12 Thrilling Places to Go Snowboarding and Skiing Near Salt Lake City

Updated September 15, 2022

Salt Lake City is often referred to as “Ski City,” and for good reason – there are mountains everywhere. Whether you are a beginner skier visiting from out of state or an expert-level local snowboarder, you can find massive ski resorts near Salt Lake City that are suitable for you. With its fantastic, powder snow conditions and jaw-dropping scenery, the Salt Lake City area has everything a snow sports lover would dream about. We created this guide to the best places to go snowboarding and skiing near Salt Lake City that you can use to plan your next winter getaway!

Best Ski Resorts near Salt Lake City

Snowbird

Distance from Salt Lake City: 27 miles (~40 minutes)
Accommodations Available: Yes, at the Inn at Snowbird or Cliff Lodge (though there are many more affordable options off the mountain)
Ability Level: All levels

Located just 27 miles from the city, Snowbird is one of the most famous and popular ski resorts near Salt Lake City. Located in Cottonwood Canyon, the resort area has a whopping 168 trails across beginner, intermediate, and advanced terrain, although many visitors say that the slopes here on average tend to be catered to more experienced practitioners.

Advanced riders and skiers will love the deep powder show, night skiing options, and the steep drops and cliffs in some of the more challenging areas, and there’s a fabulous dining option at the Snowbird summit to refuel. As a bonus, Snowbird is close to Alta Ski Resort and season passes get you into both resorts!

How to Get There: If driving, start on I-15 S to I-215 E to UT 210 S to resort. If not driving, there is a daily UTA bus from Salt Lake City that brings you right to the resort.

Alta Ski Resort

Distance from Salt Lake City: 28 miles (40 minutes)
Accommodations Available: Yes, at Alta Lodge
Ability Level: All levels

Located in the Wasatch Mountains, Alta is one of the larger ski resorts near Salt Lake City, with 119 runs across 2,614 acres. Skiers, rejoice, because Alta is ski-only (sorry, snowboarders!). It’s a local favorite for skiing due to its variety in terrain and incredibly well-groomed trails with fantastic deep powder snow.

Alta has some of the best conditions in the country that cater largely to more experienced skiers, with over 80% of trails rated as intermediate or advanced. There are other cool options at Alta for the adrenaline junkie, like helicopter skiing and back-country adventures. For beginners, they do offer various ski lessons as well.

How to Get There: If driving, start on I-15 S to I-215 E to UT 210 S to the resort. If not driving, there is UTA transportation from Salt Lake City directly to Alta Ski Area.

Solitude Mountain Resort

Distance from Salt Lake City: 30 miles (~40 minutes)
Accommodations Available: Yes, at the Inn at Solitude
Ability Level: Mostly intermediate and advanced

For adrenaline junkies, Solitude Mountain Resort is a fantastic option for snowboarding and skiing near Salt Lake City. First developed as a silver mine in the 1900s, Solitude is a sizable ski resort located in Cottonwood Canyons. With an old-school skiing vibe and a wild variety in terrain throughout the grounds, Solitude is a great place to up-level your ski or snowboard game.

With 82 trails (90% of which are intermediate or advanced-level), the resort area has fantastic conditions most of the time, as it snows over 500 inches here each year. The black diamond runs in Honeycomb Canyon are a guest favorite for advanced folks, as they’re both challenging and scenic. Beginners, we’d recommend choosing a different resort, as Solitude really does cater to the seasoned skier.

How to Get There: If driving, start on I-15 S to UT- 190 E to Big Cottonwood Canyon rd to the resort. If not driving, there is a daily UTA Ski bus that takes you directly to the mountain.

Deer Valley

Distance from Salt Lake City: 33 miles (~40 minutes)
Accommodations Available: Yes, at Deer Valley Resort
Ability Level: All levels

Deer Valley Ski Resort is one of the most popular and well-known ski resorts near Salt Lake City and the Park City area. Home to the 2002 Winter Olympics, we know this resort will give you plenty of adventure opportunities. With over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, this large resort spans 6 mountains in Utah’s Wasatch Range. The resort focuses on providing skiers with a very luxurious, upscale experience, from well-groomed trails spanning all levels to car service to the lodge and more.

Visitors to Deer Valley love the variety of terrain and the on-site amenities, including a unique “ski with a champion” program that enables guests to book ski sessions with Olympic athletes. There are also snowmobiling tours, on-site fine dining options, and more for those who are not planning on skiing.

How to Get There: If driving, start on I-15 S to I-80 E to UT-224 S to Deer Valley Rd to the resort. If not driving, there is a bus with a connection from Salt Lake City to Deer Valley, Bus 902 to 6.

Park City

Distance from Salt Lake City: 33 miles (~40 minutes)
Accommodations Available: Yes, there are lots of accommodation options in Park City
Ability Level: All levels

No guide to skiing near Salt Lake City would be complete without the behemoth: Park City Mountain Resort. This resort is one of the most massive ski resorts in the country, with over 7,300 acres of skiable terrain. There are 348 trails across 17 peaks in this expansive resort, 115 which are open for night skiing. Park City Mountain Resort is especially catered toward intermediate to expert-level skiers, with 90%+ of the trails ranked as intermediate or harder.

Originally a silver mining town, Park City Mountain Resort offer year-round outdoor activities. In the winter, you’ll find a seemingly endless amount of trail options, 8 terrain parks, and a variety of resources for beginner skiers. The upscale on-site resort is a great spot for a family vacation activities, with plenty of non-ski activities like winter zip lining, snowmobiling, and mountain tours.

How to Get There: If driving, start on I-80 E to Kimball Junction onto UT-224 S to Deer Valley rd onto Park Ave. If not driving, there are many buses a day starting at $9 that go directly to Park City.

Snowbasin

Distance from Salt Lake City: 43 miles (~45 minutes)
Accommodations Available: None on site, but there are accommodations in nearby Ogden
Ability Level: Intermediate and advanced

Snowbasin is one of Utah’s well-known ski resorts, with 3,000 acres of skiable terrain across 107 trails. Often overshadowed by nearby ski resort giants Park City and Deer Valley, you should definitely visit Snowbasin for smaller crowds and incredible terrain.

The vast majority of trails here are ranked as intermediate or advanced, so this is probably not the best spot on our list for beginners or first-timers. However, if you are experienced and want to sharpen your skills across a variety of terrain, Snowbasin is a great place to go snowboarding or skiing near Salt Lake City. Visitors love the steepness of the mountain and the “rustic chic” vibe of the lodges on-site.

How to Get There: The easiest way to get to Snowbasin is by car. If you are driving, start on I-15 N towards Ogden, then continue on UT 89 N to I-84 E to UT-167 towards snow basin road.

Brighton Resort

Distance from Salt Lake City: 31 miles (~45 minutes)
Accommodations Available: Yes, the Brighton Woods Lodge
Ability Level: All levels

Located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Brighton Resort is a mid-sized snowboard and ski area that caters to all levels. With over 1,000 acres of skiable terrain, the park’s 66 trails span from beginner to advanced levels and 100% are serviced by high-speed lifts (and it is the only resort in Utah that does this). There are two sides to the mountain – Majestic, which features largely beginner and intermediate terrain, and Millicent, which has options for more advanced skiers and snowboarders.

One unique thing about Brighton is that it is very much a local, community-oriented organization. For example, on Wednesdays, you can get a discounted lift ticket if you bring an item for the Utah Food Pantry, and kids under 10 ride for free! Visitors love the family-owned feel of the place, as well as its affordable rates compared to other resorts in the area.

How to Get There: If driving, start on UT-190 E to Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd to the resort. If not driving, there is UTA transportation straight to Brighton Resort.

Powder Mountain

Distance from Salt Lake City: 53 miles (~1 hour)
Accommodations Available: Not on-site
Ability Level: All levels

Powder Mountain is one of the more massive ski resorts near Salt Lake City, and boasts a whopping 8,000 acres of skiable terrain (the largest in the United States by skiable area). The resort’s 154 runs span from beginner to advanced, so there’s plenty of variety for any level of skier or snowboarder (even first timers). There’s also 1,200 acres of off-piste terrain, with shuttles to transport you there and back to the main resort.

Lift tickets are capped at 1,500 per day. This means that the trails are often less crowded and provide plenty of freedom to those making their way down the mountain. The resort offers a variety of backcountry programs in addition to the more traditional trails. On top of that, the resort donates significantly to community outreach programs tackling poverty and education.

How to Get There: If driving, start on I-15 N towards South Ogden, then UT 89 N to UT 203 N to UT-39 E to Canyon Rd to UT-158 N to Powder Mountain Rd. If not driving, there is a bus from the Salt Lake City airport to the resort.

Beaver Mountain

Distance from Salt Lake City: 112 miles (~2 hours)
Accommodations Available: Yes, at the Beaver Mountain lodge
Ability Level: All levels, mostly beginner and intermediate

For a smaller, more intimate winter getaway, Beaver Mountain is a perfect spot for snowboarding and skiing near Salt Lake City. Located in the Bear Lake Mountain region, this northern Utah gem features 48 trails, largely rated in the beginner to intermediate range. This charming resort has much smaller crowds than the more commercial ski resorts and is beloved by locals in the Salt Lake City area.

Beaver Mountain is family owned and has a lot of family-friendly programs, and is known by locals as one of the best family-owned ski resorts in Utah. The terrain is perfect for beginners, as the slopes aren’t too sleep and there are a lot of helpful staff members available to assist.

How to Get There: If you are driving, start on I-15 N to Main Street, then US-89 N to UT- 243 to the resort. If you are not driving, there is a bus from Courthouse Station to Beaver Mountain.

Sundance Mountain Resort

Distance from Salt Lake City: 51 miles (~1 hour)
Accommodations Available: Yes, at Sundance Mountain Resort (all lodges that includes 2 free lift tickets per day with reservation)
Ability Level: All levels

Sitting on Mount Timpanogos, Sundance Mountain Resort is a winter ski area best known for its annual film festival. This unique, eclectic resort features tons of local artwork and stunning decor. With 45 runs across all levels, Sundance’s ski area is smaller than many of the others, but it’s still an incredibly interesting ski resort near Salt Lake City for a weekend getaway. People love the artistic vision of the resort and the relationship with the community, as well as its year-round, holistic connection to nature. That’s one reason why Sundance is better known for many of its art programs than as a ski resort.

How to Get There: If driving, start on I-15 s to US-189 to Provo Canyon RD to UT-92 W to resort. If not driving, there is a bus from Salt Lake City Greyhound station to Provo Station, then a shuttle to the resort.

Cherry Peak

Distance from Salt Lake City: 99 miles (~1 hr 45 minutes)
Accommodations Available: None on-site, accommodations in Richmond (4 miles away)
Ability Level: All levels

As one of the smallest and newest resorts for snowboarding and skiing near Salt Lake City, Cherry Peak offers just 200 skiable acres with 29 trails. There’s something for everyone here, with beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs and a terrain park. Visitors love the night skiing here, as well as the sweeping views of the snowy peaks nearby from the lodge. The resort’s focus is on affordability and accessibility, and offers a unique experience that’s quite different from the largest resorts nearby.

How to Get There: The easiest way to get to Cherry Peak is by car. If you are driving, start on I-15 N to US-91 N to Main street, then E 500 N to E 11000 N to the resort.

Eagle Point Resort

Distance from Salt Lake City: 217 miles (~3.5 hours)
Accommodations Available: Yes, at Eagle Point Resort
Ability Level: All levels

Eagle Point Ski Area is a charming, smaller resort located in the Tushar Mountains, with 40 runs across 650 skiable acres. The grounds offer a variety of trails across different ski levels, and boasts some of the best powder skiing that Utah has to offer. Their Lookout Lodge has some of the most stunning views in the area, and there are many charming parts of the resort to wander through.

As the resort is not as commercialized or crowded, and it boasts no lines for its lifts. With its affordable prices and locally-owned reputations, it’s a great family-friendly spot for skiing and snowboarding near Salt Lake City.

How to Get There: If driving, start on I-15 S to UT-160 S to UT-153 E to Village Circle, take to resort. If not driving, there is a bus from Courthouse station to Beaver, then a 30 min drive to the resort.

Additional Resources for Snowboarding & Skiing Near Salt Lake City

What to Pack

Waterproof outerwear – Possibly the most critical pieces of clothing for your ski trip packing list is durable, waterproof outerwear. Burton and Helly Hansen are famous ski brands for having best-in-class clothing that will keep you warm in the coldest, snowiest conditions. Click here to shop ski jackets and compare prices.
Thermal layers – Thermal baselayers are absolutely critical for a smooth skiing experience, as these will keep you warm and dry underneath your outerwear. The best kinds of thermal baselayers are made of Merino wool, which is moisture-wicking and comfortable. Our favorite brand of thermal layers is SmartWool – their tops and leggings are soft, lightweight, but warm and durable for all kinds of outdoor activities, including skiing. Click here to shop thermal tops and leggings and compare prices.
Ski goggles – No ski trip packing list would be complete without a pair of fog-resistant ski goggles, especially if you’re going somewhere that makes artificial snow. Ski slopes often have snow blowing into the air several times a day and it can be hard to keep freezing snowflakes out of your eyes, even during clear days. We use and recommend these ski goggles. However, you can shop ski goggles and compare reviews/prices here.

Waterproof outerwear – Possibly the most critical pieces of clothing for your ski trip packing list is durable, waterproof outerwear. Burton and Helly Hansen are famous ski brands for having best-in-class clothing that will keep you warm in the coldest, snowiest conditions. Click here to shop ski jackets and compare prices.
Thermal layers – Thermal baselayers are absolutely critical for a smooth skiing experience, as these will keep you warm and dry underneath your outerwear. The best kinds of thermal baselayers are made of Merino wool, which is moisture-wicking and comfortable. Our favorite brand of thermal layers is SmartWool – their tops and leggings are soft, lightweight, but warm and durable for all kinds of outdoor activities, including skiing. Click here to shop thermal tops and leggings and compare prices.
Ski goggles – No ski trip packing list would be complete without a pair of fog-resistant ski goggles, especially if you’re going somewhere that makes artificial snow. Ski slopes often have snow blowing into the air several times a day and it can be hard to keep freezing snowflakes out of your eyes, even during clear days. We use and recommend these ski goggles. However, you can shop ski goggles and compare reviews/prices here.

12 Thrilling Places to Go Snowboarding and Skiing Near Salt Lake City

Best Ski Resorts near Salt Lake City