Salt Lake City Skiing and Snowboarding 2026

Salt Lake City has been a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding, especially since hosting the 2002 Winter Olympics. With four major ski resorts just a short drive from the airport and additional world-class resorts in nearby Park City, this area has become known for reliable snowfall, diverse terrain, and modern amenities. As the organizers emphasize, Salt Lake City offers winter sports enthusiasts an excellent mix of powder-filled slopes and vibrant après-ski options.

Best Time to Visit for Winter Sports

The ski season in Salt Lake City generally spans late November through mid-April. Some resorts, depending on snowfall, may open in early December and close by March. The best time for prime snow conditions is usually in February, when snowfall is at its peak. For those seeking fewer crowds and potentially lower prices, mid-January can be an ideal time to visit. Resorts in this area often receive more than 500 inches of annual snowfall, which contributes to the consistent snow cover that the region is known for.

Big Cottonwood Canyon

Big Cottonwood Canyon stretches from Brighton through Cottonwood Heights, ending by the Jordan River. It's one of the snowiest canyons in the United States and naturally an excellent destination for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and backcountry rides.

Brighton Ski Resort

Brighton is one of the snowiest canyons in the United States, attracting skiers and snowboarders with an average of 500 inches of powder annually. Known for its "Cottonwood Funnel" effect, the resort is popular for its off-piste trails and family-friendly atmosphere.

Slopes and Lifts

Brighton Ski Resort offers a variety of slopes and lifts to cater to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. With over 66 runs spread across 1,050 acres of skiable terrain, the resort features beginner to expert-level slopes, including groomed and ungroomed trails, gladed runs, and tree skiing. The resort is equipped 4 high-speed quads and a magic carpet for beginners, ensuring easy access to the diverse terrain.

Tickets

Lift tickets at Brighton Resort range from $64 to $120, with various options available. P.M. Lift Tickets offer flexible times for afternoon, twilight, night, and Sunday matinee skiing. Learner Lift Tickets allow all-day and night access to Majestic and Explorer lifts, while children six and under ski for free with a ticket-holding adult.

Rentals

Ski and snowboard rentals are available for first-timers to advanced riders at $25+ for standard and performance packages. For ages 13 and up, demo rentals start at $43, offering a wide selection of top-brand skis and snowboards for those looking to buy or try specific equipment. Outerwear rentals, including Helly Hansen jackets and pants, start at $59, ensuring you stay comfortable on the slopes. Rental options include packages or individual items, catering to all skill levels and needs.

Solitude Mountain Resort

Also situated in Big Cottonwood Canyon, just 34 miles (55 km) from Salt Lake City, Solitude offers a serene and diverse skiing experience. Spanning 1,200 acres, with 8 lifts and 82 trails, it caters to all skill levels with its array of moguls, cross-country trails, and backcountry options. With an impressive 2,494-foot vertical drop, it’s the ideal destination for skiers and snowboarders seeking both adventure and tranquility.

Tickets

Solitude Mountain Resort offers various lift ticket and season pass options to cater to all skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. Day lift tickets range from $79 to $149, with discounts for online purchases. Solitude's season pass provides unlimited access, while the Midweek Pass offers weekday skiing with shorter lift lines. Solitude-specific passes include the Midweek Plus Pass at $640 and the Midweek Pass starting at $459. The Solitude Season Pass, starting at $675 for young adults, offers unlimited, unrestricted access with no blackout dates, plus discounts on retail and dining.

Rentals

Ski and snowboard rentals start at $58 for ski-only options, with prices varying based on age and equipment type. Options include beginner, standard, and premium/demo equipment for both skis and snowboards. Packages can include skis, boots, poles, and a damage waiver, or you can opt for ski-only rentals if you bring your own boots. Helmet rentals are available for an additional $17 per day. Rentals can be picked up at Moonbeam Lodge or Powderhorn Adventure Center, with the option to collect the evening before for an early start.

Little Cottonwood Canyon: Snowbird and Alta

Snowbird Ski Resort

Nestled in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Snowbird is famous for its long season, sometimes lasting until late May or early June. It features Utah’s only aerial tramway to Hidden Peak, elevating skiers to 11,000 feet for breathtaking views and access to challenging runs.

Slopes and Lifts

With 85 marked pistes spread across 2,500 acres, the resort features beginner, intermediate, and advanced/expert runs. Snowbird boasts 14 lifts, including an aerial tramway to Hidden Peak, high-speed detachable chairlifts, and traditional fixed-grip lifts. The resort is known for its abundant powder, tree skiing, and thrilling runs, providing a memorable experience for skiers and snowboarders alike.

Tickets

For the 2024-25 season, Snowbird offers a range of lift ticket prices to suit various needs. Adult day tickets (ages 13-64) are priced at $184 for off-peak, $203 for peak, and $216 for holiday periods. Half-day tickets are slightly cheaper. For unlimited skiing and riding, with no blackout dates and great benefits, get a Summit Pass for $1,599. The Alta-Bird Pass includes access to both Snowbird and Alta. The Flex-5 Pass offers five days of skiing at $110/day, perfect for all levels. The Kids Freeloader Pass provides free unlimited season passes for youth up to age 18 with a qualifying adult pass purchase. Snowbird also offers season lockers and Preferred Parking Passes, though parking passes are sold out for the upcoming season.

Rentals

Snowbird offers ski and snowboard rental and demo equipment for all ages and skill levels, starting around $60. Book online to save 10%. Choose from demo rentals for intermediate and advanced riders or sport rentals for beginners on groomed terrain. Packages include skis, boots, and poles or snowboards, boots, and bindings, with helmets available for an additional fee of $14. Pick up your rentals at convenient slopeside locations: Snowbird Sports, Creekside Sports, or Cliff Sports.

Alta Ski Resort

One of the oldest ski resorts in the U.S., Alta is exclusively for skiers and is often praised for its natural beauty and backcountry access. Located close to Snowbird, Alta receives high snowfall and provides a classic skiing experience without snowboarders.

Slopes and Lifts

With 72 miles (116 km) of slopes spread across Mount Baldy and Point Supreme, the resort features beginner, intermediate, and advanced/expert runs. Alta has nine lifts, including high-speed detachable chairlifts and traditional fixed-grip lifts, ensuring efficient access to the mountain. Known for its steep terrain and abundant powder, Alta provides a less crowded skiing experience with minimal lift lines.

Tickets

The 2024-25 Alta lift tickets are now available online. Full-day tickets range from $169-$199 for adults and $95-$105 for children. Afternoon and late-afternoon tickets are also available, starting at $73. Special rates are offered for the beginner area and children 6 and under can ski for free. The Alta-Bird tickets, providing access to both Alta and Snowbird, range from $228-$249 for adults. Multi-day tickets are also available, offering savings for extended stays. Reload your lift tickets online to skip the window lines.

Rentals

Ski-only rentals offered on-site, including packages for various skill levels. Alta Ski Area's ski shop offers a wide range of ski gear, equipment, and apparel. With rental packages starting at $30 for Nordic and up to $75 for demo equipment, Alta Ski Shop ensures you have everything needed for an enjoyable skiing experience. Conveniently located next to the Sunnyside six-pack lift, it’s the go-to spot for gearing up before hitting the slopes.

Park City Ski Resorts

Park City Mountain

Boasting 17 towering peaks, Park City Mountain is a spectacular ski resort, which stuns with its size and high-quality services. You can spend a week here and still need more time to explore all 330 runs. It might take a while even if you ski day and night. By the way, night skiing is available at 120 trails. Quicksilver gondola takes riders to the Canyons base area, also known as Canyons at Park City, an amazing ski resort of its own. Eight terrain parks feature two halfpipes and plenty of fun terrain.

Terrain: 330 runs spread across a vast area with options for all skill levels. Lifts: 43 lifts, covering the expansive terrain. Season: Open from late November to mid-April. Lift Tickets: Various options for single-day, multi-day, and season passes. Equipment Rental: Comprehensive rental options available for skiing and snowboarding.

Deer Valley Resort

Deer Valley Resort is famous for its luxurious accommodations, excellent food, après-ski, as well as trails groomed to perfection. It's a perfect destination for families with on-site childcare, plenty of ski school options, and a wide choice of lodging and dining. It also offers an unbeatable skiing experience with over 100 runs, suited for every level.

Terrain: 110 runs across 2,026 acres, suitable for all levels. Lifts: 24 lifts, including gondolas and high-speed chairlifts. Season: Early December to mid-April. Lift Tickets: Often higher-priced, reflecting the premium experience. Equipment Rental: Available with a wide range of options to accommodate all skill levels.