Utah's Underrated Ski Resort Offers A Crowd-Free Getaway With Cheap Lift Tickets
While Utah is known for its striking red rocks and five national parks, the state is also home to many of the most popular ski resorts in America. It hosts 15 ski resorts that draw visitors from all around with reliable snow conditions and varied terrain. Some of the best ski resorts near Salt Lake City include Park City Mountain, Snowbird, Alta Ski Area, and Deer Valley Resort. These often see high traffic because of their proximity to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). If you're after a lesser-visited option so you're not constantly dodging others on the slopes, Brian Head Resort is a great solution.
Found in the Dixie National Forest, Brian Head Resort lies about 30 miles northeast of Cedar City and about a 3.5-hour drive south of Salt Lake City. The resort takes its name from Brian Head Peak, the area's highest point, sitting just over 11,000 feet. The resort was established around 1965 and began with only a single chairlift — it has now expanded to account for 650 acres of skiable terrain and eight chairlifts across two interconnected mountains. Its base elevation is Utah's highest, which contributes to its great conditions with an average snowfall of 360 inches per season from November to April. Since it's located near Zion National Park (home to one of the world's most dangerous hikes) and Cedar Breaks National Monument, it's one of the only ski resorts that lets visitors catch views of hoodoos and other rock formations covered in snow. A historic shelter atop the peak serves as a notable landmark with views streaming into Arizona and Nevada. This quieter park attracts fewer tourists due to its location, making for uncrowded terrain at this underrated mountain escape.
What makes Brian Head a great ski resort
Spanning two interconnected mountains, Giant Steps and Navajo, skiers and snowboarders at Brian Head can move between both areas easily. There are eight chairlifts that service the mountain, including a high-speed quad chair that fits four people, to enable access without long waits.
The resort offers over 70 runs and a night skiing area with 50 acres to explore. The terrain is suitable for skiers of all skill levels, with beginner trails, lots of intermediate terrain, and a range of options for advanced and expert skiers as well. Beginner areas are concentrated on Navajo Mountain, with gentle slopes for learning, while more challenging runs are found on Giant Steps with steeper pitches. The longest run is just under a mile for quite the journey down the mountain.
Since the base elevation is 9,000 feet, the snow quality is great here. There are two terrain parks for those looking to brush up on their freestyle techniques. One offers progressive features for beginners, while there are more than 18 rails, jumps, and boxes for those looking to go bigger. The relatively compact layout of the resort minimizes transfer times between zones and allows skiers to ride for longer. When the mountain was just in its humble beginnings, many skiers would come from Vegas, which influenced the naming of ski runs. Visitors will find names like Roulette and Hard Times, among others.
Where to stay and what to do at Brian Head
Other than the lack of crowds, one of the best parts of this resort is the pricing. It remains far more affordable than some of Utah's other ski areas. Adult day passes can start from a mere $14 on select season dates with a bit of luck and advanced online purchasing. More typical pricing ranges from $40 to $100, which is still a steal compared to other resorts like Snowbird, which charges about $165, or Park City, which costs $278 for an adult day pass. Children under 12 years old ski for free at Brian Head, making it a wonderful place for families with little ones learning the ropes on the mountain.
In addition, the resort offers instructional programs for all ages and abilities. Group lessons start at beginner levels and progress to expert, with small class sizes for great one-on-one attention from instructors. Private lessons offer customized coaching, and adaptive lessons accommodate individuals with disabilities, ensuring everyone can enjoy the powder.
Lodging and accommodation options include the Brian Head Lodge at the base of the mountains with comfortable rooms and on-site dining options. The "Stay and Ski Free" program grants guests two free lift tickets for booking two nights at the resort. Outside of this, slopeside condos, cabins, and townhouses can be found for rent in and around Cedar City. For those staying off-mountain, the resort offers a shuttle service, the Brian Head Express, for seamless transport between your accommodation and the slopes.