These 5 Utah Ski Resorts Have The Most Powder Days
If you plan to go skiing in Utah, you’re in luck because the ski resorts in Utah come with tons of powder days each year.
Mike and I love to visit ski towns around the world. We actually met in Steamboat Springs and have lived there for the past 10 years. Nevertheless, we also love hiking around Utah and seeing new alpine villages, and these resorts in Utah are some of the most coveted in North America.
Utah Ski Resorts With The Most Powder Days (In The Past Decade)
So, we’re here to give you the lowdown on where the snow falls hardest and most often among Utah’s ski resorts.
1. Snowbird – 698 days (69.8 days per year)
Snowbird is a powerhouse in Utah with legendary snow and nearly 700 powder days racked up in the last decade.
The ski resort is known as one of North America’s best expert terrain resorts, and 67% of the runs are either black or double black diamonds.
But with over 2,500 acres of skiable terrain and 140 runs, beginners won’t run out of incredible winter trails either.
It sits just 30 minutes up Little Cottonwood Canyon from Salt Lake City, making it accessible for locals or if you’re visiting from out of town.
Also, Snowbird is about more than just skiing. They prioritize the whole experience with a beautiful pedestrian village, 4 lodges, 15 restaurants, and so many cute shops. There’s even a full-service spa at The Cliff Lodge.
If you’re looking for a mix of terrain and top-notch facilities, Snowbird should be on your list.
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2. Brighton Resort – 663 days (66.3 days per year)
Brighton Resort is just on the other side of the ridge, behind Mt. Wolverine.
This resort has an impressive number of powder days, but what we love about Brighton is its fun, family-friendly atmosphere. It’s the top ski resort for families in Utah because they have extensive programs for kids, and any child six or under skis for free.
Plus, it’s super affordable, with an all-day lift ticket (12 hours) for less than $80!
As for the terrain, it’s incredibly balanced. From the top of every lift, there is an easy, intermediate, and expert way to get down to the bottom, so large families can ride the lift together and then choose their preferred path down the mountain.
Brighton is also a hot spot for night skiing, with well-lit trails that stay open until 9 PM (except for Sundays).
3. Alta Ski Area – 625 days (62.5 days per year)
Alta Ski Area is a classic skiers-only resort, so no snowboards are allowed. As the snowboarder in our relationship, this is quite a bummer for me, but many skiers love it.
It creates a personality behind the resort and keeps an old-school energy and close-knit community that’s become as much a part of the culture as the skiing itself.
Alta is just 10 minutes from Snowbird, which means it’s also accessible from Salt Lake City and gets a similar amount of powder (625 powder days over the decade).
Snowbite and Alta are also connected, so a single lift ticket gets you access to either resort.
Our family friend has a timeshare at Snowbird/Alta, and they say that on longer trips, it’s awesome to have two completely different resorts at your fingertips.
The terrain here is a diverse mix of groomed runs, challenging chutes, and open bowls, but similar to Snowbird, it is best for intermediate/advanced skiers.
You’ll find a small section of beginner runs near the main lodge, but they only make up 25% of the runs and get very crowded with people learning to ski.
If you are a devout skier or looking for a quintessential ski town experience, you’ll love the Alta Ski Area and have plenty of powder when you go.
4. Solitude Mountain Resort – 618 days (61.8 days per year)
Solitude Mountain Resort might be quieter than its neighbors, but with 618 powder days, it’s a hidden gem. The runs here are varied, offering something for everyone, and the lack of crowds means more untouched snow for us.
It’s the kind of place where you can often find fresh tracks late into the day, especially if you’re willing to explore some of the more hidden corners of the resort.
Solitude Mountain is also just 35 minutes from Salt Lake City, next to Brighton Resort, and it’s actually connected to Brighton via the Sol-Bright Trail. The only catch is that you must have lift tickets to both resorts (or the IKON pass) if you want to hop between them.
The runs are mostly intermediate, but there are a few easier slopes and expert terrain to enjoy as well.
There isn’t a huge ski village, but six lodges at the base of the mountain that exude warmth and rustic charm, offering a cozy retreat from the snowy weather.
5. Park City – 563 days (56.3 days per year)
Park City Mountain is the largest ski resort in the U.S. But after hosting the 2002 Winter Olympics, it’s become one of the most well-known ski resorts in the entire world.
And it’s got enough powder days to back up its reputation, averaging over 55 days per year.
Park City Ski Resort has three base areas spread across 7,300 acres of skiable terrain. The entire mountain has 341 trails and 6 distinct terrain parks, so there is plenty of runway for every level of skier and snowboarder.
As for après ski, you’ll probably want to visit the base at Park City. It’s one of the most vibrant ski towns in the country, with an array of dining, shopping, and entertainment options that can turn any ski trip into a full-blown vacation.
Park City also hosts numerous festivals, most prominently the Sundance Film Festival.
But if you want a quiet stay without the party, you should stay in Canyon’s Village. There are a few restaurants here, and if you do want to enjoy the nightlife, it’s just a 10-minute shuttle to Main Street.
Additional Utah Powder Day Stats
Utah has a deep bench when it comes to ski resorts with powder days, too. The top five listed above are all in the Salt Lake City area, but if you aren’t staying near the capital, there is most likely a ski resort with decent powder near you.
Here are a few more spots that have caught our attention.
- Snowbasin – 551 days (55.1 days per year) *Skiers Only*
- Deer Valley Resort – 532 days (53.2 days per year)
- Beaver Mountain – 440 days (44 days per year)
- Sundance – 424 days (42.4 days per year)
- Powder Mountain – 408 days (40.8 days per year)
- Brian Head Resort – 396 days (39.6 days per year)
- Eagle Point – 356 days (35.6 days per year)
- Nordic Valley Resort – 299 days (29.9 days per year)
What is the best month to ski in Utah?
January through March typically offers the best conditions for skiing in Utah. During this period, the snowfall is most abundant, and the powder stays fresh longer due to colder temperatures.
Where is the best powder in Utah?
The best powder is usually at Snowbird and Alta Ski Area. Both resorts are in Little Cottonwood Canyon, so they benefit from the lake-effect snow that makes the powder exceptionally light and fluffy.
What is the least busy ski resort in Utah?
Beaver Mountain and Eagle Point are known for being Utah’s least busy ski resorts. They are certainly smaller but offer a more laid-back experience without the long lift lines found at larger resorts.
The Wrap-Up: Utah Ski Resorts With The Most Powder Days
Utah is a fantastic place to find deep powder, and the best part is that the ski resorts with the most powder are just a 30-40 minute drive from the city.
Not only does this make it an easy commute for locals, but skiers and snowboarders from all around the world can fly into the international airport and be on the slopes in the same afternoon.
If you can only ski at one resort in Utah, we recommend visiting Snowbird Ski Resort. It has the best chance of seeing powder during your trip, and you can also check out the Alta Ski Area on the same lift ticket.
But Brighton Resort is definitely better for budget skiers and families traveling to Utah.
Utah’s resorts are hard to beat whether you’re looking for the deepest snow, the best value, or a quiet spot to carve fresh tracks.
