Ski - Salt Lake City

Home of the 2002 Winter Olympics, Salt Lake City has several splendid ski resorts nearby. The Wasatch Mountains are a majestic winter sports wonderland waiting to be explored by skiers and snowboards alike. As an avid skier, I make the pilgrimage to Salt Lake at least once a year.

The slopes up in the Wasatch are my favourite in the United States because they're easy to access, there’s a wide variety of terrains, and well… The Utah powder is outstanding! Light, dry, and fluffy best describes Utah’s snow, also known as “The Greatest Snow on Earth” – and it’s not just a marketing gimmick as it makes for great skiing. Best yet, all of the ski areas are easily accessible from the city.

Fly In - Sky Out

Salt Lake City International Airport has over 800 daily flights. Thanks to this, I’m able to wake up on the east coast in the morning, get to Salt Lake by mid-morning, and be on the slopes by noon. No need to fly into a niche mountain airport with limited service and no two or three-hour drives up through mountain passes.

Salt Lake City Ski Resorts

Whether you're a beginner or an extreme skier, the resorts of the Salt Lake City area cater to everyone. The best known resorts, Park City, Deer Valley, and The Canyons, are easy to reach from the city with a 45 minute drive on interstate highway. Additionally, there are the ski resorts of the Cottonwood Canyons. In Little Cottonwood Canyon you'll find Snowbird & Alta ski resorts, while Brighton and Solitude are in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

If you're a snowboarder, resorts such as Park City have areas just for snowboarding including the King's Crown Superpark, The Eagle Superpipe (with 22 foot walls), and Jonesy's Park, an area for beginners.  If you will be visiting different resorts, you should keep in mind the Alta Ski Resort does not allow snowboarding.

If you do not have your own skis (or snowboard), or simply do not wish to take them, you may rent at any of the resorts. 

Where to stay

While many skiers may prefer to stay in the Park City Resort areas, I personally prefer to stay in downtown Salt Lake City.  Salt Lake City has many hotels which fit different budgets, plus by staying in Salt Lake City, it is easy to ski a different resort each day.

Getting To Salt Lake City Area Ski Resorts

There are shuttle services which will take you to the Park City, Deer Valley, and The Canyons ski resorts.  Check at your hotel for schedules and shuttle bookings.  However, if you are looking to go to Solitude, Brighton, Alta, or Snowbird, you may simply catch a UTA ski bus.  For additional UTA information, visit their website: Ride UTA 

Additionally you may rent a car at Salt Lake City International Airport.  The benefit of a car hire means you can set your own schedule, but between the shuttle services and the UTA ski buses, it is easy to get around.

Getting to Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is a hub for Delta Air Lines and it is possible to reach Salt Lake non-stop from most major cities in the United States.  The US low cost carrier, Southwest Airlines, offers non-stop service to Salt Lake from many west coast and midwest destinations. Additionally, all major US carriers provide service to Salt Lake City.

Short on time?  Try a Day Trip to Salt Lake

Between Delta Air Lines and Southwest, it is even possible to make a day trip to Salt Lake for skiing - Fly to Salt Lake in the morning, fly out at night.  There are shuttle services available between the Salt Lake City International Airport and the Park City, Deer Valley, and Canyons ski areas.  I'll admit, yes I'm guilty of doing this on a few ocassions and taking a red-eye flight home. If you're short on time yet wanting to ski, this is a great option. However, it's always best to stay at least a few days to get some skiing in and discover the different ski areas.

Happy Trails & Cheers to a great 2006-2007 Ski Season