Gear Up

Besides skill and knowledge of how to ski, the gear used is the most important part of having a successful trip. There are many different pieces of gear that many skiers wear to make their journey a safe and comfortable one. While there is a huge amount of gear that can be purchased or rented, there are a few that are truly necessary. It is a great idea for skiers to speak to someone at the local ski shop to make sure they have everything they may need during their time on the slopes.

The following articles of gear are necessary for having a successful ski trip:

• Skis and ski boots
• Warm outerwear, like a snow suit or specially made ski suit
• Hat, gloves, and scarf
• Helmet
• Anti-fog goggles

These are the essentials needed for a safe and comfortable day on the slopes. There are many other pieces of gear that can make skiers even more comfortable and safe. For a complete guide to everything needed for a ski trip, or to rent necessary gear, visit the ski shop at one of Utah’s many resorts.

Ski Season

There are countless activities that can be done during any season of the year throughout Utah. Unfortunately, skiing isn’t one of those activities. To have a great trip, guests will want to visit during a span of a few months during winter and spring. For groups and families visiting Utah specifically for the skiing, it may be a good idea to check the projected weather and slope conditions ahead of time. This helps to ensure there will be plenty of pristine powder on the slopes.

While some parts of Utah do have longer ski seasons than others, the general time to have a great skiing trip is between the months of November and April. This gives skiers plenty of months to hit the slopes and enjoy this winter activity. Most resorts are closed for the season by mid-April, but it is important for visitors to call and confirm that the resorts are still operational. The weather is unpredictable, after all. While it is a shame that avid skiers can’t enjoy their hobby all year long in Utah, the limited time frame is part of what makes skiing so special.

Hit the Slopes

Every skier will be in awe of the incredible skiing that lies within Utah. This state is full of amazing resorts, just waiting to be discovered by those who love spending time on the slopes. The impressive resorts situated on fun and challenging slopes are just part of what makes skiing Utah so unforgettable. The state itself is incredibly unique, a true gem in the west. For those looking for a new place to explore, heading out onto the slopes of Utah is all the adventure they could ask for.

Alta Ski Resort

Located between Salt Lake City, Park City, and Provo, this ski resort is an impressive one. It features slopes of every difficulty, from beginner to advanced. The skiable acreage of Alta is around 2,200 acres. That means skiers will have a lot of ground to cover if they’d like to experience every slope! The average snowfall at this ski resort is about five hundred inches per year. That equates to around fifteen feet of snow on the slopes during peak season. The epic powder isn’t the only impressive thing about this resort.

Alta Resort has a variety of lodging options. From lodges to vacation homes, they have a place for every group to relax between ski runs. They also have an impressive ski shop and ski lessons for those who have never been skiing or just need to brush up on their skills. They also have child care so that the adults can have fun on the advanced slopes. To top it all off, Alta is surrounded by terrific dining options. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder so many people choose Alta as their skiing getaway destination.

Brian Head Ski Resort

This lovely resort is one of few ski resorts located in Southern Utah. The resort can be reached by making a twelve-mile-long drive up the mountain. The high elevation of the mountain is a big part of the reason Brian Head has so much snow in the mild climate of Southern Utah. In fact, at 9,600 feet, Brian Head has the highest base elevation of any ski resort in all of Utah. The difficulty levels of the trails are evenly distributed, so beginners will have just as much area to ski as the advanced skiers. The annual snowfall at this 650-acre resort is around 360 inches, which is a great amount of powder for skiers to enjoy.

Brian’s Head has plenty to offer off the slopes, as well. They have a beautiful daycare space where parents can feel comfortable leaving their kids. They also have a ski shop with a huge selection of items to purchase and rent. Throughout the ski season, they have many events and activities, like live music and night skiing, to enjoy, as well. With so much to offer, Brian Head Ski Resort is a must-see for anyone planning a trip to Utah.

Deer Valley Resort

Rated by Ski Magazine as “America’s Best Resort”, Deer Valley is a great destination for skiers. The resort is in Park City, which is about 35 minutes from Salt Lake City. It boasts four different mountains which, together, provide 1,750 skiable acres. Visitors should be aware that only about 15% of this resort’s skiing is considered easy, so it may not be the best place to learn to ski or visit as a beginner. Another impressive feature of Deer valley is its nineteen lifts. With a four-person high-speed gondola lift, multiple triple chairs and more, skiers won’t wait long to get to the top of the mountain.

Beyond the slopes, Deer Valley has an impressive child care facility, many different skiing lesson options, and a great ski shop for purchasing and renting gear. The resort is home to six different restaurants, so every guest will find something to enjoy. Deer Valley also has too many lodging options to mention, so travelers of any group size will find the perfect place to rest their head and get ready for their next adventure. When it comes to planning a skiing trip, it’s hard to do much better than Deer Valley Resort in Utah.

Snowbird

For skiers looking for tons of area to explore, Snowbird Resort is the place to be. With over 2,500 skiable acres, Snowbird, which is located about thirty miles from Salt Lake City, is a massive ski resort. The slopes provide an equal amount of skiing for beginning, intermediate, and advanced skiers. Best yet, no snow is no problem. Snowbird’s snowmaking setup can cover up to one hundred acres. This means that even when other resorts are shut down due to lack of snow, skiers can still enjoy Snowbird. The icing on the cake is the aerial tram that carries skiers on a seven-minute ride to Hidden Peak, which provides an unforgettable run.

Once off the slopes, Snowbird has a lot to offer, as well. There are plenty of lodging options for even the pickiest of guests. For the ultimate relaxing experience, visit the state of the art spa for many treatments and massages. Snowbird even has a daycare and nursery so that parents can get some alone time from kids as young as six-weeks-old. It’s no wonder people around the world come to enjoy Snowbird Resort in Utah.

Perfect your skiing and boarding techniques at the venues used throughout the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. The venues are available for skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and other adventurers. Utah’s ski resorts (seven of which are less than an hour’s drive from the SLC airport) are packed with the Greatest Snow on Earth® and are designed to give you and your family the best winter sports experience around.

Utah slopes are sifted with the purest snow Mother Nature can offer. Here, you can test your skill on some of the greatest terrain possible. From Northern Utah to Southwestern Utah, there are 14 downhill ski resorts (resort comparison chart). This affords you a full range of lodging, dining, and entertainment, making certain that your nights off the slopes will be just as perfect as your days on the slopes.

Click here to view resort map.

This proximity affords skiers a full range of lodging, dining, and entertainment to ensure that your days and nights off the slopes are as perfect as Utah’s powder snow. Skiing begins statewide in early to mid-November and generally continues through April. Read about Utah’s ski history.