No city has the access to such great skiing as Salt Lake City. Within an hour of Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) are 10 incredible ski resorts. Hundreds of daily non-stop flights to and from Salt Lake City International Airport make it easy to access what’s known as The Greatest Snow on Earth®. You can fly to Salt Lake City in the morning and in the afternoon be cruising the rolling groomers of Park City’s famed slopes or ripping through the steep and deep of the Cottonwood Canyon resorts. Below we highlight some of the best ski resorts near Salt Lake City. See our complete list of Utah ski resorts here.
Where To Ski Near Salt Lake City
Park City Mountain Resort
Fittingly, we start at Park City Mountain Resort, the largest ski resort in the U.S., boasting more than 7,300 acres of skiable terrain. Park City is located just 35 miles (about 40 minutes) from Salt Lake City, and is easily accessible by car via I-80 East and Highway 224. Alternatively, there’s shuttle service from the airport or downtown Salt Lake City. This, plus the walkability of Park City’s historic Main Street, make it a great option if you don’t want to rent a car.
Park City Mountain’s world-class lift system, including the Quicksilver Gondola linking it to Canyons Village, ensures a seamless experience for skiers and snowboarders to access everything from powder stashes and steeps to epic terrain parks to long, easy-going groomers. You’ll find it all at America’s largest ski resort. Beyond the slopes, Park City shines with its lively après-ski scene, featuring upscale dining and cozy bars along Main Street.
» Check out lodging options at Park City
Deer Valley Resort
Just on the other side of Park City is Deer Valley Resort, the upscale, skier-only destination that features one of the most luxurious ski experiences in North America. Deer Valley boasts more than 2,000 acres of terrain, with a perfect mix of intermediate and advanced runs, including standout trails like Champion and Mayflower, which offer wide, scenic descents with consistent conditions. It also has excellent tree skiing, particularly in areas like Empire Canyon, known for its powder stashes. Deer Valley’s elegant atmosphere extends to its après-ski scene, with high-end dining options like The Cast and Cut and the Fireside Dining experience, where guests can enjoy gourmet food in a cozy mountain lodge setting. Both Deer Valley and Park City Mountain Resort are just minutes from the town of Park City.
» Check out lodging options at Deer Valley
Alta Ski Area
Alta Ski Area, located 25 miles from Salt Lake City, is a renowned ski destination famous for its deep powder and die-hard community of skiers. And we mean just skiers, since snowboarding isn’t allowed. Accessible via a scenic drive up Little Cottonwood Canyon or via the UTA Ski Bus, Alta is home to 2,600 acres of terrain featuring a mix of challenging bowls, tree skiing, and perfectly maintained groomers. Few ski resorts are known for their snow like Alta, which saw 903 inches of snow during the record-breaking 2022-23 ski season. Historically though, it averages more than 500 inches of snowfall annually. The resort is known for its rich history, dating back to its opening in 1939, and its old-school vibe, with iconic lifts like the Wildcat and Collins chairlifts.
» Check out lodging options at Alta
Snowbird Resort
Located right next to Alta is Snowbird, which is known for its challenging terrain, deep powder, and stunning alpine views — especially on the back side of Mineral Basin. Snowbird is perfect for intermediate to expert skiers, offering steep runs, bowls, and challenging chutes. The 500 inches of annual snowfall provide a long season, often stretching into May. One of Snowbird’s iconic features is the Tram, which takes skiers and snowboarders from the base to the top of Hidden Peak, over 11,000 feet above sea level. Between Snowbird and Alta, you’d be remiss not to ski both. The Cottonwood Canyon ski resorts, including Alta and Snowbird, represent Utah skiing at its best.
» Check out lodging options at Snowbird
Brighton Resort
Nestled in the heart of Big Cottonwood Canyon, Brighton Resort is characterized by a laid-back, local vibe with something for every skier and snowboarder. It’s just 27 miles (about 40 minutes) from Salt Lake City, easily accessible by taking I-15 South to the 7200 South exit and winding your way through the canyon. While the thought of skiing the Wasatch can be overwhelming, families and beginners gravitate to Brighton for its dedicated beginner slopes and great ski and snowboard lessons. Yet it also has a variety of more challenging runs, including powder-filled bowls and tree skiing, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds of Utah’s bigger ski resorts.
Brighton’s relaxed atmosphere and friendly community make it a refreshing choice for skiers who want excellent conditions without the hustle and bustle. Brighton also boasts one of the most expansive night skiing operations in Utah.
» Check out lodging options at Brighton
Solitude Resort
Solitude Resort lives up to its name, featuring a secluded, serene experience in Big Cottonwood Canyon that’s conveniently just 36 miles (about 45 minutes) from Salt Lake City. It features 1,200 acres of terrain, and thanks to more than 500 inches of snow annually, Snowbird boasts exceptional conditions throughout most of the season. Its terrain is diverse, offering everything from beginner-friendly slopes like those at the Moonbeam base to more challenging expert runs like the steep, powder-filled chutes of Honeycomb Canyon. The resort also has excellent tree skiing, particularly in areas like the Headwall Forest, where you can find natural features and deep snow away from the crowds.
» Check out lodging options at Solitude
Powder Mountain
Powder Mountain offers a sprawling, adventurous, unique mountain that’s away from some of the clusters of the region’s ski resorts. It’s located about 60 miles (1 hour 15 minutes) north of Salt Lake City, accessed by taking I-15 North to the 2700 North exit in Ogden and then driving through the scenic Ogden Valley. Few ski resorts come anywhere close to having the terrain of Powder Mountain, featuring an expansive 8,000 acres of terrain. Powder Mountain is renowned for its wide-open bowls, steep chutes, powder-filled tree runs, and expansive backcountry terrain. Nevertheless, with so much terrain, beginners and intermediate skiers will find a lot to keep them busy.
For a one-of-a-kind backcountry experience, check out Powderbird, which has been leading heliskiing trips in the Wasatch since 1973. You can learn more about Powderbird in our article of some of the best heliskiing destinations in North America.
» Check out lodging options at Powder Mountain
Snowbasin Resort
Snowbasin Resort offers a perfect blend of dramatic mountain views, varied terrain, and a refined yet relaxed atmosphere. Located 40 miles (about 50 minutes) north of Salt Lake City (just south of Powder), you can easily reach the resort by taking I-15 North to the 24th Street exit in Ogden and heading up Snowbasin Road. The UTA Ski Bus also operates with service from Ogden and the Layton FrontRunner Station, a train that runs out of the city center. Snowbasin’s 3,000 acres of skiable terrain has everything from wide, expertly groomed runs to steep bowls to technical tree skiing like the Strawberry Fields. It’s particularly popular with intermediates, since 60% of its slopes are designated as intermediate terrain.
» Check out lodging options at Snwbasin
Sundance Resort
Sundance Mountain Resort, located about 50 miles (an hour’s drive) from Salt Lake City, offers a unique escape in the heart of Provo Canyon. To reach the resort, take I-15 South and exit at 600 North (UT-189), then follow the scenic road through the canyon. Sundance offers a balanced mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs over 540 acres of terrain. Additionally, it has a nordic center with 15 km of groomed cross-country trails. Sundance is one of a few Utah ski resorts with night skiing. After a day on the slopes, guests can enjoy the cozy après scene at Sundance’s award-winning restaurants, browse the local art galleries, or unwind at the spa. It’s a great Utah ski destination for those who want a different type of destination experience without sacrificing great skiing.
» Check out lodging options at Sundance
Woodward Park City
We’ll end at Woodward Park City, which is less of a ski resort in the traditional sense, and more of an action sports playground. Located just 20 miles (about 30 minutes) from Salt Lake City, Woodward is for freestylers, featuring an extensive terrain park, halfpipes, jumps, rails, and much more. Whether you’re just starting to explore terrain parks or you’re a park rat, Woodward has you covered. Its modern indoor facilities include an indoor skate park and training center. Whether you’re looking to refine your tricks or try something new, it’s an easily accessible option for those seeking a more specialized, high-energy winter experience that’s close to Salt Lake City.
Header image: ©Snowbird
March 12, 2025
