The Best of Utah’s Ski Resorts
The entire world knows by now that Utah has the greatest snow on earth. But we can all agree that ski resorts are more than just the powder that falls upon them. Utah’s ski and snowboard resorts are unique, and each can toot its own alpenhorn. But besides the snow (which is obviously most important) a quality resort needs good runs, sneaky powder stashes, and a fun place to have a drink when the ski boots come off. I’ve compiled a list highlighting the best run, stash and après at Utah’s top resorts. It’s a mix of PR-speak, opinions from friends and family, and my own personal favorites. While entirely subjective, the compilation below is arguably the “best” of Utah’s ski resorts.
Alta
BEST RUN
Alf’s High Rustler, or “High Boy” as the locals call it, is easily the most iconic (and best) run in Little Cottonwood Canyon. There’s a good reason for that. One only has to ski it from top to bottom on a powder day to discover why.
BEST STASH
Castle Apron often holds untracked, cold snow when the rest of Alta is tracked up. A long traverse beneath Sugarloaf Peak gets you there, followed by a bootpack up a small chute into the maw of Devil’s Castle. A few quick turns into the chute, and you can explode through powder onto the apron for some hero turns.
BEST APRES
When the lifts stop turning, get thee to the bar at the Alta Peruvian Lodge (the P-Dog for short). This is where powder-fueled locals go for a nightly party filled with live music, free popcorn, and the best beer selection on the mountain.
Beaver Mountain
BEST RUN
Beaver’s Powder to Teddy’s Frolic off Harry’s Dream lift is the first place skiers should go the morning after a storm. This run has some of the most vertical on the hill and offers a variety of terrain including some nice glades.
BEST STASH
Black Forest is aptly named. This tree stash is a hideaway for seeking out untracked snow just below the Gentle Ben terrain park.
BEST APRES
Word is that Beaver Mountain does not serve alcohol. So if you need that post-game drink, drive down the canyon to Logan and grab a burger and beer at The Beehive Pub and Grill. They’ve got great food and a full lineup of beer from Moab Brewery.
Brian Head
BEST RUN
Alta is not the only resort that claims Alf Engen as a favorite son. He also has a history at Brian Head, where there is a run named after him. Engen’s also happens to be the best run as it’s the longest and steepest. On a powder day, the pitch is perfect for face shots on every turn. During dry spells, Engen’s is a formidable mogul field.
BEST STASH
Chair 5 is the stash for those in search of leftovers. The zone has tons of glades and tree runs that hold powder for weeks following a storm. It also helps that Brian Head has few crowds to track it all up.
BEST APRES
The de facto place to chill after skiing is the Last Chair Saloon. Located on the third floor of Giant Steps Lodge, the Last ChairSaloon offers a wide selection of beer and cocktails, plus great food and live music (almost) every Saturday night.
Brighton
BEST RUN
The closest you can get to big-mountain skiing and snowboarding at Brighton is on Lone Pine (and neighboring Scree Slope) off the Milly Express chairlift. This open face is heaven on a sunny powder day for wide turns in the upper bowl. The run filters down into fun mini-chutes and gullies. You can even huck some cliffs if you’re so inclined.
BEST STASH
The edges of Wren Hollow are a safe bet to find a powder stash, especially if you go just beyond the resort boundary into the “cliff area.” Go here only if you have avalanche rescue gear and knowledge. Here is where you can find small chutes between those cliffs and untracked in the trees.
BEST APRES
Everybody knows that Molly Green’s is the spot to grab a beer at the end of the day. This classic A-frame lounge boasts the best nachos in the canyon, and a respectable bar menu. Enjoy it all next to a huge fireplace beneath obligatory moose taxidermy.
Deer Valley
BEST RUN
Mayflower Bowl and the adjacent Mayflower Chutes on Bald Mountain are hidden treasures at Deer Valley. And that’s what makes them among the best. Few skiers venture here, despite the fact that powder can remain untracked on steep 2,000-foot vertical runs with views of Jordanelle Reservoir far below.
BEST STASH
Deer Valley skiers tend to stay on groomers, even on powder days. So pretty much any tree skiing can be considered a stash here. But if I have to pick I’d say X-Files in Empire Canyon is the best. Most skiers here cannot resist jumping into the Daly Chutes. But if you traverse just a bit further, some of the best glade skiing and deepest powder can be found in the trees next door.
BEST APRES
Swanky Deer Valley skiers tend not to order PBR tallboys and hot wings. So at the end of the day most locals migrate to town. But if you stay on mountain, enter Troll Hallen Lounge in the Stein Erikson Lodge. Have a Stein Burger and garlic fries with your suds by the fire and ponder the name Troll Hallen.
Eagle Point
BEST RUN
Delano Drop off the Lookout Chair is a local’s favorite for being steep and deep on powder days. This run has the most top-to-bottom vertical and a favorable fall-line. Just point ‘em downhill and make some sweeping, wide turns at speed.
BEST STASH
Take the Lookout Chair to Hoodoos, then leave the main run skier’s left and get lost in the trees. This glade of evergreens keeps the powder shaded, cold and protected for freshies long after the last flakes have fallen.
BEST APRES
The Canyonside Lodge Bar and Grill offers pizza, pasta, burgers and more. There’s a full bar with spirits and wine, plus local beer on tap. There’s even a game room with foosball and shuffleboard. Enjoy live acoustic music most Saturdays from 4-6 p.m.
Park City Mountain
BEST RUN
Tough to choose just one run at a resort so humongous. But my favorite lift here is Ninety-Nine 90 on the Canyons Village side. And my favorite run off that lift is the Red Pine Chutes. The run starts off steep and open, but soon funnels into mini chutes.
BEST STASH
You can find stashes everywhere off the Jupiter chair, especially if you hike a bit. Try War Zone or Dead Tree for quick laps on a powder day. Honorable mention goes to The Abyss off the Peak 5 lift.
BEST APRES
When in Park City, après in Park City. That’s my motto. Get away from the resort and into town at the end of a ski day. Can’t go wrong with High West Distillery. You can literally ski to it at the bottom of the Town Lift. There’s whiskey drinks galore, and the shishito peppers are the bomb.
Powder Mountain
BEST RUN
Carpe Diem, which is the main face of James Peak, is Powder Mountain’s longest, most rewarding run. From the Sundown saddle, take the Lightning Ridge Snow Cat up to access James Peak. To get to the summit it’s an additional 30-minute hike. Your reward? Over 2,500 vertical feet all the way down to Paradise lift.
BEST STASH
Weeks after a storm, skiers and snowboarders can still find great snow in the Rain Tree area. A snow cat will take you up for some of the best tree skiing in the state. The snow cat also allows you to easily make laps.
BEST APRES
The Powder Keg offers live music 5 nights a week with local beers on tap and the best ramen bowls around. This rustic bar has been known to get a little rowdy, bringing locals and tourist together on the dance floor. There’s also free popcorn. Ski bums rejoice!
Snowbasin
BEST RUN
When snow conditions are good and deep, No Name Peak off the Allen Peak Tram doesn’t get much better at Snowbasin. And the peak’s namesake run is the king line. This run is long, playful, and will have your thighs begging for mercy if you attempt to ski it top to bottom.
BEST STASH
Lower Pyramids is just below No Name, and contains some of the more hidden and lesser-skied zones. It’s tough to get there for one thing, so the powder stays a while. But this stash it best in late season because it can be brushy otherwise.
BEST APRES
Cinnabar inside Earl’s Lodge is your best bet for apres at Snowbasin. Don’t be intimidated by the thick carpet, high-backed leather chairs, and fancy chandeliers. This place is actually a casual hangout serving up a full bar’s worth of libations and hearty food like blue cheese nachos.
Snowbird
BEST RUN
The Hollywood line at Snowbird is Great Scott (K-12) off the Cirque Traverse. It’s arguably the most classic, steep line at The ‘Bird. The run’s entry is a bit spicy, especially early season or in low-snow years. But below the steep start, the run opens into a heavenly bowl. You better ski it in style though, because everyone on the tram overhead is watching.
BEST STASH
The best secret stashes are the one you have to work for. Thunder Bowl fits the bill. It takes a lot of traversing and hiking to get there, but if you commit to the goal, you’ll be rewarded with an amazing run with little competition. At the bottom of the bowl, head skier’s left to hit Mushroom Land or White Rabbit and keep the good times going.
BEST APRES
If I didn’t write the Tram Club in this spot, an angry skier mob would exile me to someplace terrible like Gary, Indiana. This is the de facto watering hole at Snowbird. Find it tucked away beneath the tram deck and come ready to party. Bonus: you can watch the tram’s gigantic bull wheels spin while you enjoy your beer.
Solitude
BEST RUN
Honeycomb Canyon is easily the best part of Solitude, but it’s more of a zone than a single run. So if I had to choose, I’d pick Here Be Dragons. On a powder day it can’t be beat, with a consistent fall-line that funnels into mini golf cliffs and tree skiing. The untracked lasts longer here too.
BEST STASH
Barrett’s Glade on the back side of Evergreen Peak is your best bet when options are low for fresh turns. It’s not visible from any lift, and a steep booter is required to reach this hidden run. But if you make the effort, you can find clean lines days after the last storm.
BEST APRES
The Thirsty Squirrel is the only true bar scene at Solitude, which means it’s the liveliest spot for post-ski libations. Think pool tables, neon beer signs, and flat-screen TVs behind a bartender slinging everything from mixed drinks to draft beer. The only difference from a bar in downtown SLC, is everyone here is wearing ski boots.
Sundance
BEST RUN
Bishop’s Bowl at the top of Red’s Lift is Sundance’s signature run. There’s good reason too, as this black diamond is the resort’s only high-alpine bowl. As you ski down, massive views of the Heber Valley and Deer Creek Reservoir spread out below, while Mount Timpanogos looms above.
BEST STASH
Marmot Gulch is tough to get to, and therefore avoided by many. But that means it’s a place where soft snow lingers. Find it off the side of the Top Gun run. You can also jump into the trees skier’s left of Marmot Gulch. You’ll come out onto Roundup, which traverses back to the front side.
BEST APRES
Get an old west vibe at The Owl Bar. It’s very rustic with an 1890’s-era bar that Butch Cassidy himself bellied up to in Thermopolis, Wyoming. The bar was moved to Sundance for skiers to lean on while telling heroic tales of their slope side day.
