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The 5 Best Ski Resorts Near Salt Lake City, 2023/24

The 5 Best Ski Resorts Near Salt Lake City, 2023/24
Jack Lee
Written by Jack Lee / Photos by Jack Lee
Last updated May 20, 2022

Salt Lake City is the main gateway to some of the best (and some of the gnarliest) Utah ski resorts! All resorts are within 45 minutes drive from the airport. Check out our pick of the top 5 best ski resorts near Salt Lake City.

Distance from Salt Lake City - 37 miles (45 minute drive)

view from red pine gondola park city
Ski Park City

Why Ski Park City

While Park City is the largest resort in the US, it’s not just sheer vastness that makes Park City stand out. It’s the holy grail of excellent quality powder, consistent snowfall, and a distinct lack of wind that generally keeps the white stuff fresh, dry, and floaty. Its authentic Old West mining town vibe coupled with heaps of winter attractions, endless entertainment and restaurants, makes it quite a popular ski destination for families and large groups. However for these reasons, the resort often results in some sizable crowds.

Known for

The largest ski resort in the US, with an unbeatable ski town

Highlights

  • You haven't skied Utah until you've skied Park City!
  • Sheer volume of runs and great intermediate skiing
  • Endless entertainment and dining options in historic town
  • Susceptible to major crowds

24/25 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 19 2024(Estimated open date based on historical data)
  • Closing Date: Apr 16 2025(Estimated close date based on historical data)

Closest airports

Salt Lake City Intl. Airport - 37 miles (45 minute drive)

Distance from Salt Lake City - 37 miles (45 minute drive)

view from red pine gondola park city
Ski Park City

Why Ski Park City

While Park City is the largest resort in the US, it’s not just sheer vastness that makes Park City stand out. It’s the holy grail of excellent quality powder, consistent snowfall, and a distinct lack of wind that generally keeps the white stuff fresh, dry, and floaty. Its authentic Old West mining town vibe coupled with heaps of winter attractions, endless entertainment and restaurants, makes it quite a popular ski destination for families and large groups. However for these reasons, the resort often results in some sizable crowds.

2. Alta

Distance from Salt Lake City - 32 miles (40 minute drive)

view of alta backside from Sugarloaf
Sugarloaf Peak at Alta

Why Ski Alta

If you want a vacation where you can focus on a full day shredding the slopes, Alta is definitely worth checking out; as long as you're on two planks since Alta is a skiers only mountain. It borders Snowbird so you can buy a ticket to ski both, but you'll find Alta a bit less crowded, either because it's another mile up the canyon, or because snowboarders aren't allowed on the lifts. There are a handful of lodges at the base but no nightclubs or stores. On the other hand, the canyon isn't really that far of a drive (or public bus ride) to Salt Lake City, which opens the doors to an array of dining and drinking options!

Known for

Old school skiers-only mountain with access to Snowbird on the AltaBird pass

Highlights

  • World-class extreme terrain
  • Compact base area is easy to navigate
  • Good beginner terrain
  • Lodging, nightlife, and shopping options are a bit lacking

24/25 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 23 2024(Estimated open date based on historical data)
  • Closing Date: Apr 24 2025(Estimated close date based on historical data)

Closest airports

Salt Lake City Intl. Airport - 32 miles (40 minute drive)

Distance from Salt Lake City - 32 miles (40 minute drive)

view of alta backside from Sugarloaf
Sugarloaf Peak at Alta

Why Ski Alta

If you want a vacation where you can focus on a full day shredding the slopes, Alta is definitely worth checking out; as long as you're on two planks since Alta is a skiers only mountain. It borders Snowbird so you can buy a ticket to ski both, but you'll find Alta a bit less crowded, either because it's another mile up the canyon, or because snowboarders aren't allowed on the lifts. There are a handful of lodges at the base but no nightclubs or stores. On the other hand, the canyon isn't really that far of a drive (or public bus ride) to Salt Lake City, which opens the doors to an array of dining and drinking options!

Distance from Salt Lake City - 32 miles (40 minute drive)

Snowbird Tram
Snowbird Tram taking us to the top!

Why Ski Snowbird

Snowbird is where you’ll find incredible and challenging terrain with world class snow in both volume and quality. The terrain here is truly for the adventurous with double black runs of trees, chutes, and cliffs to keep advanced and experts busy. Yes, there's beginner terrain but it is very limited and does not have the best progression from beginner terrain to intermediate. There's not much of a town at Snowbird with only a handful of restaurants and bars in the small village. Nightlife and shopping is also limited here but luckily Salt Lake City is only a short drive or public bus ride away! This place is perfect if your focus is on the snow.

Known for

Amazing intermediate and expert terrain with access to Alta on the AltaBird pass

Highlights

  • Great challenging terrain for intermediate and expert skiers
  • Connected to Alta (only good if you're a skier)
  • Efficient lift system and long ski seasons
  • Not suited for beginners along with limited dining, nightlife and lodging options

24/25 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 24 2024(Estimated open date based on historical data)
  • Closing Date: May 22 2025(Estimated close date based on historical data)

Closest airports

Salt Lake City Intl. Airport - 32 miles (40 minute drive)

Distance from Salt Lake City - 32 miles (40 minute drive)

Snowbird Tram
Snowbird Tram taking us to the top!

Why Ski Snowbird

Snowbird is where you’ll find incredible and challenging terrain with world class snow in both volume and quality. The terrain here is truly for the adventurous with double black runs of trees, chutes, and cliffs to keep advanced and experts busy. Yes, there's beginner terrain but it is very limited and does not have the best progression from beginner terrain to intermediate. There's not much of a town at Snowbird with only a handful of restaurants and bars in the small village. Nightlife and shopping is also limited here but luckily Salt Lake City is only a short drive or public bus ride away! This place is perfect if your focus is on the snow.

Distance from Salt Lake City - 38 miles (45 minute drive)

Top of Empire Express looking across the Daly Bowl and Daly Chutes Deer Valley
Incredible views here!

Why Ski Deer Valley

Deer Valley is an upscale, skiers only resort with a world class grooming and lift system and has one of the best ski schools in the country. At Deer Valley, you can enjoy the convenience of ski-in/ ski-out lodging and top-notch dining with outstanding customer service. There is a vast range of terrain, especially for intermediates and quite popular for families. Although Deer Valley doesn’t have much of a nightlife, it is within close proximity to the vibrant town of Park City. Deer Valley can get quite pricey but if you’re looking for exclusivity, it is definitely worth checking out!

Known for

Skiers-only mountain with top-notch ski-in/ski-out lodging and five-star service

Highlights

  • Superb customer service and luxury facilities
  • Exceptional grooming
  • Limited number of daily lift tickets sold, reduces crowds
  • Expensive and no entry for snowboarders

24/25 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Dec 03 2024(Estimated open date based on historical data)
  • Closing Date: Apr 14 2025(Estimated close date based on historical data)

Closest airports

Salt Lake City Intl. Airport - 38 miles (45 minute drive)

Distance from Salt Lake City - 38 miles (45 minute drive)

Top of Empire Express looking across the Daly Bowl and Daly Chutes Deer Valley
Incredible views here!

Why Ski Deer Valley

Deer Valley is an upscale, skiers only resort with a world class grooming and lift system and has one of the best ski schools in the country. At Deer Valley, you can enjoy the convenience of ski-in/ ski-out lodging and top-notch dining with outstanding customer service. There is a vast range of terrain, especially for intermediates and quite popular for families. Although Deer Valley doesn’t have much of a nightlife, it is within close proximity to the vibrant town of Park City. Deer Valley can get quite pricey but if you’re looking for exclusivity, it is definitely worth checking out!

Distance from Salt Lake City - 35 miles (45 minute drive)

Millicent at Brighton Resort Utah
Brighton Mountain

Why Ski Brighton

Brighton has four distinct parts of the mountain which offer a great variety of terrain, with everything from smooth groomers to tree runs and narrow chutes. Compared to some of the other resorts in the area, Brighton is on the smallish side but less crowded than Park City or Snowbird. Being less than an hour from Salt Lake, the smaller number of visitors includes devoted locals who give it a friendly vibe. Although the accommodation and dining options are mediocre, the prices are also family friendly: kids under 10 always ski or ride for free!

Known for

Laid-back local mountain connected to Solitude

Highlights

  • Affordable for families (kids 10 and under ski free)
  • Slope connected to Solitude Mountain on the Solbright pass
  • Less crowded than nearby popular resorts
  • Small base with limited food and lodging

24/25 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 19 2024(Estimated open date based on historical data)
  • Closing Date: Apr 28 2025(Estimated close date based on historical data)

Closest airports

Salt Lake City Intl. Airport - 35 miles (45 minute drive)

Distance from Salt Lake City - 35 miles (45 minute drive)

Millicent at Brighton Resort Utah
Brighton Mountain

Why Ski Brighton

Brighton has four distinct parts of the mountain which offer a great variety of terrain, with everything from smooth groomers to tree runs and narrow chutes. Compared to some of the other resorts in the area, Brighton is on the smallish side but less crowded than Park City or Snowbird. Being less than an hour from Salt Lake, the smaller number of visitors includes devoted locals who give it a friendly vibe. Although the accommodation and dining options are mediocre, the prices are also family friendly: kids under 10 always ski or ride for free!