Welcome to Utah snow sports where we are known for the Big Four ski resorts. Utah is known for some of our world class skiing and snowboarding, and it all happens on the mountain. Utah’s “Big Four” resorts in Big Cottonwood Canyon and Little Cottonwood Canyon offer some of the world’s best skiing and ample powder with loads of varied terrain. From the bunny hills of every small resort to the biggest of mountains with the Double Black Diamond, the following is a review of these resorts and why people ski there.
Snowbird is one of the most famous ski resorts in Little Cottonwood Canyon, known for steep slopes, deep powder, and a very long ski season. Known for its challenging ski terrain, Snowbird offers big cliffs and gullies that are a favorite among advanced skiers and snowboarders. The iconic Aerial Tram takes guests 2,900 vertical feet up to Hidden Peak, with views and some of the best runs at this resort. Getting over 500 inches of snow yearly, Snowbird stays open later in spring than most resorts, which explains why serious skiers take advantage of this destination as often as possible. But with it having the highest price point at an average of $184 it might just be out of most price ranges.
Nearby, Alta Ski area boasts a quintessential, nostalgic experience skiing Little Cottonwood Canyon. Alta is a skier’s haven for purists, where tradition, deep powder, and challenging terrain come into play. It boasts more than 550 inches of annual snowfall and is one of the best places in North America for powder skiing. Its natural features, steep chutes, and tree runs make it ideal for advanced skiers, while the Alta Bird pass connects it to neighboring Snowbird for a combined skiing experience. For almost half as much as its neighbor at an average of $104, Alta is a must.
Brighton Resort in Big Cottonwood Canyon has gained popularity because of its family-friendly atmosphere, excellent snowboarding terrain, and night skiing. It provides a balanced combination of runs for beginners, intermediate, and advanced levels, and has several terrain parks and tree skiing. This compact layout has all lifts funnel back to the base, making it user-friendly for families and beginners. Brighton is affordable and popular with locals, families, and snowboarders. Brighton is one of the cheapest resorts at an average of about $90 per day. Many other price points can increase this with the more hours you ski.
Also in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Solitude Mountain Resort is aptly named, with a near-deserted feel on many ski days. Solitude has something for every ability level, with gentle groomers, glades, and the expert shots of Honeycomb Canyon-a place where powder stashes can go untouched for days after a storm. With some 500 inches of annual snowfall, Solitude is ideal for those in search of a crowd-free, laid-back mountain experience. With a pretty good medium at just $135 per day, this could be the best resort.
We asked an avid skier Chad Zielinski who is also a teacher at Kearns High School about some of his favorite places to ski. He answered with, “I enjoy the quietness and the peace I get from skiing at these four resorts.” He mentioned the snow it brings each year and the great terrain it offers at all these places. He also goes on to state that, “I enjoy going skiing with my family and my kids.” These four resorts offer an unparalleled skiing experience, from steep and challenging slopes, family-friendly runs with abundant snowfall, varied terrain, and stunning canyon settings. Snowbird, Alta, Brighton, and Solitude rank among the finest winter destinations in the world.
