Utah · December 2015 - January 2016
There are eight ski resorts within an hour drive of Salt Lake City, which makes this one of the most popular winter destinations in North America.
I had been to Utah twice before, but this was my first time skiing in the state.
I stayed four nights in Park City and another four nights at Snowbird, skiing six days at four resorts. I'm not a powder expert, but here are my thoughts.
Jump to: Park City Mountain Resort / Canyons / Snowbird / Alta
Park City Mountain Resort
This is a highly overrated ski resort.
For the price of the lift tickets, there are far better mountains nearby.
I found the views and terrain relatively boring, and aside from its size and proximity to downtown Park City, there's nothing special about this mountain.
I would only recommend coming here if you're already staying in Park City and need to brush up on your technique.
Park City Mountain Resort, Main Lodge: 40.652092, -111.506885
Canyons
Canyons was recently bought out by Vail Resorts, the same parent company that owns Park City Mountain Resort.
The terrain and views here are much more interesting, though slightly more challenging than the mountain next door.
There are some easy runs, but if you need more practice, it might be worth spending a day at Park City Mountain Resort before heading to Canyons.
Canyons, Cabriolet Parking Area: 40.687543, -111.547351
Snowbird
Beauty and difficulty go hand in hand.
Of the four resorts I visited, I thought Snowbird had the best views and most interesting, albeit difficult, terrain.
For the variety and scenery, you can easily spend multiple days here and not get bored.
There are two sides to this mountain, each with big views of beautiful, sculptural mountain forms.
Facing the hotels on the “front” side are the Peruvian Gulch and Gad Valley terrain.
The Mineral Basin is located at the “back” of the mountain and has the reputation for being more challenging.
It's best to break in the ski boots on the front side of the mountain, and once you're more confident, head to the back.
Every day I was at Snowbird, I witnessed several people getting injured and having to be lifted out on a stretcher.
On both sides of the mountain, but especially the Mineral Basin, some of the trails marked “Green” can definitely feel like “Black Diamond” at times.
Having been to larger, more popular resorts, trails here feel much more narrow and precarious.
I would not recommend skiing here as a total beginner, and if you're feeling the need for something easier, head next door to Alta.
Snowbird Center: 40.581451, -111.657634
Alta
Alta is a skiers-only mountain, and it's possible to purchase an upgrade at the base ticket windows for connections to Snowbird and vice-versa.
Views at Alta are also gorgeous, but in a different way than the mountain next door.
Whereas the perspectives are big and open at Snowbird, the scenery at Alta feels more choreographed by the trees.
The runs here are wide and gentler, but not at the expense of being more boring.
There is plenty of interesting terrain here to keep you skiing for days.
Alta, Main Lodge: 40.591075, -111.628879
Directions
All of these ski resorts are within an hour drive east from the Salt Lake City Airport. Park City and Canyons Resorts are located next to downtown Park City, while Snowbird and Alta are located next to each other off East Little Cottonwood Canyon Road.
1
Park City Mountain Resort: 40.652092, -111.506885
2
Canyons Ski Resort: 40.687543, -111.547351
3
Snowbird: 40.581451, -111.657634
4
Alta: 40.591075, -111.628879
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