Utah Ski Areas

Nearby areas in Utah Ski Areas

Great Salt Lake State Park

Beach-goers barely notice that they aren't at the ocean, except that the lake is saltier than the sea and you can't sink in it, which can only be a good thing! On overcast days, the horizon on the lake blends into the sky and the landscape takes on a surreal look-skimming sailboats and islands appear to float in midair. Sunsets over the Great Salt Lake are breathtaking red, orange, lavender, and magenta hues and the lake is inhabited by water birds that nest on its shores and islands, making it a bird-watcher's paradise. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, there's a marina, showers, and picnic areas.

Antelope Island

Rich with unspoiled natural beauty, this island in the Great Salt Lake is a fantastic place to spend the day hiking, biking, and spotting wildlife like bison, bobcats, and antelopes. This island has splendid sandy beaches, windswept prairies, and empty spaces rarely found in today's crowded world. Many people feel that the island, with muted colors and vast grasslands, has the exotic look of an African savanna.

Liberty Park

Many festivals take place at Liberty Park, so don't be surprised if you find throngs of people buying snow cones and hemp jewelry while belly dancers and musicians do their thing. Jogging the perimeter is popular, as is the Tracy Aviary. There's a large pond, fountains, a swimming pool, trails, a historic ferris wheel, a children's garden, and concession stands.

Memory Grove

If you don't have the time or the inclination to wander far from the city, this is the place to go for canyon scenery and the quiet of City Creek. Solemn monuments to war veterans make interesting diversions on an afternoon by the Harbor of Beauty pond. City Creek runs through the park with trails on either side. On the east bank is the Freedom Trail, and the trail on the west leads all the way up to City Creek Canyon.

Mill Creek Canyon

The cleanest, best-maintained canyon in the Salt Lake area boasts many first-class picnic areas and trails, and has become quite popular for brunch cookouts on Sunday mornings. Mountain bikers also enjoy the trails, but are limited to cycling on even-numbered days only. The trail to Grandeur Peak is a favorite.

Park City Ski Resort

Located in the historic silver mining town of Park City, the state's biggest ski area offers 83 trails that range in length from one-quarter mile to 3.5 miles. This area also boasts night skiing, a ski school, ice skating, several wonderful restaurants, and the largest "ski-town" in Utah.

The Canyons Ski Resort

Located on the edge of Park City, is one of the largest resorts in Utah. Numerous speedy lifts have recently been built, including an 8-passenger gondola, and the resort has all-around greatly expanded in size. There are 2,700 skiable acres of varied terrain, a vertical drop of 3,200 feet, 100 runs, and an annual snowfall of 325 inches.

Deer Valley Ski Resort

In addition to wonderful uncrowded skiing, this crème de la crème of the Utah ski areas also offers posh accommodations, attentive service, and gourmet dining. A recent $6.5 million renovation brought a new snowmaking pond and a new expert run, bringing the total number of runs to 88.

Sundance Ski Resort

The breathtaking alpine scenery at Sundance perfectly complements the 450 acres of roomy trails, advance runs, and cruising runs. Sundance is also home to a mountain community for art and nature, and features beautiful accommodations, award-winning restaurants, and plenty of mountain and cultural recreation.

Snowbird Ski Resort

The Snowbird skiing area, located in Little Cottonwood Canyon on the west side of the Wasatch Range, has complete resort facilities with excellent snow conditions, varied terrain, and an enormous lift capacity. Skiers will find a large selection of shops, restaurants, swimming pools, and a health spa. Just north of Snowbird is Alta, a ski-only mountain with a local, laid-back attitude.

For more information about Utah Ski Areas

Salt Lake City Convention and Visitors Bureau 90 South West Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, phone 801-521-2822, fax 801-534-4927, email slcvb@saltlake.org.