Utah Ski Areas

What to do in Utah Ski Areas

Salt Lake City.

Temple Square

This is the heart of the worldwide Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, otherwise known as the Mormons. A majestic, 6-spired temple dominates the lavish 10-acre grounds, which you can tour with guided groups every ten minutes. Visitors with lucky timing get to hear organ recitals, concerts, and Mormon Tabernacle Choir rehearsals.

Mormon Tabernacle

Brigham Young wanted audience views to be clear, so the roof of this legendary acoustic marvel had to be free of pillars that would break the line of sight. Bridge-building techniques were employed, red sandstone was quarried from Red Butte Canyon, it took 12 years to complete, and the result is stupendous. An 11,000-pipe organ resounds with heavenly clarity in a hall where you can literally, hear a pin drop from across the massive hall.

Family History Library

The Mormon's have built the world's largest genealogical research center, and it begins with the library, just West of Temple Square. Build your family tree with sources including databases and microfilmed records from around the world!.

Canoeing Liberty Park Pond

This quiet pond offers a pleasant respite from the urban race. Located in the 80-acre city park, the small body of water has serenity as its greatest appeal and its good for beginners and kids. Canoe and paddle boat rentals are available.

Golf

Salt Lake City Parks and Recreation owns and operates seven courses in the Salt Lake City area that provide year-round recreational programs and events.

Beyond the City.

Rafting Trips

With over 400 miles of navigable rivers in Utah, the state is rightly renowned for its rafting. Go alone or with a guide, down whitewater rapids or on a serene float.

Hiking and Biking

Wasatch-Cache National Forest and Mountains cover a mammoth segment of parkland from Provo to Ogden. Bordering the Utah Valley, the Wasatch Mountains have a huge network of backcountry trails overlooking canyons and vast fields of wildflower. The mountains west of the valley, the west desert, and the Pony Express Trail are other great spots.

Fishing

Big and Little Cottonwood Creeks and Millcreek east of Salt Lake are popular trout waters, along with numerous lakes in the area. In the surrounding region, many other streams, rivers, and lakes offer abundant fishing opportunities.

Bryce Canyon

This isn't a canyon at all, but rather a large natural amphitheater in the Pink Cliffs, the uppermost step in the Grand Staircase. Mormon pioneer Ebeneezer Bryce famously said this land of steep cliffs, winding creek beds, and solitary hoodoos was "a hell of a place to lose a cow." Steep trails descend from the viewpoints but the elevation is 8,000 feet, so the climb back up is strenuous.

Park City.

Downhill Skiing

Extraordinary skiing and snowboarding abound at this state-of-the-art resort area. The increased snowmaking capacity ensures perfect powder for whooshing down the 100 runs on more than 3,300 acres of terrain.

Cross-Country Skiing

Trails abound for those just starting out, as well as for the most advanced cross-country. Experienced tour guides take skiers on backcountry treks, and offer private and group lessons.

Heber Valley Historic Railroad

Tour the Heber Valley on Utah's only historic train. Climb aboard coaches warmed by potbelly stoves to see the best of the local scnery.

Sleigh Rides

Take a private romantic or group party horse-drawn sleigh ride through some of the state's best snow-covered trails.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Soar above the snow in a hot air balloon, with champagne, breakfast, or brunch in-flight!.

Deer Valley.

Downhill Skiing

At Deer Valley, some 90 trails cover more than 1,750 skiable acres. The 300 inches of annual snowfall, plus that more than 500 acres of snowmaking, guarantee the perfect powder skiers crave. Snowboarders take note this is a skiers-only mountain!.

Snow-mobiling

Several tour companies rent snowmobiles and offer lessons that ensure adventure and safety. This is the best way to see some of Utah's most dramatic views.

Bobsled Rides

Test your courage taking turn after turn on a slick bobsled run!.

Sundance.

Downhill Skiing

Sundance offers 41 runs over 450 acres of varied terrain suited to everyone from beginners and experts.

Sundance Village

This artisan center is nestled among unmatched scenery and countless activities, with everything from cross-country skiing and snowboarding to hiking and fly fishing. The year-round arts program is complemented by film screenings and professional theater.

Golf

Five world-class championship courses offer the perfect place to unwind amidst spectacular scenery. Each boasts a spectacular layout, prime course conditions, and courteous staff.

Snowbird.

Downhill Skiing

World-famous for its steep slopes and powder bowls, skiers find terrain for all levels of experience. There are 82 runs and 2,500 acres of skiable terrain, with fine, dry powder.

Helicopter Skiing

Another great option for skiing untouched powder, easily arranged for you by the Snowbird resort staff.

Snowshoeing

Whether you want a private meander through the woods, or an energetic trek with a group of friends, you'll find it at Snowbird. Rentals and tours are available for people of all levels of experience and fitness.

Luging

Most evenings offer visitors the chance to race downhill just like the Olympians. Lessons and rentals are available, and reservations are recommended.

Brighton.

Brighton Ski Resort

Whether you're into powder or corduroy, this place always has great snow. Over 500 inches of light, dry powder each year on 64 runs divided into 21% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 39% advanced terrain. Some of the best snow can be found on Mt Millicent and Snake Creek. Brighton has the Snake Creek Express high-speed quad chairlift for faster access to runs. It also rocks for snowboarders, with a snowboard park and halfpipe.

Alta.

Alta Ski Resort

This is a mountain with soul, that is, it's one of the few Utah ski areas that hasn't developed into a resort. Alta is famous for its deep powder across 2,200 skiable acres divided into 25% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 35% advanced terrain. Average annual snowfall is 500 inches of the best snow skiers could ask for. Alta is still owned by the original families, who installed the second chairlift in the country in 1938. Boards are not allowed in a move to keep the skiing experience pure as the driven snow.