Utah is famous for it outdoors, but if you want to go skiing in Utah you’ll be glad to know that the state claims to have “the greatest snow on Earth.” It’s even written on the state license plates: “Greatest Snow On Earth.” But with hundreds and hundreds of outstandingly beautiful alpine ski areas in the USA alone, can Utah make that kind of claim?
Bragging to have “the best” snow in the world may be subjective, but I think what makes the difference in this case is the density of the snow. Utah has a combination of dry, light and fluffy powder. But there are other reasons why Utah is considered the best skiing place in the world. The state is home to several world class resorts which are also very close to a major airport.
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What Makes the Snow in Utah Unique
The Wasatch Mountains may not have the driest or the most abundant snow compared to The Sierra Nevada or the Rocky Mountains, but they surely have the right blend and consistency. It may be a combination of quantity and quality of snow that makes Utah snow feel like the perfect snow on the planet.
Another plus is the fact that the wind doesn’t blow hard enough to pack it down and the snow fall creates the perfect powder.
What Are the Best Resorts for Skiing in Utah
Utah boasts several top-tier ski resorts, with Park City Mountain, Deer Valley, Snowbird, and Alta often cited as the best.
Park City Mountain
Park City is the largest ski resort in the United States. Not only it offers a vast network of trails and lifts, but also a historic town with a lively atmosphere. It’s a great choice for all skill levels, with plenty of beginner and intermediate terrain alongside challenging expert runs.
Deer Valley
We usually ski in Park City, at Deer Valley Resort. Deer Valley is particularly attractive because it is a ski- only resort, thus having perfectly groomed runs. No snowboards or carving boards to mess them up! The resort has a reputation of being like a country club, but it really isn’t. There are however a few things that set it apart from the other resorts: the food is far superior, they manage their snow better, plus they provide free boot warmers and overnight ski storage.
If you try skiing in Utah once, you’ll become addicted to the snow and you might not like skiing anywhere else. It happened to us a while ago. For years and years in a row, we just kept coming back to Utah every winter. This lasted for a while, until the airlines made it so difficult to travel with your own ski equipment that we had to give it up.
For the last few years, we found it more convenient to go skiing in Lake Tahoe, California, which is a 7-hour ride from Los Angeles. Being able to take our truck has the advantage of being able load whatever we want. Besides, we don’t have to big money for the plane tickets and pay extra to carry our ski equipment on the plane. As for the snow, it is definitely better in Utah, so we believe skiing there is much better.
Snowbird
Although not our favorite, Snowbird is famous for its steep slopes, challenging terrain, and consistent powder snow. It’s a favorite among expert skiers and snowboarders, but definitely for the faint at heart!
Alta
Another favorite of ours is Alta ski resort, a powder snow paradise famous for its consistent snow fall and challenging runs. It’s a skier’s only resort, meaning that no snowboarding is allowed, which is why we like skiing here. Alta’s prices are also much more affordable than the ones at Deer Valley.
Beginner-Friendly Ski Resorts in Utah
If you are looking for beginner-friendly slopes for skiing in Utah, Nordic Valley offers very affordable lift tickets and gentle terrain, perfect for learning to ski. Brighton is also considered a great place to learn, known for its friendly atmosphere and beginner-friendly runs.
Family-Friendly Ski Resorts in Utah
Brighton is famous for being “the place where Utah learns to ski and ride” and is very popular with families. Also, Deer Valley offers excellent ski school programs and luxurious amenities, making it a comfortable choice for families. Solitude is also good for families due to its terrain variety and walkable base village
Interview with Vlad Mateescu from “Eff’ It, I’m On Holiday”
Marin
Hi , Anda , Enjoy skiing and make use all the opportunities to do that !
Suze the Luxury Columnist
I didn’t know that Utah had perhaps the best skiing in the world but I love the idea of a skiing only resort
Anda Galffy
I like that too, Suze.
Lyn@thetravellinglindfields
Hi Anda . I have nominated you for a Liebster Award. I hope you will accept.
Laz
There is nothing better after a day of powder skiing than dinner at The Goldener Hirsch!
John
Besides the slopes Park City offers fabulous dining, shopping, and art galleries. Day trips to Sundace or the nearby wilderness areas are astonishing. Thanks for writing about Park City, one of my winter favorites!
Anda Galffy
I’ve heard only good things about New Zealand, Samiya, and I’m sure they have great ski areas too. Let me know how it goes.
Jolanta aka Casual Traveler
I’m not a good skier, my husband doesn’t ski at all, and I keep hesitating whether I should push my kids into skiing every year or not. My son doesn’t care too much for it, my daughter will try anything. I know people who absolutely love skiing and it sounds like Park City is a great place for those who love good snow and “just skiers” atmosphere. Thank you for sharing your experience. I’ll have to keep that place in mind.
Anda Galffy
I think you should push them, Jolanta, and more importantly I think you should push yourself. I think skiing is a wonderful sport, although sort of expensive…
Esther
The opportunities in the USA never cease to amaze me. I never would’ve thought skiing in Utah would be a thing.
Thanx for hosting the linkup!!
Anda Galffy
You are welcome, Esther. Thanks for linking-up this week.
Mary {The World Is A Book}
We go every year to southern Utah to ski at Brian Head. It’s about 3 hours from Las Vegas which makes for a fun pit stop. My husband and son snowboard so we’ll never make it to Deer Valley 🙂 We totally agree that Utah has the best snow on earth.
Anda Galffy
I’ve never been at Brian Head, Mary. I bet it’s fun.
Marisol@TravelingSolemates
Hi Anda, I have not skied in Utah but a close friends rave about it and I now understand why. We may have to tag along with her some time. It’s good to know about Deer Valley Resort – that it’s “ski only” and have gamut of good services. Love the gorgeous snowy photos.
Anda Galffy
Thanks for linking-up, Marisol. Utah is really fun for skiing, hope you’ll get there someday.