Best ski resorts in Utah near Salt Lake City
Utah is a skier's paradise, with "The Greatest Snow on Earth" and 14 world-class ski resorts located a short drive from Salt Lake City. Whether you're a die-hard snowboarder, a family looking for kid-friendly runs, or a powderhound in search of Utah's famous fluffy snow, you'll find incredible skiing and stunning mountain scenery near Salt Lake.
Here are some of the best ski resorts in Utah near Salt Lake City along with top lodging options for your ski vacation getaway. We’ve also included the best ski resorts near Salt Lake City and our favorite hotels in Salt Lake City! If you have visited any of these ski resorts in Salt Lake City Utah, comment which one! Keep in mind, there are not any ski resorts in Salt Lake City but several are close by! Enjoy our list below!
Located just 30 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City (and probably the closest ski mountain near Salt Lake City), Park City Mountain Resort is one of the most popular ski resorts in Utah. While it may not be a ski resort in Salt Lake City, it’s not that far! This massive resort offers over 300 trails spread across 7,300 acres, with runs suitable for all ability levels. Ski or ride down wide, groomed cruisers, gladed tree runs, and seriously steep chutes off of peaks like Jupiter and Neptune. The resort’s average annual snowfall of 355 inches ensures great conditions.
The excellent ski school at Park City makes this a fantastic choice for families. Kids will love learning on the gentle slopes of First Time and PayDay runs off of the Thaynes lift. Advanced and expert skiers can challenge themselves on black diamond runs like Snake Pit from the top of the 9890 Peak Express. With everything from gentle green circles to double black diamonds, Park City has terrain for every ability level.
Après ski options abound both on the mountain and in the charming mountain town of Park City. Enjoy a slope-side bite on the expansive deck at Cloud Dine restaurant. In town, Main Street offers 100+ restaurants, bars and shops to explore after a long day hitting the slopes.
Where to Stay: Some top lodging options near Park City Mountain include the Hyatt Centric Park City, the Chateau Deer Valley in mid-mountain Deer Valley, and the luxurious Montage Deer Valley and and Park City Mountain Resort. Park City is definitely one of the best ski resorts near Salt Lake City!
Known for impeccable grooming, excellent dining, and top-notch service, Deer Valley Resort is one of Utah's premier ski destinations. This year-round resort offers 2,000 skiable acres spread across six peaks. Wide groomers like Know You Know and Star Gazer are perfect for cruising, while perfectly spaced glades on Bald Eagle Mountain provide powder stashes on big snow days.
Deer Valley appeals to families with its gentle beginner runs off of the Homestake lift and ski school programs tailored to kids ages 3-12. Adults will enjoy challenging terrain like the bumps and steeps of the famous Champion run. Deer Valley limits lift tickets to reduce crowds, so you'll never wait in a long lift line. The resort's meticulous attention to detail makes skiing Deer Valley a true luxury.
The elegant base area offers both casual and fine dining options including the award-winning steaks at Royal Street Cafe. Shop for souvenirs, ski gear and mountain apparel at Silver Lake Village before relaxing with a cocktail at the fireside lounge in the Snow Park Lodge.
Where to Stay: Top rated accommodations near Deer Valley's slopes include the St. Regis Deer Valley, the Montage Deer Valley, and the Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley. We think Deer Valley is a great ski resort Salt Lake City!
Known for its steep terrain and epic snowfall, Snowbird Ski Resort is a must-visit for advanced and expert skiers. Located 29 miles from downtown SLC, Snowbird averages over 500 inches of light, dry Utah powder each season. Ski off-the-charts runs like Great Scott, Regulator Johnson and the aptly named Gad Chutes. Access some of Snowbird's best in-bounds terrain by riding the 125-passenger tram to Hidden Peak at 11,000 feet.
Intermediate skiers will enjoy the wide groomers and mellower pitches off of the Peruvian and Gad 2 lifts. Snowbird also offers top-ranked instructional programs at their Ski and Snowboard School if you want to perfect your technique. For kids ages 3-12, the Snowbird Kids Center provides full and half day lessons.
At the end of an epic powder day, continue the fun by night skiing under the lights until 9pm. Then head to The Lodge at Snowbird for slope-side dining, live music, a rooftop pool and mountain views. There is lots of fun to be had at this ski resorts Salt Lake City!
Where to Stay: Relax your muscles after charging Snowbird's steeps at the Cliff Spa at the luxurious Cliff Lodge. Other great options near the slopes include the Silverado Lodge and the modern rooms at the Iron Blosam Lodge.
Looking for an old-school, skiers only mountain? Alta Ski Area is the place for you. Open since 1938, this iconic resort offers 2,200 skiable acres with some of the most challenging terrain in Utah. Expert skiers flock to Alta for legendary black diamond runs like Devil's Castle and Charlie's Challenge accessed via the Supreme lift. Intermediate skiers can cruise groomed runs off of the Sunnyside and Wildcat chairs. Alta is famous for getting the most snow in Utah, with a season average of 551 inches of dry powder.
While Snowbird next door does allow snowboarding, Alta remains a skier's only resort. Other highlights include the expert instruction at Alta's Ski and Snowboard School and laid-back base area with cafeteria-style dining. Enjoy après ski socializing on the sundeck at Collins Grill with views down the slopes.
Where to Stay: Alta Lodge is conveniently located slope-side steps from the Collins lift. Other top ranked lodging includes the elegant Rustler Lodge and the new modern rooms at the Alta Peruvian Lodge.
Salt Lake City Hotel Options
Salt Lake City offers easy access to all of Utah's incredible ski resorts located just 30-45 minutes from downtown. After hitting the slopes, spend your nights resting and refueling in one of these top-rated downtown hotels:
This upscale boutique hotel located next to the Salt Palace Convention Center offers newly renovated rooms,suites, and amenities. Guests love the free bike rentals, nightly hosted wine hour, and easy access to downtown restaurants and attractions like Temple Square. Valet parking is available.
Experience luxury accommodations at this elegant property styled after a grand European hotel. All 775 guest rooms and suites feature Italian marble bathrooms and other upscale amenities. Guests rave about the attentive service and amenities like the full-service spa, indoor pool, and fitness center. The hotel offers shuttle service to the ski resorts.
This Salt Lake classic offers spacious rooms and suites plus a 10-story glass enclosed atrium perfect for an afternoon break from exploring the city. Little America is well-known for its excellent service, beautiful pools, and proximity to top downtown attractions.
Ideally situated across from the Salt Palace Convention Center, this AAA Four Diamond hotel rooms beautiful mountain views. Guests compliment the updated rooms, friendly staff, and amenities like the rooftop pool, 24-hour fitness center, and Atrium Cafe serving Utah craft beers.
Connected to Salt Lake City's convention center, this modern hotel offers well-appointed rooms just steps from the heart of downtown. Savor breakfast, lunch and dinner at the hotel's Spencer's Restaurant or socialize at the Plaza Bar. City Creek Center's shopping and dining are right next door.
No matter where you stay in Salt Lake or at a Salt Lake City ski mountains, you'll be just 30-45 minutes from Utah's iconic ski Salt Lake City resorts. Plan an epic ski trip pairing world-class slopes with downtown luxury. Let us know if you need any other Salt Lake City ski resorts vacations or Salt Lake City Utah ski areas tips or recommendations!
Contact a Journey Connected travel artist today to plan your next vacation and create a custom travel plan a custom travel itinerary for your next trip. At Journey Connected, we are focused on the ultimate travel services: top hotels, best restaurants, amazing attractions, and the best prices and travel deals in the world.
Browse our database of the best travel blogs and get the most current travel tips and trends to enhance your vacation experiences. Take a look.
If you own a business in the travel industry, consider this opportunity to collaborate with Journey Connected and grow your travel brand image. Check out our travel collaborations.