore Salt Lake City’s vibrant craft beer scene with brewery tours, tastings, and taprooms offering a variety of locally brewed beers to suit every palate. You can start your craft beer adventure by visiting some of the city’s well-known breweries such as Uinta Brewing, Red Rock Brewing, and Proper Brewing Co. These breweries offer guided tours where you can learn about the beer-making process and sample their unique brews.
Additionally, many of the breweries have taprooms where you can enjoy a pint or flight of their beers, often accompanied by delicious food options. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just looking for a fun and unique experience in Salt Lake City, the craft beer scene is definitely worth exploring.
Practical tips and resources
Packing Essentials: What to Bring for a Week-Long Ski Trip to Utah
Make a comprehensive packing list covering clothing, gear, accessories, and other essentials to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable skiing experience. When it comes to clothing, it’s important to pack multiple layers to stay warm and dry on the slopes. This includes thermal or wool base layers, a waterproof and insulated ski jacket, snow pants, gloves or mittens, and a warm hat or beanie. Make sure you pack extra socks and consider bringing a neck gaiter or balaclava for added protection against the cold. Of course if you are bringing your own gear, make sure to pack your skis or snowboard, boots, poles, and a helmet for safety. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and lip balm with SPF, as the sun’s reflection off the snow can be intense. It’s also a good idea to have a small backpack to carry essentials like water, snacks, and extra layers while on the slopes.
If you prefer the convenience of renting a car, there are several rental car companies available at the Salt Lake City International Airport and throughout the city. Keep in mind that parking in downtown Salt Lake City can be limited and expensive, so it’s important to factor that into your plans. Additionally, public transportation options such as buses and light rail can be a cost-effective and efficient way to get around the city and its surrounding areas. For traveling to Park City, there are also ski shuttles available from various locations in Salt Lake City, providing a convenient and stress-free option for reaching the ski resorts.
Lastly, be sure to check the weather and road conditions before heading out each day, as mountain weather can change quickly and impact your plans.
Some additional resources to make your trip even better:
My Google list of Utah Restaurants to check out in Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah.
Frequently asked questions:
1. How much does a Utah ski trip cost?
Depending on where you stay, the level of luxury you’re looking for, or if you’re trying to travel on a budget I would say most people spend on average of $1,000 to $5,500 on a typical trip for a Utah ski vacation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, planning a ski trip to Salt Lake City can be an exciting and memorable experience. From booking ski lessons to deciding whether to rent or buy gear, there are many factors to consider to ensure a successful trip. Remember to also take advantage of the dining and après-ski scene, and make sure to pack appropriately for the mountain weather. With careful planning and preparation, you can have a fantastic ski trip and create lasting memories on the slopes of Utah. Safe travels and happy skiing!
So what did I miss? If you’ve been to Utah recently for a ski trip, I’d love to get your suggestions for the next time I visit!
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